Afghan Citizens Complain of Delays in Medical and Educational Visa Processes

Afghan citizens have voiced complaints regarding prolonged delays and insufficient transparency when applying for medical and educational visas. Many have encountered waits of six to seven months without any issuance from embassies representing India, Iran, Turkey, and Pakistan.

Awrangzeb and Othman, who are among the applicants, described the challenges in detail. They pointed out that while embassies operate, they do not deliver full consular services or process visas promptly, creating substantial obstacles for those in need.

This has contributed to black market activities where visas are traded for seven thousand to ten thousand dollars, compared to the standard fee of two hundred dollars. The majority of applicants through tourism firms consist of patients and students targeting visas for Iran, India, Pakistan, and Turkey.

Officials from tourism companies, including Mohibullah Hamidi, Mohammad Osman Barakzai, and Ahmad Sir Rahimi, noted an increase in demand for medical, commercial, educational, and tourism visas. At the same time, they observed a reduction in the number of visas being issued. These officials have called on the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan to engage in negotiations aimed at accelerating the processing times and expanding available facilities.

Iran, Turkey, Tajikistan, and Saudi Arabia are among the nations that still grant visas to Afghan citizens. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan has offered no response regarding these matters.