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Visa application must be assessed on merit: MEA on US social media scrutiny
The statement comes hours after the US Embassy in India said that the visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles in visa applications
Rahul Goreja New Delhi
India on Thursday said that all visa applications of Indian nationals should be assessed on merit, responding to recent United States (US) guidelines requiring social media details in visa applications.
Commenting on the matter during the weekly briefing, Ministry of External Affairs Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said, 'Visa, and immigration matters pertain to sovereign functions of any country. But, we have seen the guidelines issued by the US Embassy, providing details of social media identifiers in visa applications. But it is our belief that all visa applications of Indian nationals should be treated on the basis of merit. We remain engaged with the US side on all mobility issues and consular issues to ensure that the legitimate interests of Indian nationals are safeguarded.'
#WATCH | Delhi | On guidelines regarding visa issues in US, MEA Spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal says, "... Visa, and immigration matters pertain to sovereign functions of any country. But, we have seen the guidelines issued by the US Embassy, providing details of social media… pic.twitter.com/A3UBsT1shO
— ANI (@ANI) June 26, 2025
The statement comes hours after the US Embassy in India said that the visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last five years on the DS-160 visa application form.
"Omitting social media information could lead to visa denial and ineligibility for future visas," the embassy said.
Visa applicants are required to list all social media usernames or handles of every platform they have used from the last 5 years on the DS-160 visa application form. Applicants certify that the information in their visa application is true and correct before they sign and… pic.twitter.com/ZiSewKYNbt
— U.S. Embassy India (@USAndIndia) June 26, 2025
The enhanced scrutiny comes a part of US President Donald Trump's crackdown on illegal immigrants from across the world.
Earlier this week, the US Embassy also issued a directive asking all students and exchange visa candidates to change their social media privacy settings to public for vetting.
On June 24, it further added, "The United States has increased enforcement of immigration laws and removal of illegal aliens".
"Those who enter the United States illegally will face jail time and deportation," it said.
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