India’s Ministry of External Affairs disclosed that more than 500 visas have been issued to Afghan citizens since August under a streamlined six-category e-visa system, with over 200 granted for medical treatment. The data, released on 19 December and reported on 20 December, underline New Delhi’s quiet humanitarian engagement even as other countries tighten entry rules for Afghans.
The online module—covering medical, attendant, business, student, entry and UN-diplomat visas—was rolled out in April 2025. Processing times for medical visas have fallen from eight weeks to under three, enabling Indian hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad to better schedule oncology and trauma cases.
![India Grants 500 Visas to Afghan Nationals Under New Six-Category Humanitarian Module]()
For global-mobility teams, the update signals that Indian facilities remain accessible for cross-border treatment and that accompanying-attendant visas can be secured quickly. Insurers and corporate-health managers should anticipate increased Afghan patient inflows and coordinate appointment blocks early.
Diplomatic watchers view the move as soft-power outreach: India has not recognised the Taliban but continues to issue visas for health and education purposes, balancing security with humanitarian obligations.
The online module—covering medical, attendant, business, student, entry and UN-diplomat visas—was rolled out in April 2025. Processing times for medical visas have fallen from eight weeks to under three, enabling Indian hospitals in Delhi, Mumbai and Hyderabad to better schedule oncology and trauma cases.
For global-mobility teams, the update signals that Indian facilities remain accessible for cross-border treatment and that accompanying-attendant visas can be secured quickly. Insurers and corporate-health managers should anticipate increased Afghan patient inflows and coordinate appointment blocks early.
Diplomatic watchers view the move as soft-power outreach: India has not recognised the Taliban but continues to issue visas for health and education purposes, balancing security with humanitarian obligations.
Source: VisaHQ News
