India-Bangladesh Relations: Visa services between India and Bangladesh have recently been suspended indefinitely, but review of some special class visa applications is still ongoing. The Union Home Ministry has reviewed more than 400 Bangladeshi visa applications in August 2024, with special attention given to those applicants whose cases fall under the special scrutiny category.
Political changes in Bangladesh and India’s stance
There was political turmoil in the country after Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the post of Bangladesh on August 5. After this Sheikh Hasina took refuge in India, which affected the relations between the two countries. After the incident, visa rules were tightened for citizens entering India from Bangladesh.
Limited visa services and the role of the PRC
Indian Visa Centers in Bangladesh are now processing a limited number of visa applications only for students and for urgent medical purposes. In this, there is a detailed investigation of the applications falling under Pre-Referral Check (PRC), in which security and intelligence agencies check the background of the applicant. In August 2024, 434 PRC cases of Bangladesh nationals were approved. During this period, 878 PRC cases from Pakistan were reviewed.
India-Bangladesh visa arrangement
India offers 15 categories of visas to Bangladeshi citizens, including “urgent service” visas. Apart from this, there is a provision for visa-free travel of up to 45 days for holders of diplomatic and official passports of both the countries. Visa provisions are based on the revised travel arrangements signed between India and Bangladesh as of 2013. Administrative instructions are issued under this from time to time.
Strict instructions on safety
Since August 5, the Border Security Force (BSF) deployed on India’s border with Bangladesh has been put on high alert. The government has given clear orders to BSF that no one should be allowed to enter the country without valid documents or visa. Strict surveillance is being maintained to ensure that there is no unauthorized infiltration on the borders.