India suspends visa issuance to Canadian nationals

IMPACT — HIGH

The Indian government suspended visa processing for Canadian nationals as part of escalating tensions between the countries. The move comes in response to Canada’s allegations that the Indian government was involved in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Sikh activist and naturalized Canadian citizen.

Key Points:

• India’s Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Arindam Bagchi announced the suspension during a regularly scheduled news conference.
• All categories of Indian visas will be halted for Canadians until further notice. Additionally, Canadian nationals are not permitted to apply for an Indian visa in a third country.
• It is not yet clear whether Canadian nationals who already possess valid visas remain eligible for travel to India.

Additional Information: Bagchi cited security threats to staff in Canadian consulate staff as the reason for the suspension. The Indian government also issued a travel warning to its citizens in Canada on Wednesday. The Canadian government pulled some staff from its Indian consulates due to threats earlier this week, according to press reports. While processing of Canadian visas continues in India at this time, delays should be expected. BAL will continue to monitor the diplomatic dispute and provide updates as information becomes available.

This alert has been provided by the BAL Global Practice Group.

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