Iran Suspends Visa-Free Entry for Indians After Surge in Fraud, Kidnapping Cases

Iran has suspended its visa-free entry facility for Indian nationals starting November 22, citing an alarming rise in fraud, trafficking, and kidnapping incidents involving Indian travelers. The move reverses a policy introduced in February 2024 that allowed Indian tourists short stays of up to 15 days without a visa. The decision comes after several reports revealed that many Indians were misled by agents promising overseas employment or safe passage to other countries via Iran.

The Iranian Embassy in New Delhi officially confirmed the suspension in a post on X, stating that “from this date, Indian nationals with ordinary passports will be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through the Islamic Republic of Iran.” The visa waiver was previously intended solely for tourism and was valid once every six months, but it was allegedly exploited by human traffickers who used it to send job seekers abroad through illegal routes.

According to India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), multiple incidents were reported in recent months in which Indians were duped into traveling to Iran on false pretenses. Many arrived expecting employment or transit assistance to countries like Australia or Europe, only to be abducted for ransom upon arrival. The ministry said Tehran’s suspension of the visa waiver was a decisive step to curb such exploitations. “This measure is intended to prevent further misuse by criminal elements,” the MEA clarified, urging citizens to remain cautious and avoid agents offering suspicious travel deals.

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One of the most shocking incidents occurred in May this year when three men from Punjab—Hushanpreet Singh from Sangrur, Jaspal Singh from SBS Nagar, and Amritpal Singh from Hoshiarpur—were kidnapped in Iran. The trio had paid an agent who promised to take them to Australia via Dubai and Tehran. Upon landing in Iran, they were seized, and the kidnappers demanded Rs. 1 crore in ransom. The men were later rescued after Indian authorities intervened with Iranian counterparts.

Despite the suspension, Iran remains a popular destination for Indian tourists, known for its ancient Persian heritage, cities like Isfahan and Shiraz, and religious centers such as Qom and Mashhad. However, officials warn that travelers must now obtain proper visas and stay alert for fraudulent schemes. As global mobility routes tighten, anti-trafficking vigilance between New Delhi and Tehran is expected to increase in an effort to protect citizens and curb cross-border crime.

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