In a proactive move, India has bolstered its visa services in Canada, enhancing accessibility through the inauguration of three additional centres. This development comes within a brief span of 45 days since the normalization of visa issuance in the country.
Operated by BLS International Services Canada Inc., the company managing outsourced visa services for India, the expansion entails the establishment of new facilities in Regina, Halifax, and Mississauga. Commencing operations on January 1, these centres aim to streamline processes for passport, visa, Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) card, and attestation applications, catering to both scheduled appointments and walk-ins.
The augmentation in service centres is a strategic response to the rising demand for consular services. The new visa and consular service outsourcing contract accommodates flexibility, allowing for the potential establishment of additional centres in response to evolving demand.
Sanjay Kumar Verma, India’s High Commissioner, emphasized the surge in demand for consular services, correlating with the increasing Indo-Canadian population, which presently stands at around 2.4 million. The outsourcing contract not only addresses core services but also incorporates premium offerings, including seasonal visits to Canadian cities, aligned with the specified terms and conditions.
The normalization of visa services on November 22 signified a significant easing of restrictions for Canadian citizens. This positive shift followed temporary suspensions in September, triggered by concerns raised by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. The latest expansion underscores India’s commitment to facilitating smoother visa processes and services for its citizens in Canada.
