India Resumes Visa Issuance For Afghans In Six Categories

India has resumed issuing visas to Afghans in six categories, the Ministry of External Affairs announced Thursday, May 29, 2025, marking a shift in policy after a four-year suspension.

Ministry spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said patients, patient attendants, businesspeople, students, UN diplomats, and those entering India are now eligible for visas. Speaking at a press briefing, Jaiswal noted that the emergency visa system for Afghans has been replaced with a new process effective since April 2025.

Jaiswal stated that the move was intended to strengthen ties between India and Afghanistan.

Afghans currently in India with visas issued under the previous system must update or convert them to comply with the new policy.

India halted visa issuance for Afghans and cancelled thousands of existing visas following the Taliban’s return to power in August 2021, when the former Afghan government collapsed. India was among the first countries to close its embassy in Kabul and consulates in other provinces, withdrawing entirely from Afghanistan.

Recently, Indian media, citing government officials, reported the resumption of visa issuance. In parallel, India has cautiously expanded diplomatic engagement with the Taliban. Notably, Indian Foreign Minister S. Jaishankar held a phone call with Taliban Foreign Minister Amir Khan Muttaqi, the first such contact, days after a military clash between India and Pakistan.