Kapurthala MLA Rana Gurjeet Singh emphasized that improved ties would benefit not only families on both sides but also the economies of India and Canada, which share a significant annual trade relationship of $10 billion
As diplomatic tension strains the relationship between India and Canada, Non-Resident Indians (NRIs) in Canada are reluctantly putting their Punjab travel plans on hold, hindustantimes.com reported.
The issue stems from an ongoing standoff that erupted after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged potential involvement of Indian agents in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in June 2023. This led India to halt visa services for Canadians, disrupting the annual influx of NRIs who typically visit Punjab for festivals and family events during the wedding season.
Karanveer Singh, an NRI from Brampton, had planned to celebrate his daughter’s first birthday in Jalandhar with his parents this November. However, the escalating diplomatic situation has caused him to delay the trip. Reflecting on a similar incident last year, he states, “I’ll wait until the situation improves to apply for my daughter’s visa to India.” For many NRIs, this cautious “wait and watch” approach is now essential to avoid potential losses and the challenges faced by visa applicants amid delays and cancellations.
Others, like Jagdish Sarao from Mississauga, have also postponed travel plans for key family celebrations in Punjab. Though they hold Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, allowing more streamlined travel, they are wary of any developments that could impact them mid-journey, particularly after the expulsion of the Canadian High Commissioner and the ongoing backlog in visa approvals.
Adding to the broader issue, journalist Ramanjit Singh points out the impact on international students, who contribute significantly to Canada’s economy but face limited support from the government
As diplomatic tensions persist, financial strains are likely to follow, affecting businesses and trade between the two nations
For Indian families hoping to visit Canada, similar issues abound. Gurbachan Singh, who recently re-applied for a Canadian visa, shared that his plans to visit his children and grandchildren in Canada this December might be delayed indefinitely. His visa provider cautioned that recent developments could prolong processing times, leaving families in limbo.
Travel consultants like Navreet Kaur highlight how these developments directly impact families who travel on tourist visas, adding, “With both countries scaling down diplomatic staff, visa processing will suffer, adding further delays to an already impacted system.”
Besides travel setbacks, NRIs on study and work permits, including students like Ajaydeep Singh, are also rethinking their visits. Amid heightened concerns, rumors and misinformation circulating on social media have only intensified anxiety. “We need better cooperation and accurate information from both governments,” states Jaspreet Singh, a student activist in Canada.
***********************************************************
Readers
These are extraordinary times. All of us have to rely on high-impact, trustworthy journalism. And this is especially true of the Indian Diaspora. Members of the Indian community overseas cannot be fed with inaccurate news.
Pravasi Samwad is a venture that has no shareholders. It is the result of an impassioned initiative of a handful of Indian journalists spread around the world. We have taken a small step forward with the pledge to provide news with accuracy, free from political and commercial influence. Our aim is to keep you, our readers, informed about developments at ‘home’ and across the world that affect you.
Please help us to keep our journalism independent and free.
In these difficult times, running a news website requires finances. While every contribution, big or small, will make a difference, we request our readers to put us in touch with advertisers worldwide. It will be a great help.
For more information: pravasisamwad00@gmail.com