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Tuesday, 07 April, 2015, 16 : 00 PM [IST]
Bahrain issues highest number of eVisas to Indians during Oct 2014-Feb 2015 period
The Kingdom now offers multi-entry visas for extended period to Indian nationals
By TBM Staff | Mumbai
With Bahrain offering eVisa facility for Indian nationals from October 2014, Indian businessmen and tourists have been of the greatest benefit according to latest statistics released by the Kingdom. Data from October 2014 to February 2015 reveals that 752 Indian nationals received eVisas to the Kingdom of Bahrain, which is a 33 per cent share of the approximately 2,300 eVisas issued to nationals from 32 newly eligible countries. Additionally, the Government of Bahrain has announced the second phase of updates to the Kingdom's visa policy, which allows Indian business visitors and tourists to spend longer time in the Kingdom. From April 1, 2015, business visas are being issued with one month validity and are multi-entry, while visitors are issued multi-entry visas for three months.
Indian nationals can apply for an eVisa via the Bahrain government's eVisa website (www.evisa.gov.bh). Indians residents in the GCC will also be eligible to receive multi-entry visas on arrival or through online application, making it easier for expatriates living in the region to travel to Bahrain.
Shaikh Ahmed bin Isa Al Khalifa, Assistant Undersecretary for the General Directorate of Nationality, Passports and Residence Affairs, Bahrain's Ministry of Interior, said, "We are pleased that the data shows that a significant number of Indians are already benefiting from a greater ease of access into Bahrain, supporting the business and tourism sectors in the Kingdom. The second phase of updates will lead to further benefits for Indian visitors, with increased flexibility and expanded eligibility."
Khalid Al Rumaihi, Chief Executive, Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB), added, "India is one of Bahrain's most important trading partners, with total non-oil trade between the two countries in excess of USD 1.2 billion per year. Bahrain's new visa policy will improve access for Indians and Indian businesses to the Bahrain and GCC market, currently worth USD 1.6 trillion and expected to reach USD 2 trillion by 2020. The new visa policy is an important development that places Bahrain among the countries with the most flexible visa policies in the region. "
The new visa policy is also being accompanied by improvements to the individual screening process, ensuring faster and more effective processing of applications, the release added.
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