The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), which is the immigration unit of the Canadian government, has announced that it is reducing its number of employees in India from 27 to five. This decision comes after India expressed its intention to remove immunities for all but 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents in Delhi. As a result, the Consulates General of Canada in Bengaluru, Chandigarh, and Mumbai have temporarily suspended their in-person operations.
According to a travel advisory posted online by the Canadian government, individuals can obtain consular assistance and further information from the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi. However, consular services in person will only be available at the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi.
While IRCC will continue to accept and process applications from India, it has cautioned that reduced staffing levels are expected to impact processing times. The five remaining staff members in India will focus on work that requires an in-country presence, such as urgent processing, visa printing, risk assessment, and overseeing key partners.
It is important to note that the majority of applications from India are already processed outside the country, with 89% of India’s applications processed through the global network. India is one of the top source countries for immigrants to Canada, with a significant number of Indian students also studying in Canada.
IRCC has advised clients from India to expect delays in overall processing times, responses to their enquiries, and in getting their visas or passports returned. Despite these delays, IRCC emphasizes that Canada will continue to welcome Indian citizens, whether they wish to visit, work, study, be reunited with loved ones, or live permanently in the country.
In light of recent developments, the travel advisory for those travelling to India from Canada warns of potential protests and negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional and social media. It cautions Canadians to keep a low profile with strangers, avoid sharing personal information, and to avoid crowded areas and public transportation. Travellers have also been asked to exercise caution in and around Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Chandigarh.
Overall, the reduction in staff and temporary suspension of in-person operations in certain cities may lead to delays in visa processing for Indians bound for Canada. It is important for individuals to stay updated with the latest information and follow the travel advisories issued by the Canadian government.