India has suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens indefinitely, citing "operational reasons." This move follows a heated international dispute between India and Canada concerning allegations made by Ottawa linking Indian agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a pro-Khalistan Sikh extremist. This article explores the background and implications of this suspension.

The Dispute over Hardeep Singh Nijjar

Ottawa's Allegations

• Canada has claimed it possesses "credible allegations" connecting agents of the Indian government to the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a known pro-Khalistan Sikh terrorist.
• Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly stated that his country's security agencies had information indicating the involvement of "agents of the Indian government" in Nijjar's killing.

India's Response

• India vehemently rejected these allegations as "absurd" and "motivated."
• India expressed concerns over Canadian political figures openly showing sympathy for individuals involved in anti-India activities, including Khalistani terrorists.

Visa Suspension and Its Context

Visa Suspension

• On Thursday, India suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens indefinitely. BLS International, a private agency responsible for initial visa application scrutiny for Canadians, cited "operational reasons" for the suspension.
• It remains unclear if the visa suspension is directly linked to the ongoing dispute over Nijjar's murder.

Tensions between India and Canada

• Prior to the visa suspension, India-Canada relations were strained following a conversation between Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Canada's Justin Trudeau during the G20 Summit in Delhi.
• During this conversation, PM Modi expressed India's concerns about "continuing anti-India activities" taking place in Canada.

Diplomatic Actions

• In response to the escalating dispute, both countries expelled senior officials.
• Canada ordered a senior official of India's Research and Analysis Wing to leave the country, while India ejected a diplomat for "interference in internal matters and involvement in anti-India activities."
• Both nations also issued travel advisories targeting each other's citizens, expressing concerns about safety.

Travel Advisories and Safety Concerns

Canadian Advisory

• Canada updated its travel advisory for India, echoing the United States' advisory. It specifically mentions Jammu and Kashmir and the northeast, warning of "violent clashes between militants and security forces" in the former and "ethnic tensions" leading to "conflict and civil unrest" in the latter.

Indian Advisory

• In response, India advised its citizens in Canada, as well as those contemplating travel to Canada, to exercise "utmost caution." The advisory cited concerns about anti-India activities and "politically-condoned" hate crimes.

Background on Hardeep Singh Nijjar

• Hardeep Singh Nijjar, aged 45, was shot dead outside a gurdwara in Canada's British Columbia in June.
• Hailing from Punjab's Jalandhar, he was the chief of the banned Khalistan Tiger Force and one of India's most wanted terrorists.
• A ₹10 lakh cash reward was offered for his capture or information leading to his arrest, including his involvement in the killing of a Hindu priest in Punjab's Jalandhar.
• Nijjar is also accused in a 2007 bombing case in Punjab and is believed to have ties to recent attacks on Indian diplomatic missions in the United Kingdom, United States, and Canada.

This visa suspension adds to the complexity of the ongoing dispute between India and Canada, highlighting the diplomatic tensions and concerns surrounding the issue of terrorism and its alleged state-sponsored involvement.

Answers to Your Top Questions About India's Suspension of Visa Services for Canadians

India's Ministry of External Affairs says it will review the situation on a regular basis

India's visa processing center in Canada suspended services, leading to concerns among Canadians planning trips to India. Here are answers to some of the top questions about this suspension:

Who does this affect?

This suspension affects Canadian citizens who either do not have a visa for India or were in the process of applying for one.

What type of Indian visa can I apply for?

India's Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed the decision to stop all categories of visas, including e-visas, for Canadian citizens. 

If you are a Canadian national wondering whether you can apply for an Indian visa from a third country, such as the U.S., you will be subjected to the same suspension of services.

I've already got a plane ticket and I'm heading to the airport. Will my trip be affected?

If you have a valid visa or an Indian passport, you can travel. There is no travel restriction for those who already possess the necessary documents. 

However, the announcement pertains to the suspension of visa services in Canada, which means Canadian nationals can't apply for visas or have them processed until the Government of India resumes visa services. 

It's important to note that having a visa does not guarantee admission to a country; it only permits you to seek admission at a port of entry.

Should I be worried for my Canadian family member in India right now? Can they return to Canada?

Canadian nationals in India who need an extension of their visa won't be able to receive one during this suspension period. However, if they already have a valid visa, they are allowed to stay in India or travel back and forth.

Is traveling to India right now a safety risk for me?

Both Canada and India have issued regional travel advisories for specific Indian states. These advisories may affect your travel plans, so it's essential to check the latest travel advisories for the specific areas you plan to visit.

I'm planning to go back in November or December for a wedding. What does this mean for that trip?

If you have a visa or an Indian passport, you can still travel for your planned trip in November or December. 

The Ministry of External Affairs in India has stated that they will "review the situation on a regular basis," so it's advisable to stay updated on the status of visa services through India's visa processing platform, BLS International, or reputable news sources like CBC.

Does this mean people in India won't be able to book trips to Canada?

Indian nationals with a valid visa to Canada are still allowed to travel to Canada. However, Canada is making staffing changes to its high commission and consulate in India due to perceived threats to diplomats, which could lead to changes in visa processing or suspension of visa services in the future.

Will this affect Indians applying for Canadian visas? What about incoming international students?

As of now, Canada has not suspended its visa services in India. However, the Indian government has requested "parity" in staffing, highlighting that Canada has more diplomatic presence in India than India does in Canada. 

The High Commission of Canada has temporarily adjusted its staff presence in India due to diplomats receiving threats on social media. This adjustment could potentially lead to delays in visa processing or suspension of visa services in the coming days and weeks.

Can people who already possess visas still enter the country?

Canadian residents with valid visas to India or those who have overseas citizenship of India are still allowed to travel to India.

I am an Indian citizen. Can I travel to India?

Yes, if you are an Indian national and hold an Indian passport, you do not require a visa to enter India.

What if I applied for a visa before this announcement?

Your visa application will not be processed until further notice from the Indian government. You should monitor updates from official sources to know when visa services will resume.

Do Canadians need a transit visa?

If you are not leaving the airport during your layover, you do not need a transit visa in India. However, if your travel plans require a stay in India, you will need a transit visa. Unfortunately, Canadian nationals are currently unable to obtain a transit visa until the suspension of visa services is lifted.

How long will this last?

The duration of this suspension is uncertain, and the situation is evolving. The Indian government has stated that they are reviewing the situation on a regular basis, so it's crucial to stay informed about any updates regarding visa services.

What if I have tickets booked and don't have a visa?

Air Canada has implemented a flexible rebooking policy for customers affected by new visa requirements. This policy allows travelers to change their flights with no change fee if they need more time to prepare due to the suspension of visa services. It's advisable to contact your airline for specific guidance on rebooking your flights.

What if I have an urgent need to travel to India during this suspension?

If you have an urgent need to travel to India during the suspension of visa services, you should contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate to inquire about any exceptional circumstances or provisions that may apply to your case.

Can Canadians already in India apply for visa extensions while in the country?

During this suspension, Canadians already in India cannot apply for visa extensions. They will need to abide by the terms of their existing visas and cannot extend their stay until the suspension is lifted.

Are there any exceptions to this suspension for certain categories of travelers, such as business professionals or diplomats?

As of now, there are no announced exceptions to the suspension of visa services for Canadian citizens. The suspension applies to all categories of visas, including tourist, business, and diplomatic visas.

What should Canadians do if they had already started the visa application process before the suspension?

If you had initiated the visa application process before the suspension, your application will remain on hold until further notice. You should monitor updates from the Indian government and the visa processing platform for any changes in the application process.

Are there any alternative routes or options for Canadians who need to travel to India urgently?

During this suspension, there are no alternative routes or options for obtaining an Indian visa in Canada. Canadian travelers are advised to wait for the resumption of visa services or explore travel options to other destinations.

How can Canadians stay updated on the latest developments regarding this situation?

To stay informed about the latest developments, Canadians planning to travel to India can monitor updates from official sources, including the website of India's visa processing platform, BLS International, and reliable news outlets like CBC. The situation may evolve, so staying informed is crucial.

Are there any specific measures or precautions Canadians should take if they decide to travel to India despite the suspension?

Canadian travelers should closely follow the travel advisories issued by both the Canadian and Indian governments. It's essential to be aware of any safety concerns, health protocols, or regional restrictions that may affect your travel plans. Additionally, travelers should have contingency plans in case of unexpected changes or delays related to their trip.

How does this suspension impact Canadians with dual citizenship, including Indian-Canadian dual citizens?

Canadians with dual citizenship, including Indian-Canadian dual citizens, may still travel to India using their Indian passport, which does not require a visa for entry to India. However, they should ensure that their Indian passport is up-to-date and valid.

Are there any specific guidelines for Canadian travelers with ongoing medical treatment in India during this suspension?

Canadian travelers with ongoing medical treatment in India should contact their healthcare providers in India to discuss their situation and explore options for continuing their treatment. It's advisable to keep all relevant medical documents and prescriptions readily available when traveling.

What should Canadians do if they had already booked accommodation and made travel plans to India?

If you had already made travel plans and booked accommodation in India but do not have a valid visa, you may want to consider rescheduling your trip or exploring alternative travel destinations until the visa services resume. Check with airlines and accommodations regarding their change or cancellation policies.

How can Canadians obtain a refund for their visa application fees if they had already applied before the suspension?

To seek a refund for visa application fees, Canadians who had already applied before the suspension should follow the instructions provided on the website of India's visa processing platform, BLS International. They may need to contact BLS International directly for refund inquiries.

Are there any exemptions for diplomatic or official passport holders from Canada?

As of now, there are no specific exemptions mentioned for diplomatic or official passport holders from Canada. All visa categories, including diplomatic visas, are part of the suspension. Diplomats and officials from Canada should consult with their respective authorities and the Indian government for guidance on their travel to India.

Can Canadians travel to India if they hold a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card?

Yes, Canadians holding a PIO (Person of Indian Origin) or OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) card can travel to India during the suspension of visa services. These cards provide certain travel privileges, and visa requirements may not apply to holders of PIO or OCI cards.

What should Canadians do if they have questions or concerns about their specific travel situation?

If Canadians have specific questions or concerns about their travel situation, such as unique circumstances or emergencies, they should contact the nearest Indian embassy or consulate in Canada for guidance and assistance. Consular services may be available for urgent cases.

Will Canadians in Canada be able to apply for new visas to India?

No, India has suspended all visa services for Canadian citizens, with the exception of those who already hold existing visas.

Can Indians in India travel to Canada?

Yes, as of now, Canada has not imposed any restrictions on Indians traveling to Canada.

Can people travel from Canada to India for work or business?

Yes, individuals with existing Indian visas can travel for work or business purposes. However, those without a valid visa will not be permitted to travel, as India's visa application restrictions apply to Canadians across various sectors.

Can individuals with valid Indian visas or Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards travel to India?

Yes, those with valid Indian visas and OCI cards are allowed to travel to India, as clarified by the external affairs ministry.

Can a Canadian living abroad apply for an Indian visa?

No, even if a Canadian citizen resides in another country, they will not be able to apply for an Indian visa, as stated by the Ministry of External Affairs.

Will the visa suspension affect Canadians living in India?

No, the current visas of Canadians residing in India remain valid. They can follow the visa renewal procedures in accordance with their visa categories.

I am an Indian student accepted into a Canadian university. Can I still travel?

As of 10 AM on Friday, there are no travel restrictions for Indian citizens, including students, traveling to Canada.

I am an Indian citizen studying in Canada. Can I travel to India?

Yes, the Ministry of External Affairs has confirmed that there are no restrictions on Indian citizens, whether students or otherwise, traveling to India from Canada.