Following Ottawa’s announcement this week that it was “actively pursuing credible allegations” linking Indian government agents to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in June, India on Thursday suspended visa services for Canadian citizens citing security threats to its staff in its consulates in Canada. This action marked the escalation of tensions between the two countries.
What caused India to halt fresh visa issuance?
“The issue is the incitement of violence, inaction by Canadian authorities and the creation of an environment that disrupts the functioning of our consulates which is what is making us stop temporarily the issuance of visa services. We will review this situation on a regular basis,” the ministry of external affairs stated on Thursday.
Can Canadians who now reside in Canada apply for fresh visas to India?
No, India has stopped all visa services for Canadian people, with the exception of those who already have visas.
Can Indians who now reside in India travel to Canada?
Yes, as things stand. There are currently no restrictions on Indian travellers entering Canada from India.
Is it legal for persons to go from Canada to India for business or for pleasure?
No, assuming they already have a valid visa for India. The restrictions on Canadians applying for visas to India apply to all fields without exception.
Can citizens of other countries who hold Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards or valid Indian visas enter India?
Yes. The external affairs ministry made it clear on Thursday that anyone with a valid visa and OCI is allowed to visit India.
Can a Canadian who resides overseas apply for a visa to India?
No, a Canadian citizen would not be permitted to seek for an Indian visa, regardless of where they currently reside, the MEA announced on Thursday.
Will Canadians who reside in India be affected by the suspension of visas?
They still have valid visas, though. According to the guidelines regulating their respective visa categories, they can submit an application to renew their visa.
