Indians Can Expect Delays In Visa Processing: The diplomatic standoff between India and Canada has led to a slowdown in Indian visa applications.
This tension escalated after Canada removed 41 diplomats from India, following India’s decision to remove immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and their dependents in Delhi by October 20, 2023.
As a result, Canada has temporarily suspended visa and in-person consular services in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai.
It will only be available to the Canadian High Commission in Delhi. Likewise, India suspended visa processing in Canada some time ago.
The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) announced that it would reduce its workforce in India from 27 to just five employees. However, IRCC said it would continue accepting and processing applications from India.
The 5 Canada-based IRCC staff members who remain in India will focus on work that requires an in-country presence, such as urgent processing, visa printing, risk assessment, and overseeing key partners.
Processing times may be affected due to the decrease in Canadian diplomatic staff. Indian nationals may experience delays in visa processing, passport issuance, and responses to inquiries and visas.
However, Canada has assured that the remaining IRCC staff in India will carry out essential tasks necessary for the country.
Canada’s Foreign Minister, Melanie Joly, confirmed the departure of 41 diplomats and their 42 family members from India, noting India’s decision to remove diplomatic immunities as a risk to their safety.
In response to ongoing disputes between India and Canada, India has requested a decrease in the number of Canadian diplomats, aiming to establish ‘parity.’
However, Joly, a diplomat, highlighted the crucial role of diplomatic immunities in ensuring the safety of diplomats globally.
In response to ongoing disputes between India and Canada, India has requested a decrease in the number of Canadian diplomats, aiming to establish ‘parity.’
However, Joly, a diplomat, highlighted the crucial role of diplomatic immunities in ensuring the safety of diplomats globally.
She stated that the arbitrary withdrawal of such privileges violates international law and the Vienna Convention on Diplomatic Relations.
This development is expected to impact service delivery to citizens in both countries.
Canada issued a travel advisory for India, updated on October 19. The advisory warns that there are calls for protests and negative sentiment towards Canada on traditional and social media.
As a result, anti-Canada protests may occur, and Canadians could face harassment or intimidation.
In Delhi and the National Capital Region, it is advisable to maintain a low profile and avoid sharing your personal information with strangers.
Also, crowded areas, including public transportation, should be avoided, and it is recommended to always travel with someone.
Please note that visa consular in-person services are currently unavailable in and around Chandigarh, Bengaluru, and Mumbai.
However, Consular services in person at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi will remain available.
So, it is all about Indians Can Expect Delays In Visa Processing.
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Source:- economictimes.indiatimes.com
