Home Ministry Reviews Over 400 Visa Applications from Bangladesh in August
The Union Home Ministry of India conducted a review of more than 400 visa applications from Bangladesh in specific categories during August, despite ongoing restrictions on visa services for…
The Union Home Ministry of India conducted a review of more than 400 visa applications from Bangladesh in specific categories during August, despite ongoing restrictions on visa services for Bangladeshi nationals. The current suspension of visa services remains in effect indefinitely, limiting processing primarily to students and urgent medical cases at Indian Visa Application Centres in Bangladesh.
The context for this review arises from significant political developments in Bangladesh, notably the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina on August 5, which resulted in her seeking refuge in India.
In August alone, the Ministry cleared 434 prior referral check (PRC) cases for Bangladeshi nationals. For comparison, the same month saw 878 PRC cases approved for Pakistan nationals. PRC refers to a special procedure wherein background checks are performed by intelligence and security agencies before a visa is granted. The total number of visas issued during this period remains unspecified.
Bangladesh consistently ranks as the top source of foreign visitors to India. Last year, approximately 1.6 million visas were issued to Bangladeshi citizens, according to official data. India currently offers 15 visa categories to Bangladesh, including provisions for “urgent service.”
The Ministry clarified that visa issuance for Bangladeshi nationals is regulated by the Revised Travel Arrangements established between India and Bangladesh on January 28, 2013, alongside administrative instructions issued periodically. Additionally, a visa-free regime is in place on a reciprocal basis for holders of diplomatic and official passports, allowing for stays of up to 45 days.
While countries such as Afghanistan, Pakistan, Iraq, and Sudan are categorized under prior reference en bloc, specific visas for countries like Bangladesh and China undergo additional scrutiny. Notably, while the business visa for Chinese nationals does not require a prior referral, employment and conference visas are subject to extra vetting.
India offers a visa-on-arrival facility only for nationals from Japan, the Republic of Korea, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for a maximum duration of 60 days for business, tourism, conference, and medical purposes.
In light of recent events, the Border Security Force (BSF) stationed along the Bangladesh border has been placed on heightened alert since August 5. The BSF has received explicit directives from the government to ensure that no individuals enter India without valid documents or visas.
