In a recent development, the Indian Visa Application Center (IVAC) in Bangladesh has announced temporary changes to its visa processing services, now focusing on emergency and humanitarian cases only. This shift, prompted by the recent political turmoil in Bangladesh, means that non-urgent visa applicants might face delays as IVAC concentrates on urgent and critical cases.
Currently, the IVAC centers in Dhaka, Chittagong, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna offer limited appointment slots for emergency cases only. These appointments are reserved for individuals with urgent medical needs, Bangladeshi students aiming to study in Bharat, and those needing to travel to Bharat for existing consular appointments with third countries. The emphasis on such cases, as reported by VisaGuide.World, underscores Bharat’s commitment to accommodating critical visa needs during these challenging times.
India’s Focus on Emergency and Humanitarian Visa Applications
As Fragomen explains, only urgent cases for students and workers with existing foreign consular appointments in India are being prioritized. This focus has resulted in delays for applicants seeking non-emergency Indian visas in Bangladesh. Individuals are encouraged to anticipate longer wait times if they are applying for routine travel.
These temporary limitations coincide with a heightened demand for international travel since the end of pandemic restrictions, as many travelers from different countries are now planning trips requiring early visa applications. Applicants are reminded of the importance of having the right documents and understanding visa requirements for specific travel purposes. For those facing urgent timelines, premium processing services may provide some relief by expediting applications.
Political Unrest in Bangladesh Leads to Visa Center Closures
The decision to limit visa processing comes after a turbulent period in Bangladesh’s political landscape. In August, widespread protests following a Supreme Court ruling led to heightened tensions, ultimately prompting the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. With reports of violence and targeted attacks against Hindu communities, the situation has escalated, drawing international concern. Sadhguru, a prominent Indian spiritual leader, recently appealed for India to offer protection to vulnerable communities.
In response to the unrest, visa centers in Bangladesh temporarily closed operations in August. This shutdown affected Bangladeshi citizens’ ability to obtain Indian visas for an indefinite period. Amid these circumstances, India evacuated 190 non-essential staff and their families from its High Commission in Dhaka. Although Indian diplomatic missions remain operational, New Delhi has applied more stringent measures for Bangladeshi visa applicants, focusing on emergency and humanitarian cases.
Contrasting Approach for Chinese Nationals
While India has imposed stricter visa rules for Bangladeshi citizens, recent changes have enabled Chinese nationals to access e-business visas through India’s online portal. This new option allows Chinese business travelers to process their visa applications within 72 hours and provides multiple entries with stays of up to 180 days within a year.
The addition of China to India’s e-business visa application system reflects a contrasting approach to the current situation in Bangladesh. As tensions persist, Indian officials are working to balance diplomatic relations with essential visa services, ensuring that urgent cases are still addressed despite the limitations on routine visa processing.
Preparing for Delays: Tips for Bangladeshi Travelers
With the ongoing temporary changes in visa processing for Bangladesh, travelers are advised to plan accordingly. For those with non-urgent travel needs, submitting applications well in advance may help mitigate potential delays. Understanding the specific visa requirements and ensuring all documentation is accurate will further ease the process.
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