#India suspends visas

[amitkakkarhealthyway]

India-Canada Visa Services Temporarily Suspended | Amit Kakkar Healthyway

[businessconstruct]

India wants Canada to reduce the number of diplomats interfering in their affairs.

Earlier today, India suspended visa services in Canada, potentially impacting thousands who are seeking to travel to India. New Delhi is located in India. Today, the government announced that it has requested Canada to downsize its diplomatic presence in India. The government cited the “interference of Canadian diplomats in Indian affairs” as the reason for this request. The diplomatic row over…

[allthecanadianpolitics]

India's visa processing centre in Canada suspended services Thursday as a rift widened between the countries after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said India may have been involved in the killing of a pro-Khalistan activist and president of Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara in British Columbia, Hardeep Singh Nijjar.  So what does that mean for Canadians planning trips to India? Here's what we know so far: Who does this affect?  Canadian citizens who do not have a visa for India or were in the process of applying for one.  What type of Indian visa can I apply for? India's Ministry of External Affairs confirmed the decision to stop all categories of visas, including e-visas, for Canadian Citizens. If you're a Canadian national wondering whether you can apply for an Indian visa from a third country, like the U.S., you will be subjected to the same suspension of services.  

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Tagging: @politicsofcanada

[beardedmrbean]

ASSIS BRASIL, Brazil (AP) — Dozens of migrants sleep in a mosquito-infested six-bedroom wooden shelter in the Brazilian Amazon, their dreams of a better life in the U.S. on hold because of President Joe Biden’shalt on asylum.

Johany “Flaca” Rodríguez, 48, was ready to leave behind the struggles of life in Venezuela. She has been waiting in the shelter holding 45 people in Assis Brasil, a city of 7,000 residents bordering Peru, because others told her how difficult the journey to the U.S. has become.

Migrants, police, officials and analysts say Biden’s actions have caused a wait-and-see attitude among migrants who are staying in Latin America’s biggest economy, at least for now. Like anywhere along migrants’ routes toward hoped-for new lives, local communities are finding it hard to meet new populations’ needs.

After sleeping on dirty mattresses and in half-torn hammocks, and eating rice, beans and ground beef, Rodríguez decided this month that she and her dog Kiko would spend a few weeks with friends in the southern state of Rio Grande do Sul.

Wearing a headband, leggings and a small backpack, Rodríguez woke early to walk more than 100 kilometers (62 miles) for two days to a nearby city of 27,000 residents. There, she hopes to make some money and take a bus to Brazil’s south, then reach the U.S. one day.

“I have to stay here until it is safer to go,” Rodríguez said. “I am not super happy about staying (in Brazil), but that’s what I can do.”

Brazil saw waves of migrants passing through to North America in the first part of the year. There were Indians, Bengalis, Senegalese and Nigerians, among others, said Rêmullo Diniz, the coordinator of Gefron, Acre state’s police group for border operations,

When Biden said he was going to crack down, many people in those groups began staying in their countries instead of heading to Latin America, Brazilian government officials and independent analysts said. For citizens of South American countries, it’s easier. Brazil allows residents of its 10 neighboring nations to stay visa-free for up to two years.

The Biden administration said last week that arrests for illegal crossings from Mexico fell more than 40% since asylum processing was temporarily suspended at the U.S. border with Mexico on June 5. Arrests fell below 2,400 a day for the first time during Biden’s presidency.

Acre state offers a snapshot of the attitude among many migrants, and raises the possibility that Acre and other resting spots will become long-term hosts.

The city of Assis Brasil has little to offer to migrants but the wooden shelter where Rodríguez was staying and a school gymnasium where 15 men can sleep. There are two small hotels and a bus stop used by vans crossing into Peru. It has five restaurants scattered along its main road, two grocery shops and an ice cream parlor that has Amazon flavors like local fruits cupuacu and tapereba. Migrants frequently beg for money at the city’s only square.

There are three daily flights into state capital Rio Branco, where 21-year-old Jay came from India en route to the U.S. to study engineering. He declined to disclose his hometown and his last name.

Wearing a white cap reading “RIO DE JANEIRO,” he said that “it would take too long if I just sat and waited,” in India.

“It is a long trip, very risky. But it is my dream to study there and I will accomplish it,” he said.

Brazil’s westernmost state is a remote enclave in the middle of the rainforest, used by tourists as part of an alternative route to visit Cuzco, once the capital of the Inca empire in Peru.

One of Assis’ main attractions for locals is sitting on the benches of its main square Senador Guiomard to watch soccer on TV and eat barbecue. The small city’s founders came to the Amazon in 1908 to start a rubber plantation that 50 years later became a city. Not much has changed since, despite the BR-317 road that runs by it, the only land connection between Brazil and Peru. When residents of Assis Brasil are bored, and they often are, they go to neighboring Peruvian city of Iñapari to have a drink, generally a pisco sour.

Venezuelan migrant Alexander Guedes Martinez, 27, said he will stay as long as needed to get more cash and maybe in a year go to Houston, where he has family. He came with his 17-year-old partner and their 5-month-old baby.

At the Assis Brasil shelter where they were staying last month, he said that he hopes “to go (back) to Venezuela and get key documents to try to cross in a better fashion.”

“I want to be cautious because of my daughter,” he said. “Being here helps.”

Acre state’s patrol has about 40 agents to inspect 2,600 kilometers (1,615 miles) of border with Peru and Bolivia. A main road connects the three countries, but local police say that many migrants also move through the forest, some of them carrying drugs.

Cuban migrant Miguel Hidalgo, 52, tried to get to the U.S. years ago. He left the island to Suriname, then came to Brazil and doesn’t plan on leaving any time soon.

“I like Brazil. I have been here for a short time, but people are not prejudiced against me, people are lovely,” he said. “I want to live like a human being. I am not asking for any riches. I want to live in tranquility, help my family in Cuba.”

Acre Gov. Gladson Camelli said in a statement to the AP that he is worried about a bigger influx of South American migrants coming soon.

“Our government has tried to do its part in the humanitarian support,” he said.

Assis Brasil’s Mayor Jerry Correia also is bracing for more demand. City hall is feeding about 60 migrants every day and voters are feeling upset in a year of mayoral elections.

“This is all on our back. This is a policy that has to be handled by the federal government,” Correia said. “People don’t know what happens on our border. We need to be seen.”

[stele3]

[mariacallous]

Vladimir Putin has signed a decree that revokes an earlier law he himself had signed in May 2012, during his third presidential term in Russia. What has just been revoked is a vision of Russia’s foreign policy that contained specific instructions to the government on cultivating cooperative relations with foreign countries, based on respect for the neighbors’ sovereignty and the promise of cooperation with various world regions. The new decree, effective February 21, 2023, disposes with that framework, appealing to Russia’s “national interests” in connection with “deep changes taking place in international relations.” Here are just some of the foreign policy provisions that Putin’s new decree overturns.

Vladimir Putin’s 2012 decree on foreign policy contained specific instructions to Russia’s Foreign Ministry, including “consistent implementation” of the New START nuclear arms reduction treaty signed in 2010 by Russia’s then-president Dmitry Medvedev and U.S. President Barack Obama. (In 2021, Russia and the U.S. extended the treaty to February 2026.) Putin signed the new decree on the same day he addressed Russia’s Federal Assembly, when he said that Russia was suspending its participation in New START.

But other foreign policy provisions are also being overturned in one fell swoop, as pointed out by Russian media. Policies that are no longer guaranteed by the Russian law include:

establishing external conditions that favor Russia’s long-term development;

affirming the fundamental principles of the UN Charter, which require cooperation between states, based on equality and respect for the member states’ sovereignty and territorial integrity;

active work on resolving the situation in Transnistria based on respect for Moldova’s territorial integrity, sovereignty, and neutrality;

active cooperation with Belarus within the framework of the supranational Union State;

active assistance in the strengthening of Abkhazia and South Ossetia as modern democratic states;

promoting the creation of a single economic and civic space spanning from the Pacific to the Atlantic coast, including efforts to lift the EU short-term visa requirements for Russian nationals and collaboration in developing a unified European energy complex;

fostering a stable and predictable relationship with the U.S., based on the principles of equality, non-intervention, and respect for mutual state interests, along with further efforts to relax reciprocal visa requirements;

deepening trust and equal strategic partnership with China, as well as strategic partnerships with India and Vietnam and mutually profitable cooperation with Japan, South Korea, Australia, and New Zealand;

developing a relationship with NATO in proportion to the alliance’s willingness to consider Russia’s national interests.

[workersolidarity]

🇮🇳🇨🇦 India suspends Visas for Canadians after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau accuses India and the Modi Government of assassinating a Punjabi Sikh 'Khalistan' Separatist living in Canada.

[news365timesindia]

[ad_1] Paromita Das GG News Bureau New Delhi, 16th October. The diplomatic rift between Bharat and Canada has escalated dramatically following the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar in June 2023. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims that Bharatiya agents were involved in the killing have led to a severe downturn in relations between the two countries. This has had significant implications, particularly for the visa processes that connect these nations and their citizens. Background The relationship between Bharat and Canada has historically been characterized by a strong diaspora connection, with a large number of Bharatiya-origin Canadians traveling to Bharat for family reunions, tourism, and business. However, the current diplomatic standoff, marked by mutual expulsions of diplomats and accusations of involvement in extraterritorial activities, has raised concerns about the future of this connection. Since the controversy erupted, Canada has taken drastic steps, reducing its diplomatic presence in Bharat by more than two-thirds. In a reciprocal action, Bharat has expelled six Canadian diplomats, heightening the tension further. This back-and-forth expulsion has led to concerns about the operational capabilities of their respective embassies and consulates, potentially affecting the processing of visas and services for citizens of both countries. Impact on Visa Processes The immediate fallout of the strained ties was felt when Bharat suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens for several weeks. This suspension was particularly impactful given that many Canadian citizens, especially those of Bharatiya descent, travel to Bharat for familial ties, cultural visits, or business purposes. During this suspension, the Bharatiya diaspora faced significant challenges, as they were unable to apply for visas through Bharatiya missions even in third countries. Families were left stranded, and individuals who had planned trips faced uncertainties that disrupted personal and professional lives. Although individuals with valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards or long-term visas were not directly affected, the broader community experienced a sense of disarray and frustration. Following this period, Bharat gradually resumed its visa services in November 2023, prioritizing business and medical visas. However, the backlog of applications and the ongoing scrutiny of applicants, due to the political context, may lead to further delays and complications. As diplomatic tensions continue, the operational capacity of both countries’ diplomatic missions is likely to remain constrained, complicating visa processes further. The ongoing tit-for-tat measures reflect a deepening mistrust that could hinder the normal functioning of diplomatic relations for the foreseeable future. The impact of these strained ties will likely resonate within the Bharatiya diaspora in Canada and their families in Bharat, who continue to bear the brunt of these geopolitical developments. Conclusion The current diplomatic crisis serves as a poignant reminder of how international relations can have immediate, real-world effects on ordinary citizens. The importance of maintaining open lines of communication and dialogue cannot be overstated, especially in a world that increasingly relies on the movement of people for business, culture, and family ties. Both Bharat and Canada need to find a path towards de-escalation and constructive engagement to ensure that their respective citizens are not unduly harmed by political disagreements. The resilience of the Bharatiya diaspora is commendable, but it is crucial for both governments to prioritize the well-being of their citizens over political disputes. Rebuilding trust and understanding will be essential in paving the way for a more stable and cooperative future.   [ad_2] Source link

[news365times]

[ad_1] Paromita Das GG News Bureau New Delhi, 16th October. The diplomatic rift between Bharat and Canada has escalated dramatically following the assassination of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Nijjar in June 2023. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claims that Bharatiya agents were involved in the killing have led to a severe downturn in relations between the two countries. This has had significant implications, particularly for the visa processes that connect these nations and their citizens. Background The relationship between Bharat and Canada has historically been characterized by a strong diaspora connection, with a large number of Bharatiya-origin Canadians traveling to Bharat for family reunions, tourism, and business. However, the current diplomatic standoff, marked by mutual expulsions of diplomats and accusations of involvement in extraterritorial activities, has raised concerns about the future of this connection. Since the controversy erupted, Canada has taken drastic steps, reducing its diplomatic presence in Bharat by more than two-thirds. In a reciprocal action, Bharat has expelled six Canadian diplomats, heightening the tension further. This back-and-forth expulsion has led to concerns about the operational capabilities of their respective embassies and consulates, potentially affecting the processing of visas and services for citizens of both countries. Impact on Visa Processes The immediate fallout of the strained ties was felt when Bharat suspended the issuance of visas to Canadian citizens for several weeks. This suspension was particularly impactful given that many Canadian citizens, especially those of Bharatiya descent, travel to Bharat for familial ties, cultural visits, or business purposes. During this suspension, the Bharatiya diaspora faced significant challenges, as they were unable to apply for visas through Bharatiya missions even in third countries. Families were left stranded, and individuals who had planned trips faced uncertainties that disrupted personal and professional lives. Although individuals with valid Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards or long-term visas were not directly affected, the broader community experienced a sense of disarray and frustration. Following this period, Bharat gradually resumed its visa services in November 2023, prioritizing business and medical visas. However, the backlog of applications and the ongoing scrutiny of applicants, due to the political context, may lead to further delays and complications. As diplomatic tensions continue, the operational capacity of both countries’ diplomatic missions is likely to remain constrained, complicating visa processes further. The ongoing tit-for-tat measures reflect a deepening mistrust that could hinder the normal functioning of diplomatic relations for the foreseeable future. The impact of these strained ties will likely resonate within the Bharatiya diaspora in Canada and their families in Bharat, who continue to bear the brunt of these geopolitical developments. Conclusion The current diplomatic crisis serves as a poignant reminder of how international relations can have immediate, real-world effects on ordinary citizens. The importance of maintaining open lines of communication and dialogue cannot be overstated, especially in a world that increasingly relies on the movement of people for business, culture, and family ties. Both Bharat and Canada need to find a path towards de-escalation and constructive engagement to ensure that their respective citizens are not unduly harmed by political disagreements. The resilience of the Bharatiya diaspora is commendable, but it is crucial for both governments to prioritize the well-being of their citizens over political disputes. Rebuilding trust and understanding will be essential in paving the way for a more stable and cooperative future.   [ad_2] Source link

[secreteviltwin]

canada should expel all indian diplomats and suspend all visas <3 and they should have done it a year ago when india first sent 4 assassins to kill a canadian citizen and then spent a year tantruming about getting caught

[allthecanadianpolitics]

There was "shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners" that informed Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's public allegation of a potential link between the government of India and the murder of a Canadian citizen, United States Ambassador to Canada David Cohen confirmed to CTV News. In an exclusive interview on CTV's Question Period with Vassy Kapelos airing on Sunday, Cohen confirmed "there was shared intelligence among Five Eyes partners that helped lead Canada to making the statements that the Prime Minister made." On Monday, Trudeau informed the House of Commons in a rare statement on a matter of national security that Canadian intelligence agencies were investigating "credible allegations" that agents of the Indian government were involved in the June death of prominent Canadian Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar in B.C. In the days since, as diplomatic tensions continue to ratchet up — from Canada reassessing its staffing in India, to India suspending visa services for Canadians — there have been swirling questions about what intelligence is at the centre of this story, who was aware of it, and when.

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Tagging: @politicsofcanada

[beardedmrbean]

India has stopped issuing visas to Canadian citizens amid an escalating row over the killing of a Sikh separatist on Canadian soil.

India said the temporary move was due to "security threats" disrupting work at its missions in Canada.

Tensions flared this week after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said India may have been behind the 18 June killing.

But Mr Trudeau said on Thursday he was not looking to provoke India with the allegation.

India has angrily rejected the allegation, calling it "absurd".

Speaking to reporters in New York, on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly, Mr Trudeau said: "There is no question that India is a country of growing importance and a country we need to continue to work with."

He said Canada was not looking to provoke India or cause problems with the allegation but is unequivocal about the importance of the rule of law and protecting Canadians.

Relations between the countries - key trade and security partners, and US allies - have been strained for months. Analysts say they are now at an all-time low.

India's government swiftly made clear the suspension of visa services also "applies to Canadians in a third country".

"There have been threats made to our high commission [embassy] and consulates in Canada," a foreign affairs ministry spokesman in Delhi said. "This has disrupted their normal functioning. Accordingly [they] are temporarily unable to process visa applications."

He said: "India is looking for parity in rank and diplomatic strength between the diplomatic missions of the two countries. This is being sought because of Canadian diplomatic interference in our internal affairs."

Hours earlier Canada had announced it was reducing its personnel in India, saying some diplomats had received threats on social media.

"In light of the current environment where tensions have heightened, we are taking action to ensure the safety of our diplomats," a statement said.

Canada's visa services remain open in India.

The two countries have historic close ties - and much is at stake.

How India-Canada ties descended into a public feud

Why are some Sikhs calling for a separate state?

Canada has 1.4 million people of Indian origin - more than half of them Sikhs - making up 3.7% of the country's population, according to the 2021 census. India also sends the highest number of international students to Canada - in 2022, they made up 40% of total overseas students at 320,000.

According to Indian government statistics, about 80,000 Canadian tourists visited India in 2021, behind only the US, Bangladesh and UK.

The row burst into the open on Monday after Canada linked India with the murder of separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen who was shot dead in his vehicle by two masked gunmen outside a Sikh temple in British Columbia.

Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canada's intelligence agencies were investigating whether "agents of the government of India" were involved in the killing of Nijjar - who India designated a terrorist in 2020.

India reacted strongly, saying Canada was trying to "shift the focus from Khalistani terrorists and extremists" who had been given shelter there. The Indian government has often reacted sharply to demands by Sikh separatists in Western countries for Khalistan, or a separate Sikh homeland.

On Thursday, Mr Trudeau was pressed by journalists about what evidence there was that suggested India was linked to the murder.

He did not share further details, but said "the decision to share these allegations was not done lightly".

"It was done with the utmost seriousness," Mr Trudeau said, urging Indian officials to cooperate with the investigation into the killing.

A spokesperson for the Indian foreign ministry said Canada has not shared specific information with India on Nijjar's murder.

"We have conveyed this to the Canadian side, made it clear to them that we are willing to look at any specific information that is provided to us," said Arindam Bagchi on Thursday. "But so far we have not received any such specific information."

The Khalistan movement peaked in India in the 1980s with a violent insurgency centred in Sikh-majority Punjab state.

It was quelled by force and has little resonance in India now, but is still popular among some in the Sikh diaspora in countries such as Canada, Australia and the UK.

[one-world-news]

Sri Lanka: Eliminates Visa Charges and Re-establishes Online Application Process

Sri Lanka, a popular tourist destination known for its rich culture, historical landmarks, and breathtaking landscapes, is once again taking steps to revive its tourism sector. In an effort to attract more international visitors and stimulate economic growth, the Sri Lankan government has announced the elimination of visa charges and the re-establishment of an online visa application process. This move comes as a part of the country's broader strategy to boost post-pandemic tourism and make it easier for travelers to visit the island nation.

Why the Change?

The tourism industry in Sri Lanka has long been a key contributor to the nation’s economy. However, the COVID-19 pandemic severely impacted global travel, and Sri Lanka was no exception. The country saw a sharp decline in tourist arrivals, which affected businesses reliant on tourism, such as hotels, restaurants, and local tour operators.

As global travel resumes, the Sri Lankan government has recognized the need to remove barriers that might deter potential visitors. By eliminating visa fees and making the application process more streamlined through an online system, Sri Lanka aims to make the travel experience more convenient and accessible.

Visa-Free Entry: What It Means for Tourists

The removal of visa charges is expected to have a significant positive impact on tourism. This policy allows citizens from a large number of countries to enter Sri Lanka without having to pay the typical visa fee, making it a more affordable destination.

In the past, tourists had to pay a fee to obtain a visa for entry into Sri Lanka, which could sometimes be a deterrent, particularly for budget-conscious travelers. With this cost barrier removed, tourists may be more inclined to choose Sri Lanka over other destinations. The country is positioning itself as an attractive option for those seeking an affordable yet culturally rich and scenic holiday destination.

This change is also expected to encourage longer stays. With no visa fee to worry about, tourists may opt to explore more regions of the country and extend their visit, benefiting local businesses and contributing to economic growth.

The Re-established Online Application Process

In addition to eliminating visa charges, the Sri Lankan government has re-established an online visa application process. This system was temporarily suspended during the height of the pandemic but has now been reinstated with improvements aimed at enhancing user experience.

The online process allows tourists to apply for a visa from the comfort of their homes before they arrive in the country, making the process more efficient and reducing the hassle of on-arrival paperwork. This update not only speeds up the application process but also improves accessibility for travelers worldwide.

What It Means for Sri Lanka’s Tourism Future

Sri Lanka's decision to eliminate visa fees and re-establish the online application process is a forward-thinking strategy to revive its tourism sector. The initiative shows the government’s commitment to making the country more accessible and affordable for global travelers. As international travel picks up again, this policy could play a crucial role in restoring Sri Lanka’s status as one of the top tourist destinations in Asia.

With the island’s unique blend of nature, culture, and adventure, this visa policy reform is a welcome step toward positioning Sri Lanka as a must-visit destination for travelers around

Read more: About Latest News, Latest India News, Business News, Sports News, Entertainment News, Recipes Tips Healthy Lifestyle, Fashion & Lifestyle, Travel & Leisure and more from One World News

[citizenrecord]

Bangladesh unrest: Kolkata traders facing losses, businesses down in last 15 days

The political unrest in Bangladesh has severely impacted Kolkata's traders, with over 500 businessmen facing significant losses due to the decline in Bangladeshi customers. The collapse of the Bangladeshi government has halted the influx of Bangladeshi visitors to Kolkata, affecting various businesses dependent on their patronage.

Their business had been declining for the past 15 days, but since Monday, after Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina left the country and the government collapsed, Kolkata businessmen have been experiencing huge losses.

Many people who come to Kolkata from Bangladesh live in Marquise Street, Kyd Street, Esplanade, and the Newmarket area. Since Bangladeshis prefer to stay in these areas whenever they visit Kolkata, traders here are completely dependent on Bangladeshi citizens for their livelihood. From foreign currency exchange centers to travel agencies, visa assistance centers, and bus, train, and flight ticket booking agencies, as well as hotels, restaurants, and various small to large businesses, have sprung up in every corner of these particular areas.

Apart from tourists, numerous people from Bangladesh come to Kolkata for medical treatment. However, since the protests started in Bangladesh, the number of Bangladeshis traveling to Kolkata has decreased, causing businessmen in these areas to suffer from the economic downturn.

Since the government collapsed in Bangladesh, Bangladeshi people have almost stopped coming to Kolkata. Bangladeshi citizens who had already made appointments with doctors in Kolkata have been canceled in the last few days. Several hospitals in Mukundapur, Kolkata, which completely depend on Bangladeshi patients, are also suffering from a lack of patients.

Suhail Akhter Qureshi, the owner of a renowned travel agency in Kolkata, told India Today, "Our business was going bad for the last 15-20 days, but since yesterday, we are sitting in an empty shop because no customers are coming to book any tickets. The train between Kolkata and Dhaka was suspended, and flight operations were also suspended. Our business is losing because of this political unrest in Bangladesh”.

Asif Iqbal, a forex trader in Kolkata, told India Today, "Since the rate of the Bangladeshi currency has fallen from 72 to 68, we are facing huge losses in the forex business. We have never faced this significant a loss in forex trade in recent times”.

Shiv Kant Choudhary, a hotel and restaurant owner, told India Today, "We mainly rely on Bangladeshis for business in this area, but our hotels have been completely empty for the past few days as all those who booked rooms in advance have canceled. The streets that used to be so crowded are now almost empty”.

Like almost everyone else, these Kolkata businessmen are hoping the situation in Bangladesh returns to normal soon so that they can resume their trade depending on Bangladeshi citizens in Kolkata.