BLS International, the firm which processes Indian visa applications in Canada, posted a message on its website about the suspension of services. This followed the external affairs ministry's advisory on Wednesday urging Indians in Canada to exercise utmost caution due to "politically condoned hate crimes".
The suspension of visa services is also expected to affect a significant section of the 1.6 million Canadians of Indian origin, many of whom have relatives in India. The temporary visa suspension will also apply to Canadian citizens applying for visas in third countries and to e-visa applications. It will not affect those who already possess valid visas or the Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards.
VFS Global, the firm which processes Canadian visa applications in India did not immediately indicate any similar suspension, although analysts and diplomats say they expect Canada to suspend all visa services for Indian nationals at the earliest. The was no official response from the Canadian side as this paper went to print.
Before the external affairs ministry (EAM) announced the move to downsize Canada's diplomatic presence, the foreign ministry in Ottawa said it planned to temporarily pull some staff from the high commission and consulates in India due to threats to Canadian diplomats on social media.
The developments reflected the continuing downward spiral in bilateral relations since Trudeau spoke of a "potential link" between Indian government agents and the slaying of Nijjar, a designated terrorist, on Monday. Trudeau's accusation - dismissed by the Indian side as "absurd and motivated" - triggered a diplomatic row and resulted in tit-for-tat expulsions of senior diplomats.
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times dergisinin September 22, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Giriş Yap
Bu hikaye Hindustan Times dergisinin September 22, 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Giriş Yap
Bracelet confessions: Are Khushi-Vedang Insta official?
After dodging questions around their rumoured romance for almost a year, actors Khushi Kapoor and Vedang Raina may have finally let the cat out of the bag – thanks to a bracelet.
SANJAY BANGAR'S KID ARYAN IS NOW ANAYA
The former cricketer's child Anaya has gone viral after sharing her transition story
A nice change of pace: Rithvik on surprise birthday trip to Dubai
Actor Rithvik Dhanjani turned 36 in style this month (on November 5), celebrating with friends on a lavish cruise in Dubai.
Gambhir bats for KL Rahul to open if Rohit misses first Test
For India players, young and old, the tour of Australia is a chance to show how good they really are
SANGITA'S DOUBLE HANDS INDIA WIN OVER MALAYSIA IN OPENING MATCH
Young striker Sangita Kumari scored a brace as defending champions India defeated Malaysia 4-0 to open their campaign at the women's Asian Champions Trophy hockey tournament on a confident note on Monday.
Ruud beats Alcaraz in ATP Finals opener
Norway's Casper Ruud eased to a straight-sets victory over Carlos Alcaraz as the Spanish star's bid for a maiden ATP Finals title got off to a poor start.
Imagine how many countries have players like KL, who can actually open, can bat at No.6 as well... he can do the job for us, if Rohit is not available for the first Test
The players left in two batches and will be there well in time for the series opener, but settling down is not going to be easy.
Usha and IOA EC members in row over Natl Games
The announcement of dates for next year's National Games in Uttarakhand has sparked a fresh row between Indian Olympic Association president PT Usha and its executive committee members.
The Gambhir-Rohit chemistry faces big test in Australia series
India coach Gautam Gambhir's media conference on Monday morning before leaving for Australia was so last minute that it couldn't be arranged in the hotel the squad members were staying in.
Chakravarthy gets second wind in spin tale for India
It's rare that spinners take to South African pitches with relish.
