India-Canada Row: Visa Services at Risk Amid Diplomatic Spat

Aakhir Tak – In Shorts

The ongoing India-Canada diplomatic row may impact visa services.
Visa applicants, particularly students, are facing uncertainty.
The number of Indian students in Canada may decline as visa services face disruptions.

Aakhir Tak – In Depth

The diplomatic tension between India and Canada is affecting visa services, potentially making it harder for Indian students and immigrants to get visas. India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has stated that it reserves the right to take further action, which could further reduce the number of visas issued. This uncertainty is causing concern, especially among students who plan to study in Canada.

The diplomatic fallout began when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused Indian agents of involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar. In response, India expelled six Canadian diplomats and recalled its High Commissioner and other officials, further straining bilateral relations. This downsizing is expected to reduce the capacity to handle visa applications, leading to fewer Indian students getting the opportunity to study in Canada.

Canada has already withdrawn a majority of its diplomats and reduced staff at its missions. The impact on visa services has already been felt, as Canada capped international student visas at 360,000, cutting them by 35% from 2022 levels. This policy disproportionately affects Indian students, who make up 41% of the international student population in Canada. The limited number of visas has already reduced opportunities for Indian students seeking higher education in Canada.

Indian-origin Canadians with valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards or long-term visas were unaffected during the suspension of visa services. However, for regular visa applicants, the situation has been challenging. India resumed its visa services in phases, prioritizing business and medical visas in November 2023.