Tehran has suspended the visa-free entry for Indian passport holders following numerous cases of Indians being lured to the country on false promises of employment or with assurances of onwards transit to other countries, the MEA said.
The Ministry of External Affairs on Monday said the government’s attention has been drawn to several incidents of Indian nationals being lured to Iran on false promises.
The government of Iran has “suspended the visa waiver facility” available to ordinary Indian passport holders visiting Iran with effect from November 22. The measure is focused on preventing further misuse of the facility by notorious elements, the MEA statement read.
From November 22 onwards, the Indian citizens with ordinary passports would be required to obtain a visa to enter the country, it added. The MEA statement also pointed out “several incidents where Indians were being lured to Iran on false promises of employment in third countries.
“These individuals were tricked into journeying to Iran by taking advantage of the visa waiver facility available for ordinary Indian passport holders. On arrival in Iran, many of them were kidnapped for ransom.”
The government of the Islamic Republic of Iran has accordingly suspended the visa waiver facility available to ordinary Indian passport holders visiting Iran. All Indian nationals intending to visit Iran are “strongly advised” to remain vigilant and avoid agents offering visa-free travel or onwards transit to third countries via Iran, the MEA said.
Even transit passengers now need a valid visa. Airlines have also been told to verify that all Indian travellers have the required visa before allowing them to fly.
