India’s Ministry of External Affairs has issued a strong advisory after Iran suspended the visa waiver facility for ordinary Indian passport holders. The move follows multiple incidents of Indians being misled with false job offers or promises of onward travel to other countries and then being taken to Iran under deceptive circumstances.
The MEA said that the government’s attention was drawn to several cases where Indian nationals were lured to Iran through agents who took advantage of the visa waiver system. Many of these individuals were promised employment or transit to third countries. Once they arrived in Iran, several were kidnapped for ransom by criminal groups.
In response, the government of Iran has suspended the visa waiver facility with effect from November 22. From this date, Indian travellers with ordinary passports must obtain a visa to enter or even transit through Iran. The MEA stated that the decision aims to curb the misuse of the facility and prevent further exploitation of Indian nationals.
The MEA highlighted the serious nature of the incidents, stating, “The attention of government has been drawn to several incidents of Indian nationals being lured to Iran on false promises of employment or with assurances of onward transit to third countries.” It added that these individuals were tricked into travelling using the visa free entry and later faced kidnapping and ransom situations.
Indian citizens planning to travel to Iran have been “strongly advised” to exercise caution. The MEA urged all travellers to avoid agents offering visa free entry or routes that involve onward transit to third countries via Iran. The advisory stresses the importance of verifying travel arrangements and remaining alert to fraudulent offers.
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