Question : VISA TO AFGHAN NATIONALS OF INDIAN ORIGIN



(a) Whether any policy has been framed by the Union Government for the issuance of Visa to Afghan Nationals of Indian Origin (ANIO);

(b) if so, the details thereof; and

(c) if not, the reasons therefor?

Answer given by the minister

THE MINISTER OF STATE FOR EXTERNAL AFFAIRS (SHRI AJIT KUMAR PANJA)


(a) to (c) : Due to the prolonged war and ethnic conflict in Afghanistan from 1980 onwards, Afghan nationals - both ethnic as well as those of Indian origin - migrated to India. As per the present policy, Afghan nationals who have come to India with valid travel documents/passports are being granted six monthly extension for their stay in the country. The present extension is valid up to 31st December, 2000.