Narendra Modi government introduces liberal visa policy for Afghans

In a relief to hundreds of visiting Afghans, India on Monday announced a new liberal visa policy for the citizens of the war-ravaged country that include allowing stay up to two years and exemption from police reporting for senior citizens and children.

The new visa policy for Afghanistan nationals is being introduced on humanitarian grounds for two years with effect from tomorrow, a Home Ministry spokesperson said.

As per the policy, Afghanistan nationals will be allowed to stay in India on stay visa/resident permit up to two years at a time. Exemption from police reporting will be granted for Afghans below 12 years or above 65 years.

There would be liberal provisions in relation to exemption from the requirement of police reporting under various categories, including for Afghan students, medical patients, short-term visitors, businessmen, scholars, eminent persons, etc.

The amenities at Foreigner Regional Registration Office (FRRO), Delhi, have also been upgraded for the Afghanistan nationals visiting there.

"A system of biometric enrolment and photography would be introduced to ensure that such facilities are not misused by unscrupulous elements," the spokesperson said.

The new policy further streamlines procedures being implemented in the current visa policy for citizens of Afghanistan.