India last week suspended new visas for Canadians and asked Ottawa to reduce its diplomatic presence in the country.
A blanket suspension of new visas by India for a Western country is unheard of and marks the lowest point of India-Canada relations. However, Canada has not reciprocated by banning visas for Indian citizens.
The announcement came hours after Canada’s high commission in India said it would temporarily “adjust” staff presence in the country after some diplomats received threats on social media platforms.
Indian foreign ministry spokesperson Arindam Bagchi said India suspended issuing new visas to Canadian citizens due to “security threats” to its staff in its consulates in Canada.
India did not give details of the nature of these security threats, and Canada’s public safety minister Dominic LeBlanc said in response that Canada was a safe country.
Canada is the fourth largest source of foreign tourists with 350,000 visitors in 2019. Since 2018, India has been the largest source of international students in Canada, with their numbers rising 47% in 2022 to nearly 320,000.
Who does this affect?
Canadian citizens who do not have a visa for India or were in the process of applying for one.
India’s Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the decision to stop all categories of visas, including e-visas, for Canadian Citizens. This includes applying from a third coutry such as the United States
Canadian citizens who have a valid visa or an Indian passport can travel easily. There is no travel restriction.
The announcement is about suspension of visa services in Canada, which means Canadian nationals can’t apply for visas or get them processed until the Government of India resumes visa services. However, a visa does not guarantee admission to a country and right of refusal remains.
Should I be worried for my Canadian family member in India right now? Can they return to Canada?
If a Canadian national in India needs an extension of visa, they won’t be able to receive one. But if they have a visa, they are allowed to stay in India or travel back and forth.
Traveling to India
Canada has regional travel advisories for Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Gujrat, and Rajasthan. India has a travel advisory for Indian nationals and international students in Canada.
Canada citizens intended to travel to India during winter holidays or for weddings will have to adjust their schedule
The Ministry of External Affairs in India says it will “review the situation on a regular basis.” Users can find updates on India’s visa processing platform BLS International.
Indian nationals with a valid visa to Canada are still allowed to travel to Canada. Canada is making staffing changes to its high commission and consulate in India. It is too early to say what the situation will look like in the coming months, weeks or even days.
Indian students in Canada
So far, Canada has not suspended its visa services in India. The Indian government says it’s asked for “parity” in staffing and asked Canada to reduce its staff.
The High Commission of Canada has said it is temporarily adjusting its staff presence at its commission and consulate locations in India. This could mean delays in visa processing, or suspension of visa services.
Those in Canada who possess valid visas to India or those who have overseas citizenship of India are free to travel to India. Canadians hoping to travel to India have been hit hard by India’s sudden decision to suspend visa services. If they already submitted the visa application, it will not be processed until further notice from the Indian government.
