NRIs : The recent restrictions announced on Thursday do not apply to individuals holding Overseas Citizens of India cards, as clarified by the Ministry of External Affairs.
However, the Indian government’s decision to suspend visa services for Canadian citizens, marking a significant escalation in the growing diplomatic tensions between the two countries, has disrupted the travel plans of non-resident Indians (NRIs) based in Punjab.
Many of these NRIs had intended to return to their ancestral homes in the state during the harsh Canadian winter. India’s action came shortly after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested that India might have been involved in the killing of Khalistani separatist leader and designated terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Surrey in June.
India has vehemently denied these allegations and, in turn, accused Canada of providing a safe haven for terrorists and extremists.
NRIs & Canada
Canada boasts a sizable Indian diaspora, with a significant portion originating from Punjab. Typically, numerous families plan their return to India in September and October, just before the commencement of the festive season.
A Canadian passport holder residing in Brampton, who had intended to attend her niece’s wedding in December. She shared, “I had plans to visit my brother after a six-year gap, but the recent developments on Thursday have forced us to put these plans on hold. We had already booked our air tickets for December 15 and were planning to apply for an Indian visa in October.”
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