Iran Scraps Visa-Free Entry for Indians Amid Fake Job Scams and Kidnappings
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Iran has suspended its visa waiver program for Indian citizens, citing a rise in cases where individuals were lured to the country on false promises of employment or onward travel to other nations. According to the Ministry of External Affairs, several Indians have been tricked into traveling to Iran, only to be kidnapped for ransom upon arrival. The decision, which takes effect from November 22, 2025, aims to prevent further misuse of the visa waiver facility by criminal entities. Indian nationals with ordinary passports will now be required to obtain a visa to enter or transit through Iran. The Indian government has issued an advisory to its citizens, urging them to remain vigilant and avoid agents offering visa-free travel to Iran. This is not the first time the government has cautioned its citizens about fake job scams in Iran, with several cases reported in recent months. In one such case, four Gujarat residents were kidnapped in Tehran after being lured to the country by a third-party agent. The kidnappers demanded nearly ₹2 crore in ransom for their release. However, thanks to coordination between Indian and Iranian authorities, the four men were eventually released. Iran allows visa-free entry to Indians only for tourism purposes, and the government has warned its citizens against falling prey to fake job offers. "Any agent promising jobs or anything else in Iran on visa-free entry may well be in connivance with criminal gangs," the MEA said. The Indian government has urged its citizens to exercise strict vigilance and avoid such traps. Indian nationals intending to visit Iran are advised to remain cautious and verify the authenticity of any travel or employment offers before making a decision.
