Amid Ongoing Diplomatic Tensions, Canada Announces Visa Processing Slowdown for Indian Applicants
In light of the ongoing diplomatic dispute between Canada and India, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has confirmed that the visa processing for Indians seeking entry into Canada will experience delays. The reason behind this slowdown is India’s request for Canada to reduce the number of its diplomats stationed in India.
According to a statement from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), “Following India’s intent to unilaterally remove immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents in Delhi by October 20, 2023, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is reducing its number of employees in India from 27 to 5. IRCC will continue to accept and process applications from India, but reduced staffing levels are expected to impact processing times.”
This reduction in Canadian diplomatic staff in India may lead to delays in various services for Indian citizens, including visa processing and passport issuance. However, IRCC assured that staff in Canada will handle necessary tasks.
The statement also highlighted that the majority of applications from India are already processed outside the country, with 89% of India’s applications being handled through the global network. The five Canada-based IRCC staff who remain in India will focus on tasks that require an in-country presence, such as urgent processing, visa printing, risk assessment, and overseeing key partners.
In response to the diplomatic dispute, Canada has removed 41 of its 62 diplomats in India, along with their dependents. Foreign Minister Mélanie Joly noted that exceptions have been made for 21 Canadian diplomats who will continue their work in India.
Joly acknowledged that India’s decision will impact the level of services provided to citizens of both countries, and as a result, Canada will temporarily pause in-person services in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bangalore.
This diplomatic tension between the two countries stems from a September 18 announcement by Canada’s Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, accusing India of involvement in the murder of a prominent Sikh activist in Canada, Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Canada alleges India’s role in the killing, while India denies involvement and accuses Canada of harboring separatists, leading to diplomatic disputes and protests against the accusation.
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