Canada Suspends Visa and Consular Services in India, Except Delhi

Canada has temporarily suspended visa and in-person consular services in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. The services will only be available at the Canadian High Commission in Delhi. It is important to mention here that, India had suspended visa processing in Canada about a month ago.

As per the latest travel advisory updated on October 19, only the Canadian High Commission in Delhi will provide these services, while services in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai have been put on hold.

Canada’s Travel Advisory for India

Canada’s travel advisory for India, which was updated on October 19, 2023, states:

In the context of recent developments in Canada and in India, there are calls for protests and some negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional media and on social media. Demonstrations, including anti-Canada protests, could occur and Canadians may be subjected to intimidation or harassment.

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In Delhi and the National Capital Region, you should keep a low profile with strangers, and not share your personal information with them. Avoid crowded areas, including public transportation. You should always travel with someone and inform a friend or a family member of your travel plans.

Consular Services Temporarily Unavailable in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai

The travel advisory also states that consular services in person are temporarily unavailable in and around Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai. Consular services in person at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi will remain available.

Must Read: Indian Visa Applicants to Canada to Face Delays

Impact on Visa Processing

The suspension of visa and consular services in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai is likely to have an impact on visa processing for Canada in India. It is unclear how long the suspension will last.

India’s Decision to Remove Diplomatic Immunities

The Canadian foreign minister, Melanie Joly, said that India’s decision to unilaterally remove diplomatic immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents in Delhi by October 20, 2023, would have a negative impact on the levels of services to Consulates in both countries.

As a result, Canada has had to put a pause on all in-person services in its Consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai, and Bengaluru.

Soured Relations Between India and Canada

Relations between India and Canada soured last month after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accused the Indian government of having a link to Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar’s killing on Canadian soil.

India has strongly denied these allegations and said that the “core issue” in its relationship with Canada is the safe space that “terrorists and criminal elements” have secured in that country.

Conclusion

The suspension of visa and consular services in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai is likely to have a significant impact on travellers and businesses between India and Canada. It is important to check the latest travel advice from both governments before travelling.