New e-visa category to fast-track applications amid Afghanistan crisis: MHA

The Ministry of Home Affairs has introduced a new category of electronic visa for Afghans, called “e-Emergency X-Misc Visa”, to fast-track applications for entry into India in light of the crisis unfolding in the country. This came after the Ministry reviewed visa provisions, ANI quoted a spokesperson as saying, as thousands of Afghans are attempting to flee the country in the face of a new Taliban regime. 

Also Read: Securing bases and borders: Why Russia is coddling Taliban

Meanwhile, an Indian Air Force C-17 aircraft has taken off from Kabul with more than 120 Indian officials in it, ANI reported quoting sources. The staff was brought inside the secure areas of the airport late last evening, the news agency reported. 

Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said that India’s Ambassador in Kabul, along with his Indian staff, will be repatriated immidiately. 

Also Read: In Pics | Satellite images show chaos at Kabul airport

Thousands of people have thronged the Hamid Karzai International Airport in Kabul in a desperate attempt to escape after the Taliban took control of Kabul on Sunday. Former president Ashraf Ghani has fled the country, reportedly in a helicopter stuffed with cash, in the face of an unprecedented collapse of the US-backed government. 

At least seven people have died in the ensuing chaos at the airport, including two armed men that were gunned down by US forces. It isn’t clear so far how the five others died, due to gunshots or in a stampede. 

Also Read | How US’ $83 billion training of Afgan forces ultimately benefited Taliban

Flights operations were temporarily suspended on Monday after the two armed men were shot. They have now resumed, with US officials saying they are preparing to evacuate 22,000 Afghans who helped the military over two decades. 

Earlier, President Joe Biden blamed the Afghan leadership for the crisis in the country, and said he “squarely” stands behind his decision to withdraw. 

In his address to the nation, Biden said that the collapse of the Afghanistan government only vindicated his decision.

“American troops cannot and should not be fighting the war, and dying in a war that Afghan forces are not willing to fight for themselves,” Biden said.