THUNDER BAY — There has been some progress in the conflict between Canada and India.
India's high commission in Canada said this week that the country's officials will resume processing some types of visa applications for Canadians applying from across the country as well as abroad.
The country stopped issuing visas on Sept. 21 following an announcement from Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the House of Commons that Canada's intelligence services were probing "credible" information about "a potential link" between India's government and the killing of a Canadian Sikh leader in British Columbia.
Since then both countries have removed most of their diplomats and travel has been limited.
“[Cancelling or halting] visa services [has been a real setback] for a lot of community members who want to go back to India [but] do not have a visa to [do so],” says Prashant Jani, who sits on the board of the Vedic Cultural Centre in Thunder Bay. “Many people have a marriage or some programs to attend, and with marriage season, many people won't be able to go back. That's a real setback.”
Jani notes that marriage season begins as early as October and can run until March.
The Vedic Cultural Centre is a community services project that is open to all regardless of race, religion, sex, nationality or economic status.
Jani has an Overseas Citizen of India card, which allows him to travel back and forth to his home country.
Those who have the card don't have to worry about the delays in getting an Indian passport.
However, there is a delay in getting the cards, which used to take five-to-six-weeks — now as long as five months.
“There are Sikh families living in Thunder Bay, and there are international students who want to come, stay and study here,” Jani said. “[I hope that cooler head will prevail] and figure [things out]. Some students [that I have talked to are] wondering what will happen to their further visa [but officials have since stated that] those who have a visa will get [it] going back to India.”
The Vedic Cultural Centre, according to Jani, welcomes roughly 200 visitors on a weekly basis for their programming
India's high commission in Canada noted that beginning on Thursday business, medical and conference visas will resume as well as entry for people with family ties in India.
According to 2022 figures, Thunder Bay is home to 2,745 people that are South Asian, which encompasses people with roots in Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and the Maldives.
