India Suspends Visa Services in Canada: What You Need to Know: India has taken a surprising step by indefinitely suspending visa services in Canada, citing the Canadian government’s perceived inaction. This decision carries significant implications for travellers, immigrants, and the Indian diaspora in Canada. Let’s delve into the details.

The Suspension Announcement

BLS International, an online visa application centre, made the announcement on September 21st, confirming the suspension of India’s visa services in Canada until further notice. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) subsequently corroborated this news during a press conference, emphasizing their assessment of the situation at regular intervals.

Travelers with Existing Visas

Important to note is that individuals with valid Indian visas can continue their travel plans to India. This assurance came during a CNBC-TV18 interview with an MEA spokesperson, offering relief to those already possessing Indian visas.

Impact on Canadian Nationals

The suspension immediately affects Canadian nationals planning trips to India. Jyoti Mayal, President of the Travel Agents Association of India, confirmed the Indian High Commission’s cessation of visa issuance to Canadian nationals. Conversely, the Canadian embassy maintains its acceptance of visa applications and the issuance of visas to Indian nationals, though the situation remains fluid with ongoing updates anticipated.

The BLS International Notice

A significant turning point in this suspension saga occurred when BLS International posted a notice. It reads, “Due to operational reasons, with effect from September 21, 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended until further notice. Please keep checking the BLS website for updates.” Remarkably, this message briefly disappeared before being swiftly reposted on the BLS International website. The company attributed the temporary removal to a technical glitch.

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Clarification on Visa Services

It’s essential to clarify that platforms like BLS International facilitate visa services but do not directly issue visas. BLS International confirmed it does not provide Canadian visas directly, but rather collaborates with embassies. While Canada has not indicated any suspension of visas for Indian nationals, a joint statement from the Ministry of Home Affairs and the Ministry of External Affairs may provide further clarity on the visa process.

The Diplomatic Context

This suspension unfolds amid escalating diplomatic tensions between India and Canada following the killing of a Khalistani separatist leader in Canada. Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations of potential involvement by Indian government agents in the killing led to a diplomatic standoff. India has rejected these claims as absurd and motivated, resulting in the expulsion of a senior Canadian diplomat in retaliation.

Indian Diaspora in Canada

Canada boasts a significant Indian diaspora, constituting approximately 3.7 percent of the country’s population according to the 2021 Canadian census, with Sikh-Canadians comprising about 2 percent. Moreover, Canada hosts around 800,000 international students, 40 percent of whom are from India, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada data.

Advisory to Indian Citizens

In a related development, on September 20, India issued a robust advisory to its citizens residing in Canada and those considering travel there. The advisory urged “utmost caution” due to growing anti-India activities and “politically-condoned” hate crimes in Canada. The Ministry of External Affairs specifically cited threats targeting Indian diplomats and sections of the Indian community opposing the “anti-India agenda.” Indian nationals were advised to avoid regions and venues in Canada associated with such incidents.

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