Recent developments indicate a significant shift in India’s visa policy towards Bangladeshi nationals, particularly concerning medical visas. India has substantially reduced the issuance of medical visas to Bangladeshi citizens, citing staffing shortages and security concerns. This policy change follows political transitions in Bangladesh, where an interim government led by Nobel laureate Muhammad Yunus replaced long-term Indian ally Sheikh Hasina. The reduction in visa issuance has strained bilateral relations and opened avenues for China to strengthen its ties with Bangladesh by offering medical visas and investing in local projects.
In Karnataka, India, the state government has acknowledged the presence of illegal Bangladeshi immigrants and emphasized the need for the central government to tighten border controls and simplify deportation procedures. Home Minister G Parameshwara highlighted that while official numbers are available, the actual figures could be higher, indicating a pressing need for more stringent border management.
Additionally, law enforcement agencies have been active in apprehending illegal immigrants. In Bhubaneswar, Odisha, the Special Task Force arrested 10 Bangladeshi nationals, including three women, for illegally entering India without valid travel documents. The group was linked to a human trafficking syndicate, underscoring the challenges authorities face in managing illegal immigration.
These developments reflect India’s growing concerns over illegal immigration and its efforts to regulate entry, especially from neighboring countries like Bangladesh. The involvement of high-ranking officials such as Home Minister Amit Shah and National Security Advisor Ajit Doval suggests a coordinated approach to address these challenges and safeguard national security.
