Afghanistan, July 27 -- Afghan residents in Mazar-i-Sharif say intermediaries are demanding hundreds or thousands of dollars to arrange Iranian visas despite an announcement that visas for Afghan pilgrims travelling for Arbaeen would be issued free of charge under specified conditions, according to reports.
Residents in Mazar-i-Sharif reported that some intermediaries were offering to arrange Iranian Arbaeen visas for between $1,000 and $1,700. Some residents said they had been approached by intermediaries demanding large sums to secure visas, while an investigation found indications of an informal market for Iranian visas.
According to the report, some companies said intermediaries charged at least $500 per applicant to arrange an Irania...