India announces new visa category for fleeing Afghans

WITH more and more Afghans trying to flee Afghanistan in the wake of the Taliban taking it over, the Indian government has announced a new category of visa to fast-track the applications of those who want to take shelter in the country.

The announcement by the Union home ministry came just two days after the Taliban captured power in the violence-hit country from where the US-led western forces have pulled out after a year that lasted almost 20 years.

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“The MHA (ministry of home affairs) reviews visa provisions in view of the current situation in Afghanistan. A new category of electronic visa called ‘e-Emergency X-Misc Visa’ introduced to fast-track visa applications for entry into India,” a ministry spokesperson said.

On Monday (16), thousands of Afghans rushed into Kabul’s main airport to find flights to leave the country and some were so desperate that they held onto a military jet as it took off and plunged to their deaths.

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At least seven people died in the chaos, US officials said.

People gathered at the airport while the Taliban enforced their rule over the capital of five million people after a lightning advance across the country that took just over a week to dethrone the country’s western-backed government. President Ashraf Ghani has also fled the country and conceded defeat against the Taliban.

There were no major reports of abuses or fighting, but many residents stayed indoors and remained fearful after the insurgents’ advance saw prisons emptied and armories looted.