Canada Visa Services Suspension: BLS International Says Suspension Will Have 'Negligible' Impact On Its Financials

In an exchange filing on Thursday, BLS International announced the suspension of India visa services in Canada on Thursday citing "operational reasons". 

India and Canada are currently embroiled in a diplomatic dispute concerning the killing of a Khalistani separatist leader.

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The private agency hired by India to carry out initial scrutiny of visa applications of Canadians said that it would have a "negligible" impact on its financials as it suspended Indian visa services in Canada with immediate effect. In an exchange filing, BLS International announced the suspension of India visa services in Canada on Thursday citing "operational reasons". 

However, the company said, "The impact of this move is negligible on our financials as the Canadian visa issuance business contributes less than 2 per cent to BLS International’s total annual revenue."

BLS International Services Limited is a listed firm in India, providing outsourcing services for government and diplomatic missions worldwide. Following the announcement of visa service suspension, shares of BLS International fell over 3 per cent. At the closing bell on Thursday, the stock settled at Rs 264, down 2.15 per cent from yesterday's closing price. 

India and Canada are currently embroiled in a diplomatic dispute concerning the killing of a Khalistani separatist leader. The conflict arose after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged possible involvement of the Indian government in the assassination of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist, in June.

India has strongly rejected these allegations, deeming them "absurd" and "motivated." In response, India expelled a senior Canadian diplomat, reciprocating Ottawa's expulsion of an Indian official in connection with the case.

Additionally, India has advised all its citizens in Canada and those planning to travel there to exercise "utmost caution." This advisory is in light of the growing instances of anti-India activities, "politically-condoned" hate crimes, and criminal violence in Canada.

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is scheduled to conduct its weekly press conference on Thursday at 4 PM During the conference, the MEA is expected to to address queries and provide clarification regarding the uncertainty surrounding the suspension of Indian visa services in Canada.