Indian HC rejects 20,000 visa applications

The Indian High Commission in Dhaka has rejected 20,000 visa applications from Bangladeshis and returned passports. 

This decision follows widespread protests and threats directed at the high commission, according to Times of India.

The visa services for Bangladeshi citizens have been suspended indefinitely, leaving many applicants in limbo. 

A limited number of urgent visa requests are currently being processed, including those for medical emergencies, student visas, and double-entry visas required for travel to third countries.

Visa services were initially halted following protests that erupted after the recent fall of Sheikh Hasina's government, exacerbating tensions between the two nations. 

The Indian visa application centres in Bangladesh have largely closed, leading frustrated applicants to inundate the high commission with emails—some even containing threats of vandalism. 

Reports suggest that staff at these centres faced harassment, and social media platforms became venues for public discontent, with individuals tagging the high commission in their complaints.

Bangladesh has been a significant contributor to visitor numbers in India, with approximately 1.6 million visas issued to Bangladeshi nationals in 2023 alone; about 450,000 of those were for medical purposes. However, since August 5, visa issuance has been severely restricted due to staffing shortages and a deliberate policy decision reflecting the current political climate.

With Durga Puja approaching, concerns are mounting as there has been a noticeable increase in visa applications, particularly from those wishing to travel to West Bengal for the festival. 

The high commission is exercising caution amid escalating tensions, particularly regarding temporary visas, as there have been instances of misuse—such as individuals traveling on medical visas for non-health-related purposes.