Canada is considering special immigration steps for Indian and Pakistani nationals due to recent regional conflicts. Rising tensions between India and Pakistan have raised concerns for South Asian communities living in Canada. These potential measures aim to provide stability and support during uncertain times.
Background of the Conflict
In April 2025, a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir caused 26 deaths, mainly tourists. India blamed Pakistan for backing the attackers, a claim Pakistan denies. In response, both countries imposed strict visa bans, trade restrictions, and halted key agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty.
The closure of the Attari-Wagah border and limits on air travel have worsened family separations. Many Canadians of Indian and Pakistani descent, especially in British Columbia and Ontario, are deeply worried about safety and immigration uncertainties.
Who Lives in Canada?
Canada is home to around 1.3 million people of Indian origin and over 300,000 Pakistanis. Many are students, workers, or family members facing visa or travel challenges.
Possible New Immigration Measures
While no official policies are confirmed yet, Canada may introduce several temporary solutions:
- Visa Extensions: Allow visitors, students, and workers from India and Pakistan to extend expiring permits. This helps those who cannot return home due to travel bans or safety fears.
- Faster Family Reunification: Speed up processing of family sponsorships. This aims to reunite spouses, children, and parents affected by sudden visa cancellations.
- Humanitarian Permits: Offer special permits for individuals at risk because of the conflict. This could protect those fearing persecution or family separation.
- Streamlined Asylum: Provide better support for asylum seekers from these communities citing threats linked to the tensions.
- More Consular Support: Increase staff at Canadian consulates to handle the rise in visa and immigration questions, especially with reduced diplomatic ties in India and Pakistan.
Impact on Students
India and Pakistan send many students to Canada. Over 400,000 Indian students study here, and many worry about visa renewals and their ability to stay. Canada’s government may prioritize their needs in any new immigration plans.
Canada’s Past Actions in Crisis
Canada has a history of welcoming people from conflict zones:
- In 1971-72, over 5,000 refugees from East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) were resettled.
- During the 1999 Kosovo crisis, Canada fast-tracked over 7,000 refugees.
- In 2015, Canada accepted 25,000 Syrian refugees.
- After the 2022 Ukraine conflict, temporary residency was granted to over 200,000 Ukrainians.
- In 2023, special measures helped Sudanese nationals affected by civil war.
These examples show Canada’s ability to respond quickly to humanitarian needs.
Community Concerns and Reactions
South Asian Canadians have mixed feelings. Many welcome possible immigration relief but want peace efforts too.
Haroon Khan, Pakistan-Canada Association director in Vancouver, said, “We worry about families back home. Any help with visas would be a relief.”
Simran, an Indian student from Punjab, shared, “Visa uncertainty worries me. It could disrupt my studies and work plans.”
Vinay Sharma from the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society added, “Here in Canada, we are one family. We hope the government supports us and encourages peace.”
What’s Next?
The Canadian government has not confirmed new policies but is closely watching the situation. Any measures would help thousands caught between political tensions and immigration rules.
The success of such plans depends on quick action and efforts to ease India-Pakistan hostilities.
Final Thoughts
Canada’s South Asian communities hope for stability and peace both here and abroad. They look to the government for support during this challenging time.
Stay tuned for updates on immigration policies and regional developments. These changes could shape the futures of many Indian and Pakistani nationals living in Canada.