Kenyans Stranded in India Get Free Visa Extensions Amid Gulf Crisis
By Correspondent
The High Commission of India in Nairobi has announced measures to assist Kenyans stranded in India due to the ongoing Middle East conflict.
The notice, issued on March 18, provides affected nationals with free visa extensions and other reliefs.
Key points include:
All regular and e-visas set to expire soon will automatically receive a one-month extension.
Penalties for overstays after February 28, 2026, are waived, and travelers can obtain free exit permits.
Extensions and permits will be processed case-by-case by India’s Foreigners Regional Registration Offices.
Temporary Landing Permits will be issued free to travelers diverted due to flight disruptions.
The initiative aims to address travel chaos caused by the Gulf crisis, which has forced numerous flight cancellations and airspace restrictions, particularly affecting routes between Nairobi and India.
While the move offers short-term relief, questions remain about the adequacy of support for stranded Kenyans and the long-term solutions for those caught in the travel disruption.
This measure underscores India’s commitment to assisting foreign nationals during emergencies, though critics argue that proactive coordination with airlines and Kenyan authorities could have minimized the crisis.
