NEWSFLASH: India Launches New Visa Framework for Afghan Nationals

India has introduced a new visa policy for Afghan nationals, replacing the earlier "emergency e-xmisc" visa system with a structured six-category module. 

The change took effect on April 29, 2025, and applies to all new applicants, while existing visa holders must convert to the new system.

Image Source: MEA Briefing screengrab

The six available categories under the new framework are: medical visa, medical attendant visa, business visa, entry visa, student visa, and UN diplomatic visa.

During the weekly press briefing, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated, “The new visa module will help strengthen India–Afghanistan people-to-people ties further.” 

Afghan nationals currently in India under the old system are required to approach the FRRO (Foreigners Regional Registration Office) to update their status.