Bahrain's visa policy aims to create easy access for Indians

MUMBAI: The Bahrain Economic Development Board (EDB) said here today its new visa policy would enable Indians along with 35 other nationalities to apply for electronic visas from October 2014.

Starting in 2015, Indians would also be able to spend longer periods in Bahrain and visas would be valid for a month as well as renewed for up to three months, according to a statement.

Additionally, multiple entry visas would also be available, the statement said.

"The new visa policy would enable citizens from more than 100 countries to enjoy easier and quicker access to the Middle East's most open economy, as ranked by the Heritage Foundation's 2014, Index of Economic Freedom," Bahrain Transportation Minister and Acting Chief Executive of the Bahrain EDB H E Kamal bin Ahmed said in the statement.

The new visa policy would also enable expatriates, who do business in Bahrain, to easily travel in and out of the kingdom more easily, as well as boost the tourism industry.

It would have a significant impact on Indians who live, work and travel to Bahrain in large numbers, since Indians make up the largest expatriate population in Bahrain, with more than 3 lakh people residing in the kingdom.

The decision to revise visa policy was taken based on key trends in the kingdom's investor base, the statement said.