A diplomatic row between Canada and India has led to a suspension of
visa issuance, keeping many people from traveling between the two countries.
The crisis
began after the Canadian government accused the Indian government of being
involved in the murder of a Sikh activist living in Canada. Prime Minister Justin
Trudeau took the step of publicly accusing India of involvement in the murder of
Sikh activist Hardeep Singh Nijjar, who India considered a criminal for his advocacy
of an independent Sikh nation within India.
In response, India stopped processing visas for Canadians wishing to travel to
India, both within India and in third-party countries. Existing valid visas for
travel to India are still being honored. But the move has prevented many
nationalized Canadian citizens of Indian descent from traveling
back to India. Many of these Canadian-Indians were making plans to travel
to India for the festival of Diwali which takes place in November.
Canada has
not placed any restrictions on Indians traveling to Canada and is still
processing visa requests in India.
The two countries have also reduced the size of the other’s diplomatic missions in
their countries, and negotiations on a free-trade agreement between Canada and India
have been suspended.
Immigration Insights
We will continue to monitor the situation and will provide updates as they are
available.