Afghan Embassy : In a shocking turn of events, the Afghan Embassy in India finds itself embroiled in a controversy that has cast a shadow over diplomatic relations between the two nations. Accusations of visa fraud and extortion have emerged, leaving Afghan citizens in despair and questioning the integrity of their diplomatic representation.
Afghan Embassy Visa Scam Targets Desperate Afghans
Complaints have poured into the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) from Afghan nationals who claim to have fallen victim to a visa scam orchestrated by members of Ambassador Farid Mamundzay’s team. The allegations focus on Mamundzay’s personal assistant, Idress Khan Mamondzai, and a mysterious individual named Qais Mwafaq.
It is alleged that they pocketed substantial sums, as much as USD 5000 or more than 41,000, from unsuspecting Afghan citizens in exchange for promises of emergency visas to India that were never delivered.
One victim, Rabi Kakar, recounted her ordeal, stating, “Idress told me that he knew someone who could get me an emergency visa to India for the treatment of a patient, but he charged USD 3000 for each visa. I borrowed USD 4500 from a relative and transferred it to him, but I never got the visa. After three months, he stopped responding and probably blocked my number.”
Hilal Khan, another victim, alleged that he sent $5000 to embassy staff in October 2022, expecting an emergency visa, but received neither the visa nor a refund. “After repeated calls and messages to Idris and his friends, I realized that it was a scheme for Idress and his friend Qais Mawafq to cheat me,” he wrote in his complaint.
Several other Afghan citizens have also written to the MEA, decrying the alleged illegal fees charged by the Afghan embassy for passport and visa services, further exacerbating the difficulties faced by Afghan refugees struggling to make ends meet in India.
Embassy’s Financial Crisis and Controversial Closure
These allegations come at a time when the Afghan Embassy in New Delhi is grappling with a financial crisis and is on the brink of closure. The embassy has blamed the Indian government for not providing financial support, while Indian authorities are scrutinizing the authenticity of the embassy’s claims.
The Afghan embassy is currently being staffed by diplomats representing the former republic government in Kabul, which was seized by the Taliban in a swift takeover in August 2021 following the withdrawal of NATO troops.
Ambassador Mamundzay recently issued a statement, citing the lack of funds and support from the Indian government as the reason for the embassy’s impending closure. The MEA has stated that it is evaluating the authenticity and contents of this communication.
Official sources have reported infighting among Afghan embassy personnel and a steady exodus of diplomats to third countries, further compounding the embassy’s woes.
India’s Diplomatic Dilemma
India, like many other nations, does not recognize the Taliban as the legitimate rulers of Afghanistan. Consequently, it had shuttered its embassy in Kabul following the regime change. However, New Delhi later reopened its mission with a focus on coordinating humanitarian assistance and assisting Indian companies in completing their development projects in the region.
The question now looms: Will the Indian government accept Kabul’s request for the appointment of diplomats from the Taliban regime in New Delhi? As this scandal unfolds, the future of Afghan-Indian relations hangs in the balance.
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