In a significant development stemming from the escalating political crisis in Bangladesh, India has announced the indefinite closure of all Indian Visa Application Centers (IVACs) in the country. This decision comes on the heels of the evacuation of non-essential Indian embassy staff and their families due to the “volatile situation.”
Visa Centers Closed Indefinitely
The closure of the Indian Visa Application Centers (IVACs) means that Bangladeshi citizens will be unable to apply for Indian visas until further notice. The move underscores the gravity of the situation in Bangladesh, where mass protests led to the resignation of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina.
Evacuation of Indian Personnel
The closure of Indian visa centres comes in the wake of the evacuation of 190 non-essential Indian employees and their families from the High Commission in Dhaka.
Although the diplomatic missions in Bangladesh remain operational, the ongoing unrest has necessitated the temporary suspension of visa services, leaving Bangladeshi citizens unable to apply for Indian visas until further notice.
A statement released by the Indian government emphasized that all IVACs would remain closed “until the situation stabilizes.”
Applicants have been advised that further updates, including the resumption of visa services, will be communicated via SMS, with passport requests being processed on the next available working day.
Political Unrest Triggers Crisis
The decision to suspend visa services comes amid a backdrop of widespread protests that erupted in Bangladesh in June over a controversial labour quota system. Initially, peaceful demonstrations escalated into violent clashes with security forces, leading to the deaths of over 300 protesters.
Impact on Travel and Trade
The indefinite closure of the IVACs is expected to impact travel and trade between India and Bangladesh significantly. Thousands of Bangladeshi citizens visit India annually for business, tourism, medical treatment, and education. The suspension of visa services will disrupt these plans and cause inconvenience to many.
As the situation in Bangladesh remains volatile, the reopening of the IVACs is contingent on a return to normalcy.
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