INDIA TAKES UP DELAYS IN VISAS, WORK PERMITS WITH CANADA

NEW DELHI: India on Monday raised with Canada the problems faced by its nationals in obtaining Canadian visas and work permits and issues being faced by Indian students in Canada.

The issues figured in the second India-Canada consular dialogue held in New Delhi. The two sides agreed to strengthen cooperation in extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters, according to a statement by the external affairs ministry.

The two sides held discussions on “issues of concern” to the Indian community, which is the largest diaspora in Canada. India also stressed on consular and visa issues, including “problems and delays in obtaining Canadian visa/ work permit/PR to Indian nationals” and “issues being faced by Indian students in Canada”.

The Indian side also raised the sharing of information on arrest of Indian nationals in Canada, assistance to Indians in case of health emergencies and their security, matters related to marital disputes, and problems related to fraudulent immigration, the statement said. The dialogue was held in a “cordial atmosphere” and both sides reiterated their commitment to continue to work towards solving citizen-centric issues, including reducing delays in visas and to further strengthen bilateral ties through people-topeople exchanges.