Canada Halts New Political Asylum Applications Amid India's Pressure

In a significant move, Canada has decided to stop accepting new political asylum applications, particularly from Indian nationals, following increasing diplomatic pressure from India. The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) department issued a notice on November 29, 2024, confirming this decision, citing national security concerns.

Key Highlights:
1.    Tightened Scrutiny on Existing Applications:
All pending asylum applications will now undergo detailed scrutiny, with a focus on identifying misuse of the asylum system. The decision reportedly follows allegations of misuse by individuals linked to extremist activities, including the controversial case of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistani separatist whose death had strained India-Canada relations.
2.    Ban on New Asylum Seekers:
The suspension applies to both private sponsorship and community-linked programs for political asylum seekers. The new rule will remain in effect until December 2025.
3.    Indian Pressure on Khalistani Activities:
India has intensified its diplomatic campaign against Khalistani elements allegedly misusing Canadian soil. This move is seen as a direct result of India’s firm stance on cracking down on activities that harm its sovereignty and integrity.
Reaction from Canada:
Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed surprise over the high misuse rate in asylum applications. He acknowledged flaws in the system that allowed individuals with dubious claims to exploit it for political asylum. This acknowledgment aligns with India’s demands for stricter controls on such applications.

Diplomatic Significance:
This marks a significant development in India-Canada relations, which have been under strain over recent political controversies. The decision also highlights Canada’s acknowledgment of India’s concerns regarding the misuse of asylum policies to shelter individuals linked to anti-India activities.

Asylum Figures and Future Impact:
•    In 2025, Canada is expected to admit around 23,000 private-sponsored asylum seekers, a significant reduction.
•    Between 2023 and 2024, over 13,000 political asylum applications were filed, with a large proportion from Indian nationals.
This move signals a potential thaw in strained relations between the two nations, as Canada works to address India’s concerns over Khalistani elements operating within its borders. However, human rights groups have expressed apprehensions over the potential impact on genuine asylum seekers.