The Indian
government has introduced a new category visa for Afghan nationals coming to
the India after Taliban seized power in Afghanistan. These new “single-entry e-visas”
will allow Afghans seeking to come to India to fast-track their applications.
The visas will be valid for six months and will be granted only after security
clearance, the Indian government has said.

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The Ministry of
Home Affairs (MHA) said on Tuesday that it has reviewed visa provisions in view
of the current situation in Afghanistan. The visas are called “e-Emergency
X-Misc Visa”.

What is an X-Misc
visa?

According to the MHA’s
visa policy, foreign nationals applying for a visa for a purpose which is not
specifically covered under any visa category may be granted ‘X-Misc’ visa for
an appropriate duration.

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“Such a visa may
be granted only with single entry and for the specific duration taking into
account the purpose of visit,” according to the MHA policy document on X-Misc
visa.

Special
condition for people carrying X-Misc visa

If a person entering
the country on an X-Misc visa for a period of more than 180 days, they will have
to register themselves with the FRRO/FRO (Foreign Regional Registration Office)
within 14 days of arrival    

History of
special visas for Afghans

India has in the
past granted long-duration visas to Afghan nationals of all religions facing persecution
in the country. Such visas were offered to a large number of Afghans when the
Taliban took over Afghanistan in 1996 as well as during the two decades of war.

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Who can apply
for these special visas?

These special
visas are available only to those facing persecution in their home country and
not to economic immigrants.

What are the
rules for people entering through such visas?

These visas may come
with limitations on movement within India with entrants being restricted to the
state or Union Territory they are permitted to stay in. For visiting any other state/UT,
they will have to seek prior permission. Grant of Stay Visa/ Residential Permit
is also subject to police reporting every year.