India’s High Commission has announced that the country will resume issuing some visas for citizens of Canada.
In a press release issued today, the Commission said that the decision has come after reviewing the security situation at the missions and after taking into account some Canadian measures, VisaGuide.World reports.
Following a thorough review of the security situation and considering recent measures implemented by Canada, India has decided to resume visa services for the following categories:
- Entry Visa
- Business Visa
- Medical Visa
- Conference Visa
“Emergency situations will continue to be addressed by the High Commission and the Consulates General as it is being done currently. Further decisions, as appropriate, would be intimated based on continuing evaluation of the situation,” the statement of India’s High Commission reads.
Last month, India suspended the issuance of new visas for Canadian citizens in response to Canada’s decision to suspend visas for Indian citizens over “security threats” against diplomats in the country.
The relationship between India and Canada deteriorated significantly when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau mentioned that Canada was looking into credible allegations of India’s potential involvement in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh separatist leader who was shot and killed in Surrey, British Columbia, in June.
This incident was described by the police as a “targeted killing,” although no suspects have been identified so far. These allegations and investigations have contributed to the strain in diplomatic relations between the two countries.
BLS International, the company responsible for processing visa applications for India in Canada, informed Indian stock exchanges that visa services have been temporarily suspended and will remain so until further notice. This diplomatic standoff between the two countries has led to these visa service disruptions.
After this decision, Berry Appleman & Leiden LLP (BAL) said that India’s decision to suspend visa issuance for Canadian nationals will not impact those who currently hold valid visas. According to the same, this means that individuals who already possess valid visas for India will not be affected by the temporary suspension of new visa issuance for Canadian citizens.
The changes in visa policies were a response to the increasing tensions between the two countries. Indian authorities announced these changes due to the escalating tensions between India and Canada. However, BLS International has also stated that Canadians in India can apply for visa renewals based on the rules and regulations that apply to their specific visa categories.
