ISLAMABAD: Iran has suspended its visa-waiver facility for ordinary Indian passport holders beginning Nov. 22, after multiple reports that Indian nationals were being deceived with fake job offers and then kidnapped upon arrival in the country, according to an advisory issued by India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA).

The MEA said Indian citizens had been “lured to Iran on false promises of employment or with assurances of onward transit to third countries.”

According to the advisory, criminal networks exploited visa-free entry for Indian travelers, with several individuals allegedly abducted for ransom shortly after landing.

Iran has long served as a convenient transit point for Indians traveling to Europe or Central Asia, as well as for Shia pilgrims from Indian-occupied Kashmir en route to holy sites in Iraq.

The MEA said the suspension aims “to prevent further misuse of the facility by criminal elements.” From Nov. 22 onward, all ordinary Indian passport holders must secure a visa before entering or transiting Iran. Diplomatic and official passport holders are exempt.

India urged its citizens to exercise caution, verify job offers or travel arrangements, and avoid intermediaries claiming to arrange visa-free travel through Iran.

There has been no formal statement from Iran’s foreign ministry; however, the Iranian embassy in New Delhi reshared the MEA advisory on its official X account.

In May, Indian media reported that three men from India’s Punjab attempting to reach Australia via illegal routes were kidnapped in Iran.

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Iran suspends visa waiver for Indian travelers after kidnapping reports