India-Canada Tensions Intensify: 58 Indians Deported in 2024 Amid Lack of Official Data

New Delhi/Toronto: In the midst of persistent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, a recent Right to Information (RTI) query has brought to light an important issue. The Indian Consulate in Toronto has acknowledged that 58 Emergency Certificates (ECs) were issued in 2024 on the request of Canadian authorities for deporting Indian nationals. But there is no official data available on the number of deportations.

This information was obtained through a Right to Information (RTI) application filed on 20 February, 2025 by Dr. Lakshya Mittal, National President of the United Doctors Front (UDF), a leading organization representing Indian doctors and medical students.

Rising Fears about Deportations:

The news has raised alarm, especially in the wake of diplomatic tensions between the two countries. In the last few years, Indian immigrant and student issues in Canada have been controversial. It is contended by experts that the lack of transparency over the number of total deportations serves only to create more uncertainty.

Reacting to the RTI report, Dr. Lakshya Mittal said, "The reply confirms that 58 ECs were issued for deportation, but the overall figure is not clear. The government must release complete data to make it transparent on this issue."

A Strain on India-Canada Relations:

India-Canada relations have been tested by a variety of issues in recent times, including quarrels over the Khalistan cause, diplomatic differences, and immigration policy. This latest revelation might further complicate bilateral relations.

With worries mounting, there are several pressing questions: Will the Indian government give a detailed report on deportations? Will the matter be taken up in diplomatic talks? And most critically—could there be more Indian citizens facing deportation from Canada?

Emergency Certificate (EC) for Indian Nationals in Canada:

An Emergency Certificate (EC) is given to Indian nationals requiring return to India on account of urgent reasons. It is provided in certain circumstances where a new passport cannot be issued. These are:

• Pending police verification in India, which precludes the issuance of a passport.

• Situations where a person has been refused a passport.

• Indian nationals who do not have a valid permit to remain in Canada.

• Individuals whose passports have been canceled, seized, or are expired for a long time.

• Persons who are ordered to be deported (Applications in such situations should be made through Canadian authorities, and the EC will be submitted directly to the agency involved—not to anyone or any third party).

• Any other circumstance under which issuing a passport is not possible.

The EC is strictly reserved for the repatriation of Indian nationals to India and is issued only upon verification of their Indian nationality. ^[1]

Parliamentary Question by Neeraj Dangi on Bilateral Tensions:

Neeraj Dangi, Member of Parliament, Rajya Sabha asked the Minister of External Affairs about security for Indian envoys, visa delays, Canadian admissions for students, and possible diplomatic talks to relieve tensions.

Reply by Minister of State Kirti Vardhan Singh on 5 December 2024:

• Security Arrangements: India has expressed concerns regarding threats to its diplomats in Canada, leading to increased security for Indian missions. Safety of Indian citizens in Canada is a priority.

• Visa Processing: Canadian visa processing to Indians continues to be steady, with 1.17 million visas issued in early 2024. Visitor visa processing currently takes 114 days.

• Diplomatic Discussion: India calls upon Canada to take action against anti-India forces, citing sovereignty as central to enhancing relations.

• Effect on Students: Indian students' enrollment in Canadian institutions has kept increasing over the last three years, as per Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) statistics:

  2021: 216,360 students

  2022: 318,380 students

  2023: 427,085 students

This is an indication that even with diplomatic issues, Indian students are still seeking higher education in Canada. ^[2]

References:

1. Consulate General of India, Toronto. "Emergency Certificate – General Info." Accessed February 26, 2025. https://www.cgitoronto.gov.in/page/emergency-certificate-general-info/.

2. Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India. "Impact of Rising India-Canada Tensions." Rajya Sabha, Accessed February 26, 2025. https://www.mea.gov.in/rajya-sabha.htm?dtl/38674/question+no1185+impact+of+rising+indiacanada+tensions.

By Sai Sindhuja K

_MSM