Category: Consular

Brief on Indian Community in Uzbekistan

Embassy of India, Tashkent
(Consular Section)
Brief – Indian community in Uzbekistan

(i) General Overview

The Indian community in Uzbekistan numbers about 15,000, almost all of them citizens of India, and only 58 are Overseas Citizens of India (OCI).

Approximately 800 people live in Tashkent and are engaged in:

• Export and import (mostly pharmaceuticals)
• White-collar jobs in local or Indian-owned companies
• Healthcare sector as doctors or medical professionals

Most community members in Tashkent are in the pharmaceutical sector, reflecting India’s sizeable contribution to Uzbekistan’s pharmaceutical imports. Medical tourism to India is also popular, increasing healthcare-related employment.

There are also Indian professors teaching in universities across Tashkent, Samarkand, Andijan, Bukhara, and other cities.

In 2023, around 104 English teachers from Kerala and Tamil Nadu joined government schools through the NORKA department of the Kerala Government.

Indian blue-collar workers are found in Samarkand, Kokand, and Karshi, employed in engineering and construction projects. Around 6,000 semi-skilled Indian workers joined M/S Enter Engineering since late 2022 at sites in Almalyk (Tashkent region), Boysun (Kashkadarya region), and other locations.

(ii) Indian Students in Uzbekistan

There are approximately 7,000 Indian students studying medicine at various government-run universities across Uzbekistan, including:

• Tashkent
• Samarkand
• Bukhara
• Urgench
• Fergana
• Andijan
• Termez
• Namangan

This number increased after the Russia–Ukraine conflict. A few students are also enrolled in private universities.

The Embassy maintains close liaison with university authorities to ensure the well-being of Indian students. In 2022 and 2023, the Embassy organized ‘Welcome Ceremonies’ in Fergana, Tashkent, Samarkand, and Urgench to reach out to the student community.

(iii) Diaspora Engagement

The activities of the Indian diaspora in Uzbekistan have become more vibrant and organized in recent years. They actively participate in:

• Pravasi Bhartiya Divas
• Government of India’s campaigns
• Academic collaborations with Uzbek universities (promotion of Hindi and India studies)
• Tashkent International Film Festival (highlighting Bollywood’s popularity)
• Promotion of cricket in collaboration with the Cricket Federation of Uzbekistan

(iv) Communication Platform

A Telegram channel titled ‘Pravasi Bhartiya’ has been created to disseminate information efficiently and enhance community outreach. Diaspora members are encouraged to join the channel for regular updates from the Embassy.

FAQ on Marital Disputes Involving NRI/PIO Spouses

Sl. No.	Question	Answer
1.	I and my husband are residing abroad. How can I get assistance for settlement of marital issues between me and my husband?	You may approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country where you and your husband reside for assistance in resolving your marital dispute.
2.	I am residing in India. How can I get my overseas Indian spouse to come to India for the settlement of our marital dispute?	You may forward your complaint to the Indian Mission in the foreign country where your husband resides. If your husband doesn’t cooperate, you may take judicial recourse.
3.	I am residing abroad. How can I apply for legal and financial assistance provided by the Ministry of External Affairs?	You may approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country in which you reside.
4.	I am residing in India. How can I get assistance in getting maintenance/financial support from my overseas Indian husband?	You may: File a case in a Court of competent jurisdiction in India. Approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country where your husband resides for assistance and guidance.
5.	What should I do for revocation/impounding of my husband’s passport and for not allowing renewal of his passport?	You may approach a Criminal Court of competent jurisdiction in India for obtaining an appropriate Court Order for revoking/impounding your husband’s passport.
6.	How can I get my husband’s foreign passport revoked/suspended?	Issue of foreign passport does not fall within the jurisdiction of India. You may approach the Embassy of the respective foreign country where your husband resides.
7.	How can I get my husband’s foreign visa suspended/revoked?	Visa-related issues are dealt with by the authorities of the concerned foreign country. You may approach the Embassy of that country for such matters.
8.	How can I get details of visa and employment of my overseas Indian spouse who is residing abroad?	These details are not available with the Ministry of External Affairs. You may approach the Embassy of the foreign country concerned.
9.	How can I get my overseas Indian husband’s application for PR rejected/revoked?	PR is a sovereign matter of the concerned foreign government and beyond the jurisdiction of the Ministry of External Affairs. You may approach the Embassy of the respective foreign country.
10.	How can I get the residence permit of my overseas Indian husband cancelled?	You may approach the Embassy of the foreign country where your husband resides for assistance and guidance.
11.	I am residing in India. I request the Ministry to take legal action against my overseas Indian husband.	You are requested to state specific issues in your complaint. You may: Notify police authorities in your local area or where the matrimonial home is located. Approach the National Commission for Women for legal assistance and guidance.
12.	My child has been taken by my overseas Indian husband without my consent to a foreign country. I want to reunite with my child. What should I do?	You may: Register a case on the MADAD Portal. Approach NCPCR (Mediation Cell), Ministry of Women and Child Development. File a case for child custody in India. Complain to the Embassy of the foreign country where the child has been taken. File a case in the foreign country against your husband.
13.	I am residing in India. How can I communicate with my children who are in the custody of my husband abroad?	You may file a case in a Court of competent jurisdiction in India and obtain a court order to facilitate communication with your children.
14.	How can I locate the whereabouts of my overseas Indian husband who is not in touch with me?	You may: Forward your complaint to the Indian Mission in the foreign country where your husband resides, along with his passport number and contact details. Approach the Indian Mission directly. Check the Indian Embassy’s website for a list of Indian Associations/NGOs for additional support.
15.	How can I deport my husband who is residing abroad to India?	You may: File a case in court. Serve summons/notices/warrants for arrest through the Ministry of Home Affairs. Approach the Indian Embassy in the country where your husband resides.
16.	How can I stop my husband who is trying to flee the country?	You may: Approach senior police authorities to issue a Look Out Circular (LOC). File a case in court.
17.	I am residing in India. How can I initiate criminal proceedings against my overseas Indian spouse?	You may file a case in a criminal court of competent jurisdiction in India.
18.	What is the procedure for the service of judicial process including summons/show-cause notices etc. upon my spouse residing outside India?	Service in civil matters is regulated by the Ministry of Law & Justice (Joint Secretary & Legal Adviser, “A” Wing, Shastri Bhawan, New Delhi). In criminal matters, it is carried out by the Ministry of Home Affairs (Joint Secretary (IS-II), NDCC-II Building, Jai Singh Road, New Delhi – 110001).
19.	I am residing in India. My overseas Indian husband has deserted me or subjected me to dowry harassment/domestic violence. What should I do?	You may: File a case in a court of competent jurisdiction in India. Approach the National Commission for Women for legal assistance and guidance.
20.	I am residing with my overseas Indian husband in a foreign country. He has deserted me or is subjecting me to harassment. What should I do?	You may approach the Indian Mission in that country to file a complaint with local police. The Mission can connect you with local Indian Associations/NGOs, and help you access legal and financial assistance. Details are available on the Embassy’s website.
21.	How can I get a Red Corner Notice issued against my overseas Indian husband?	You may: Register an FIR with local police authorities. Take judicial recourse.
22.	I am residing in India. I have been thrown out of my matrimonial home by the relatives of my overseas Indian husband. How can I retrieve my belongings?	You may file a case in a court of competent jurisdiction in India.
23.	I am residing with my overseas Indian husband in a foreign country. I have been thrown out of my matrimonial home. How can I retrieve my belongings?	You may approach the Indian Mission in the foreign country for assistance and guidance.
24.	I am residing in India and my overseas Indian husband has married another woman without divorcing me. What should I do?	You may file a case in a court of competent jurisdiction in India.
25.	How can I take action against my overseas Indian husband for cyber harassment?	You may register your complaint on the National Cyber Crime Portal.

Apostille

India has been a member of the Hague Convention of October 5, 1961, since 2005. This convention abolished the requirement of legalizing foreign public documents. Apostille is acceptable in all member countries of the Convention.

For more information, please visit: www.hcch.net

Apostille is applicable for:

• Personal documents such as birth, death, and marriage certificates, affidavits, power of attorney, etc.
• Educational documents such as a degree, diploma, matriculation, and secondary-level certificates.

As India is a member of the Hague Apostille Convention, 1961, no further attestation or legalization of a document apostilled by a member country is required for its use in India. An apostilled document should therefore be treated as a legalized document for all purposes in India, by international obligations under the Convention.

Useful Links:

• https://www.hcch.net/en/states/hcch-members/details1/?sid=101
• No further requirement of attestation of apostilled documents
• Enclosure: Issuing and Accepting Apostilles
  

Fake e-Visa URL noticed so far

Uzbekistan Visa

1. Electronic Visa for Indian Citizens

Electronic Visa is available for Indian citizens. Go to www.e-visa.gov.uz
Select your country, type of passport, and purpose of visit. Enter your travel dates, personal details, upload your photo, and scanned passport main page. Provide your email and pay online ($20 USD via Visa/MasterCard).
Apply at least 3 working days before your travel. Track your application at e-visa.gov.uz

If approved, the e-visa will be emailed to you. Print and carry it while visiting Uzbekistan.

2. 5-Day Visa-Free Transit Regime

Applicable at international airports of Uzbekistan for Indian citizens. Travelers must show an onward ticket (within 5 days), and the airline must inform Uzbekistan border authorities of eligible passengers.

3. Visa-Free Regime for Foreign Citizens Under Age 16

Children under 16 can enter Uzbekistan without a visa, with a valid passport or biometric travel document, and must be accompanied by a legal guardian. Stay duration matches the guardian’s visa or up to 90 days. If the child turns 16 during the visit, an exit visa must be obtained.

4. For Regular/Paper Visa Applicants

Regular visas (single/multiple entry) require visa support from Uzbekistan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs, sent directly to the Embassy. Check visa status at http://evisa.mfa.uz/evisa_is/?action=shtrix&id=1

5. Documents Required for Visa

• Completed and signed visa application form from:- http://evisa.mfa.uz
• Recent color passport-size photo
• Passport with at least one blank page and validity of 90 days beyond stay
• Passport photocopy
• Applicable visa fees

Note: A personal interview may be required.

Consular Fees

Tourist Visa

30 days

$40 + actual charge $15

Single Entry Visa

up to 7 days	$40 + actual charge $15
up to 15 days	$50 + actual charge $15
up to 30 days	$60 + actual charge $15
up to 3 months	$80 + actual charge $15
up to 6 months	$120 + actual charge $15
up to 1 year	$160 + actual charge $15
for each additional entry	$10

Multiple Entry Visa Fee (Except USA Citizens)

up to 1 month	$60 + actual charge $15
up to 6 months	$150 + actual charge $15
up to 1 year	$250 + actual charge $15

Group Visas for Tourist Groups of 10 or More

up to 15 days	$15 per person + actual charge $15 per group
up to 30 days	$25 per person + actual charge $15 per group

Note: Tourist groups must consist of at least 5 adults (excluding children).

Transit Visa Fees

up to 72 hours	$40 + actual charge $15
for double entry	$50 + actual charge $15

Please Note: For all visa types, urgent visa applications will incur 50% additional charges.

Apostille

Uzbekistan is a party to the 1961 Hague Convention. As of April 15, 2012, all documents notarized in India and apostilled by the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India are valid in Uzbekistan. These documents are accepted by all state institutions in Uzbekistan without needing additional legalization by the Consular Section of the Embassy.

Indian’s Registration in Uzbekistan

Attestation of Documents

Time Required: Documents for attestation may be submitted at the Embassy of India, Tashkent between 0930 hrs and 1230 hrs on any working day and may be collected next working day 1400 hrs to 1500 hrs.

Fee Structure

• Fee: US$ 25
• ICWF: US$ 2 (for Indians), US$ 3 (for Foreigners)
• Total: US$ 27 (For Indians), US$ 28 (For Foreigners)

Note: Fees will be collected separately for separate documents.

1) Sponsorship Declaration

Requirements:

• Misc Service Form (format 1)
• Photocopy of inside cover pages and other relevant pages of the passport
• Copy of existing Visa/Residence Permit
• Salary Certificate attested by Chamber of Commerce with typed English Translation
• Original and one photocopy of the Sponsorship Declaration Form
  (Format2)
  to be signed before the Consular Officer of the Embassy.

2) Power of Attorney (Property Matters)

Requirements:

• Misc Service Form (format 1)
• Photocopy of inside cover pages and other relevant pages of the passport
• Copy of existing Visa/Residence Permit
• Two recent Passport Size (35 mm x 45 mm) photographs
• Original and one photocopy of the Power of Attorney to be signed before the Consular Officer of the Embassy
• Two witnesses of Indian nationality with original passport, passport copy and photos

3) Power of Attorney (Other than Property Matters)

Requirements:

• Misc Service Form (format 1)
• Photocopy of inside cover pages and other relevant pages of the passport
• Copy of existing Visa/Residence Permit
• Original and one photocopy of the Power of Attorney to be signed before the Consular Officer of the Embassy
• Two witnesses of Indian nationality with original passport, passport copy and photos

4) Attestation of Medical Degree Issued from Uzbekistan

• Misc Service Form (format 1)
• Photocopy of inside cover pages and other relevant pages of the passport
• Copy of existing Visa/Residence Permit
• Confirmation letter from the Medical Institute or University mentioning:
  • Period of study in recognized and unrecognized colleges
  • Date of transfers between institutions
  • Full duration of MBBS course
  • Whether course was online or offline, and if online, whether practical components were compensated physically

5) Salary Certificate

Requirements:

• Misc Service Form (format 1)
• Photocopy of inside cover pages and other relevant pages of the passport
• Copy of existing Visa/Residence Permit
• Original Salary Certificate attested by Uzbek Foreign Office / Chamber of Commerce & Industry and a photocopy
• One photograph to be pasted on the Salary Certificate

6) Academic Degree / Certificate

Requirements:

• Misc Service Form (format 1)
• Original Passport (including additional booklets if any)
• Photocopy of inside cover pages and other relevant pages of the passport
• Copy of existing Visa/Residence Permit
• If original degree/certificate is to be attested:
  • Original degree/certificate attested by concerned State/Ministry of HRD and MEA + photocopy
  • Original mark sheet + photocopy
• If only copy is to be attested:
  • Original degree/certificate attested + two photocopies
  • Original mark sheet + photocopy

Transfer Certificate:

• Original TC attested by Ministry of Foreign Affairs / Ministry of Education + copy
• Child’s passport copy
• Copy of Residence Permit (if available)

7) Marriage Certificate

Requirements:

• Misc Service Form (format 1)
• Photocopy of inside cover pages and other relevant pages of the passport
• Copy of existing Visa/Residence Permit
• Original + photocopy of Marriage Certificate attested by concerned State Govt/MEA, New Delhi

8) Bank Account Opening Form

Requirements:

• Photocopy of inside cover pages and other relevant pages of the passport
• Copy of existing Visa/Residence Permit
• Original + photocopy of Account Opening Form to be signed before the Consular Officer of the Embassy

9) NRI Certificate

Note: An individual is an NRI if they’ve been in India for less than 182 days in the preceding financial year, or less than 60 days in the previous year and 365 days or less in the past four years.

• Photocopy of inside cover pages and other relevant pages of the passport
• Copy of existing Visa/Residence Permit
• NRI Form (Format 3)
• Entry-Exit Declaration (Format 4)

10) Life Certificate

Fee: Gratis

Requirements:

• Misc Service Form (format 1)
• Photocopy of inside cover pages and other relevant pages of the passport
• Copy of existing Visa/Residence Permit
• Original + photocopy of Life Certificate in prescribed bank/institution format to be signed before the Consular Officer of the Embassy

Global Pravasi Rishta Portal

With an objective to establish regular interaction between MEA, Indian Missions, and the Diaspora community, the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, has launched the
“Global Pravasi Rishta Portal”. The Portal has been devised to maintain an updated database of the Indian Diaspora.

Key Features of the Portal

• To create a three-way communication between the MEA, Indian Missions, and the Diaspora community.
• To facilitate the Indian diaspora by connecting them to various new and existing government schemes benefitting them in various areas of interest.
• To provide access to information about various events organized by the Mission for greater participation.

Note: All members of the Indian Diaspora in Uzbekistan are requested to register themselves on the Global Pravasi Rishta Portal.

Portal link: https://pravasirishta.gov.in/

Steps to Register

• Visit website: https://pravasirishta.gov.in/
• Select Uzbekistan as the country/region. In the Select Mission section, choose Embassy of India, Tashkent and click “Submit”.
• Click on the “Register” option at the top right of the website to open the Registration Form.
• Fill in all the required details in the Registration Form to register yourself in the Portal.

Revival of Tourist Visa for Foreign Nationals

With the improvement of the Covid-19 situation in India, the Government of the Republic of India has decided to commence issuing tourist visas to foreign nationals as per the following guidelines:

Tourist Visa Guidelines

• From October 15, 2021: All foreign nationals intending to visit India for tourism purposes will be allowed to enter India on a Tourist Visa through chartered flights (for group tourism only).
• From November 15, 2021: All individual foreign nationals intending to visit India for tourism purposes will be allowed to enter India on a Tourist Visa.
• The above-mentioned foreign nationals would be permitted to enter India by water routes or by flights, including those under the Vande Bharat Mission, the ‘air bubble scheme’, or any scheduled/non-scheduled commercial flights as permitted by the Ministry of Civil Aviation.
• Note: Entry into India through land Integrated Check Posts (ICPs) on a Tourist Visa is not allowed.
• All foreign nationals intending to travel to India for tourism purposes are required to obtain a Fresh Tourist Visa. Existing valid Tourist Visas, if any, continue to remain suspended.
• In respect of quarantine and all other health/COVID-19 related matters, the extant guidelines of the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare shall be strictly adhered to.

Visa for Uzbek Citizens and Residents

All Uzbek citizens and foreign nationals residing in Uzbekistan are eligible to apply for a Tourist Visa as per the above guidelines at the Embassy of India, Tashkent.

As regards Afghan nationals, visa issuance continues to be regulated under different guidelines published earlier (refer to the Embassy’s circular dated August 27, 2021, under the heading “Cancellation of physical visas granted to Afghan nationals” on the Embassy’s website).

eVisa Scheme for Afghan Nationals

e-Visa Scheme for Afghan Nationals:-

Afghan Passport holders can apply for an e-Emergency X-Misc Visa on
https://indianvisaonline.gov.in/eVisa

e-Visa Application Process

• Register on the authorized portal: Indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
• Select e-Visa category and fill in the application
• Pay e-Visa fee online using Credit/Debit card or Payment Wallet
• Receive Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) via email
• Fly to India with a printout of ETA
• Present ETA at Immigration Check Post where e-Visa will be stamped on the passport

India eVisa Online

India eVisa Online:- Indianvisaonline.gov.in/evisa/tvoa.html
	Type of Visa	Document Required
1	e-Emergency X-Misc Visa	Applicant’s recent colored photo (2in x 2in, size less than 1 MB) Scanned bio page of the passport showing the photograph and details National ID card (Tazkira) Any proof of residence in Afghanistan Any proof of occupation
2	e-Visa Help Desk	+91-11-24300666 (24 x 7)
3	Payment Helpdesk	Axis Bank Technical Support: Email: ecom@axisbank.com Toll-free: +91-40-6717-4100 SBI ePay Technical Support: +91-22-2753-5773 (24 x 7)
4	e-Visa is non-extendable, non-convertible, and not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted and Cantonment Areas. Prior permission is required to visit these areas.

Important Notes:

• Sample e-Visa application form is available at the bottom of the e-Visa main page.
• Upload a recent front-facing photograph with white background and passport photo page with personal details. An additional document may be required depending on visa type. Application may be rejected if documents are unclear or not as per specifications.
• e-Visa fee is country/territory-specific. A 2.5% bank transaction charge applies. Fee must be paid at least 4 days before travel.
• e-Visa fee is non-refundable, regardless of ETA approval or rejection.
• Carry a copy of ETA and ensure its status is ‘GRANTED’ before travel. Track application status on the e-Visa website.
• Biometric details will be captured at immigration on arrival in India.
• e-Visa is not valid for visiting Protected/Restricted/Cantonment areas without prior permission.
• Payment status update may take up to 2 hours. Do not reapply immediately; verify status using the ‘Verify Payment/Pay Visa Fee’ option.
• Travelers from Yellow Fever-affected countries must carry a Yellow Fever Vaccination Card or may face quarantine for 6 days.
• You must travel on the passport used for the e-Visa application. If traveling on a new passport, carry the old passport with ETA.

Please keep all required documents ready before starting your e-Visa application. All documents including business cards and invitation letters must be in English, otherwise the application may be rejected.

Additional Information:

• Due to recent developments in Afghanistan, the Government of India has introduced a sub-category “e-Emergency X-Misc Visa” for Afghan nationals.
• All physical visas issued to Afghan nationals who have not yet arrived in India are now cancelled.
• Afghan nationals entering India on e-Emergency X-Misc Visas must register with FRRO/FRO within 7 days of arrival. Movement to another city also requires re-registration.
• Only Afghan nationals with valid ETA for e-Emergency X-Misc Visa issued by BOI will be permitted to board India-bound flights.
• Afghan nationals with Long Term Visa (LTV) who went abroad on Return Visa are exempted.