Iran has taken the decision to cancel visa-free entry for Indian citizens, following repeated reports of human trafficking facilitated under the guise of employment offers. The Iranian Ministry of Foreign Affairs made the announcement on Monday evening, highlighting that multiple Indian criminal networks have been involved in exploiting the country’s open-entry provisions.
Effective 22 November, all Indian nationals will be required to apply for and secure a visa prior to entering Iran. The ministry stressed that the measure is intended to curb the abuse of visa exemptions and ensure that entry into the country occurs through legal and regulated channels.
The move comes after investigations revealed that numerous individuals had been trafficked under false employment promises, raising concerns over national security and human rights violations. Analysts believe this could have broader implications for bilateral relations, particularly affecting tourism, trade, and temporary labour exchange between India and Iran.
By instituting stricter visa requirements, Tehran aims to not only combat illegal activities but also establish a more transparent and secure system for managing foreign nationals. The measure could also act as a deterrent for unscrupulous agencies exploiting loopholes in entry regulations, while signalling Iran’s commitment to enforcing stricter border controls and anti-trafficking policies.
Officials have indicated that while this step may temporarily inconvenience legitimate travellers, it ultimately serves to protect vulnerable individuals from exploitation and strengthen Iran’s oversight of foreign entrants.