'Students In Canada Worried Over Visa, Studies': SAD Chief Badal Urges Amit Shah To Intervene

MEA Spokesperson Arindam Bagchi has said that discrimination in grant of visas to Indians by the Canadian government would be taken up as a serious concern.

Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president and MP Sukhbir Singh Badal said on Thursday there was panic among Indian students studing in Canada due to the strain in ties between the two nations and he requested Home Minister Amit Shah to find a solution to the issue. Badal said he had received several calls from the students in Canada who expressed concern over their studies and visas, ANI reported.

"Many students from India who are studying in Canada are worried that if their visa is denied what will happen. I have received many calls from the students about what will happen to their studies in Canada. This panic is increasing and there will be a massive reaction to this," ANI quoted Badal as saying. 

"The current situation between India and Canada is now affecting the people of Indian origin living in Canada...A panic-like situation is developing among the people. The government of India should find a solution soon. I have requested this from Home Minister Amit Shah," the Punjab leader further said.

Notably, diplomatic tensions have escalated between New Delhi and Ottawa with the expulsion of diplomats from both sides. Earlier on Saturday, September 20, the Indian government asked a Canadian diplomat to leave within 5 days. Following the growing tensions between both the ‘G20’ members, the Indian government also released an advisory for Indian nationals and students studying in Canada. “In view of growing anti-India activities and politically-condoned hate crimes and criminal violence in Canada, all Indian nationals there and those contemplating travel are urged to exercise utmost caution,” the advisory read. 

Earlier today, the Indian government also suspended visa services for Canadian nationals citing ‘operational reasons.’ News agency PTI quoted a notification from the official website of the 'India Visa Application Center Canada', which read: "Important notice from Indian Mission: Due to operational reasons, with effect from 21 September 2023, Indian visa services have been suspended till further notice. Please keep checking the BLS website for further updates."

Amid the escalations, there have also been reports on the internet alleging targeted attacks on a  specific community and Indian diplomats in Canada, as well as reports on the concerns on Indian students studying in Canada. 

In a weekly press brief today, the official spokesperson of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) Arindam Bagchi said that the ministry and the government are continuously monitoring the situation in Canada with regards to Indian citizens and students in Canada. He said, "We have stopped the visa process for Canadian citizens including e-Visas. However, how the Canadian side treats Indian citizens and students is something to be taken note of. Discrimination in grant of visas by the Canadian government would certainly be a concern to be taken seriously," indian students will not be affected by New Delhi's policies, he said. "We've issued an advisory to take precautions. Our Consulate is working there. We have said that if they face any problem, they can contact our Consulate," he further added. 

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