Nov 15: The 2nd India-Canada Consular Dialogue was held in New Delhi on 14 November 2022. Shri Devesh Uttam, Joint Secretary (CPV) led the Indian delegation, while the delegation from Canada was led by Ms. Marie-Louise Hannan, Director General, South Asia Bureau at Global Affairs Canada. The Consular Dialogue mechanism between India and Canada was instituted to discuss and improve consular, visa and mutual legal assistance cooperation, and to strengthen people-to-people contacts.
The two sides held wide-ranging discussions on issues of concern to Indian community which is largest diaspora in Canada. In the Consular Dialogue, the Indian side stressed on Consular and visa issues, which included problems and delays in obtaining Canadian visa/work permit/PR to Indian nationals; issues being faced by Indian students in Canada; sharing of information on arrest of Indian nationals in Canada; assistance to Indians in case of death/hospitalization/emergencies and their security; matters related to marital disputes; and problems related to fraudulent immigration/travel agents and fake job offers. Both sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in extradition and mutual legal assistance in criminal matters.
Discussions were also initiated on Migration and Mobility Partnership Agreement, where the Indian side was led by Shri Anurag Bhushan, Joint Secretary (OIA-I).
The Dialogue was held in a cordial atmosphere. Both sides reiterated their commitment to continue to work towards solving issues relating to citizen-centric issues including reducing delays in visas and agreed to further strengthen bilateral relations through people-to-people exchanges.
The next Consular Dialogue will be held in Canada next year.
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