New Delhi - Travel agencies in Amritsar have reported that a substantial number of Punjabi individuals residing in Canada had made advance bookings for air tickets, and they currently find themselves facing a challenging situation.
The recent suspension of visa services for Canadians, just prior to India's wedding and festive season, has raised concerns and created a sense of uncertainty, particularly among the Punjabi communities in both India and Canada. The Indian diaspora in Canada includes a significant Punjabi population, many of whom traditionally plan visits to their home country during the autumn and winter months. These visits serve various purposes, such as attending family weddings, spending quality time with loved ones, embarking on pilgrimage tours, paying respects at the Golden Temple, and even exploring property investment opportunities.
Navdeep Suri, a former Indian ambassador and high commissioner, expressed deep concern about the potential ramifications of the government's decision, especially considering the upcoming festive, holiday, and wedding season in India. He suggested that this situation could lead to a humanitarian crisis, particularly because many people of Indian origin (PIO) in Canada lack Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards. These OCI cards can significantly facilitate their travel and stay in India during times of disruption and uncertainty.
Suri noted that despite the Indian government's repeated appeals, a substantial number of PIOs with foreign passports have not obtained OCI cards. These cards could prove invaluable in the current situation. He emphasized that while the government had valid reasons for its decision, there may still be emergencies or urgent travel requirements that necessitate the establishment of a travel mechanism.
In response to the situation, travel agents in Amritsar, like Akash Joshi of 'A One Travels,' pointed out that a large portion of the Punjabi community in Canada had already booked non-refundable air tickets in advance. These individuals now face the prospect of substantial financial losses if they are unable to secure visas for their planned trips.