Indian mission in Kabul working overtime to handle sudden spurt of visa applications

By Naveen Kapoor
Kabul [Afghanistan], August 15 : The Indian embassy in Kabul is working overtime to issue visas to Afghan nationals heading out of the war-torn country, sources told ANI amid a sudden spike in applicants for visas to India.
Taliban is standing at the doorsteps of Kabul. It controls more than 60 per cent of the territory of Afghanistan now including big cities like Kandhar, Herat, Lashkar Gah and now the latest Mazar-e-Sharif.
Fearing Taliban onslaught, many Afghans are heading out to other countries. The United States, United Kingdom and other countries have already inducted liberal immigrant visas for Afghans.
Informed sources told ANI that India will also facilitate visas for Afghans who worked closely including the staff and families of people working in Indian consulates and embassies.
"Despite the heavy rush, India is continuing to issue visas in Afghanistan. We are seeing a rise in the number of applicants and we have also increased the quota. We are also facilitating visas for Afghans who worked with us," said a source involved in the process.
India has currently closed its consulates and visas are only being issued from the Indian embassy in Kabul.
India recently took part in Doha talks. New Delhi has consistently said that any settlement should be Afghan-led and Afghan-owned. It is learnt that India has conveyed during the meet that it will not recognise government by force and there should be inclusive political settlement and protection of rights of minorities, women and youth.
India also maintains that there should be respect for international humanitarian law.