India suspends visa services for Bangladeshi nationals

 

India has temporarily suspended the issuance of visas to Bangladeshi nationals due to the deteriorating political situation in Bangladesh. As a result, all Indian Visa Application Centres (IVAC) in Bangladesh have been closed until further notice, as non-essential Indian embassy staff is being evacuated.

India has closed all its visa centres indefinitely due to the escalating political crisis in Bangladesh. The decision comes after non-essential Indian embassy staff and their families were evacuated due to the volatile situation.

Visa centres temporarily shut

Due to the closure of the Indian Visa Application Centres (IVAC), Bangladeshi nationals cannot currently apply for Indian visas. The action highlights the gravity of the situation in Bangladesh, where widespread protests have forced Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina to resign.

While diplomatic missions in Bangladesh are still operational, visa services have been temporarily suspended due to the ongoing unrest, meaning Bangladeshi citizens cannot apply for Indian visas at this time.

The Indian government said all IVACs will remain closed "until the situation stabilises". Updates on when visa services will resume will be sent via SMS, and passport processing will continue on the next available working day.

Political turmoil triggers crisis
The suspension of visa services is a response to widespread protests in Bangladesh, which began in June over the controversial labour quota system. What began as peaceful protests turned into violent clashes with security forces, resulting in over 300 deaths.

Impact on travel and trade
The indefinite closure of IVACs is likely to significantly impact travel and trade between India and Bangladesh. Every year, thousands of Bangladeshi citizens visit India for business, tourism, medical treatment and education. The suspension of visa services will disrupt these plans, causing inconvenience to many.