Escalating Tensions Between India and Bangladesh Lead to Visa Restrictions

Recent diplomatic strains between India and Bangladesh have resulted in significant reductions in visa services for Bangladeshi nationals. This development has created challenges for those seeking to visit India for educational or medical purposes, particularly following political upheaval in Bangladesh.

In August, the political landscape in Bangladesh shifted dramatically with the removal of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In response to the ensuing unrest, Indian visa centers across Bangladesh were closed indefinitely citing security concerns. The situation worsened in September, when more than 20,000 Bangladeshi passports were returned after the Indian High Commission in Dhaka suspended visa services amidst widespread protests.

Currently, only five visa centers in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna are operational, and they are limited to processing emergency and humanitarian applications. Estimates from these centers indicate a drastic decrease in daily visa appointments, dropping from over 7,000 to between 500 and 700, with no clear timeline for a return to normal operations.

India typically offers 15 different categories of visas to Bangladeshi citizens, including an expedited 'urgent service.' An official from India's foreign ministry has stated that they are closely monitoring the situation and will resume full visa services as conditions improve. However, other unnamed officials have indicated that standard visa issuance will remain on hold for the foreseeable future.

The relationship between the two countries has further deteriorated, particularly concerning border management issues. Allegations surfaced regarding India's plans to erect fences at multiple locations along the border, prompting diplomatic responses from both sides. The Indian High Commissioner was summoned by Bangladesh's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, while India countered by calling in Bangladesh's Acting High Commissioner to clarify its border security measures.

This diplomatic standoff has severely disrupted travel plans, leading to a notable decline in bookings and cancellations. The medical tourism sector has also been adversely affected; many Bangladeshis typically travel to India for affordable medical treatments. A previously liberal visa process allowed for medical attendant visas, enabling patients to bring family members or friends. However, reports indicate a significant drop in the number of Bangladeshi patients visiting major Indian hospitals, with some institutions facing declines between 25% to 40%. Alternative medical treatment options are now being sought in countries such as Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkey.

Furthermore, Bangladeshi students aiming to pursue higher education in European nations like Finland, Romania, and the Czech Republic have encountered obstacles due to visa processing issues. Most of these European countries do not have embassies in Bangladesh, necessitating travel to India for visa application submissions. This requirement has led to logistical challenges, with over 1,500 students unable to finalize their visa applications despite having received university offer letters.

During a recent meeting with EU diplomats, Bangladesh's interim government chief adviser proposed relocating European visa centers from New Delhi to Dhaka or another nearby country to ease these difficulties.