Iran ends visa-free entry for Indians after misuse of facility
New Delhi: Iran has abolished its visa-waiver facility for ordinary Indian passport holders following reports that Indian nationals were being trafficked or deceived into travelling to Iran on false promises of employment and onward transit to third countries.
According to Kashmir Media Service, India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the decision, effective November 22, comes after several cases emerged of Indian citizens being lured by agents exploiting the visa-free entry system. Many of the victims, the MEA noted, were kidnapped for ransom upon arrival in Iran.
The suspension means all Indian travellers will now require a visa to enter or transit through Iran. The MEA has strongly advised Indian nationals to remain cautious and avoid agents offering visa-free travel or onward movement via Iran, stressing that criminal networks have been misusing the relaxed entry provision.
The Government of Iran, officials said, has taken the step to prevent further exploitation of vulnerable workers and curb human-trafficking attempts carried out under the guise of visa-free travel.
It is worth mentioning here that the persistent exploitation of Indian nationals abroad underscores how poverty and limited economic opportunities at home make ordinary people highly vulnerable to human traffickers. Many are lured by promises of well-paid jobs or prospects of travel abroad, only to fall prey to criminal networks that take advantage of their desperation.
