A recent escalation in diplomatic tensions between India and Bangladesh has resulted in a significant reduction in visa availability for Bangladeshi nationals, deeply affecting medical tourism and students planning to study abroad. This visa crisis has emerged following political turmoil in Bangladesh, which saw the ouster of Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in August, leading to a drastic cutback in visa services by India.
Since the political upheaval, Indian visa centers in Bangladesh have either shut down or are operating with severely limited capacities. By January 2025, only emergency and humanitarian visa applications are being processed at five operational centers in Dhaka, Chattogram, Rajshahi, Sylhet, and Khulna. This has left thousands of Bangladeshis, who rely on India for medical treatment or educational opportunities, in limbo.
The impact on medical tourism is profound. India has been a favored destination for Bangladeshi patients seeking cost-effective and high-quality healthcare services. With visa slots reduced, there’s been a notable decline in Bangladeshi patients attending Indian hospitals, with some institutions reporting a drop of 25% to 40%. This has pushed many to seek alternatives in countries like Thailand, Malaysia, Singapore, and Turkey, affecting not only patient care but also India’s medical tourism industry, which was estimated at $9 billion in 2023.
Students from Bangladesh have also felt the repercussions. Many aspiring to study in European countries like Finland, Romania, and the Czech Republic must go through India for visa processing since these countries do not have embassies in Bangladesh. With the visa crisis, over 1,500 students have been unable to move forward with their educational plans, despite having received university offer letters.
Diplomatic relations further deteriorated after allegations of border management issues, including plans by India to construct fences at several border points, which led to Bangladesh summoning the Indian High Commissioner for discussions. In response, India also summoned Bangladesh’s Acting High Commissioner, emphasizing that their actions were in line with existing bilateral agreements.
The ongoing crisis has sparked calls for dialogue to resolve the issues. Experts like Ajay Bisaria, a former envoy to Pakistan, suggest that both nations need to work towards rebuilding trust through extended negotiations. Meanwhile, interim Bangladeshi leadership under Muhammad Yunus has been engaging with European diplomats to discuss alternative visa processing arrangements to mitigate the impact on students.
This situation underscores not only the immediate effects on individuals but also the broader implications for regional cooperation, trade, and the human connections that have historically linked these neighboring countries. As tensions continue, the hope is for a swift resolution that can restore mobility and ease the visa regime for the benefit of both nations.