IMMIGRATE

Canada May Launch New Immigration Measures For Indians and Pakistanis

May 10, 2025
5:53 pm

Share Now

Last Updated On 9 May 2025, 7:30 PM EDT (Toronto Time)

As geopolitical tensions between India and Pakistan escalate, Canada may roll out special immigration measures to support Indian and Pakistani nationals residing in the country.

This move may come in response to growing concerns among the Canadian South Asian diaspora about safety, family reunification, and visa uncertainties triggered by deteriorating relations between the two nuclear-armed neighbours.

We have seen in the past where the Canadian government stepped forward to support citizens of countries facing war-like situations.

The Canadian government has already issued travel advisories for Pakistan and India.

The latest spike in India-Pakistan tensions stems from a deadly militant attack in Indian-administered Kashmir in April 2025, which claimed 26 lives, mostly tourists.

India has accused Pakistan of supporting the attackers, a claim Islamabad vehemently denies.

In retaliation, both nations have imposed severe diplomatic and economic measures, including visa cancellations, trade bans, and the suspension of critical agreements like the Indus Waters Treaty.

The closure of the Attari-Wagah border and restrictions on air travel have further strained cross-border movement, leaving many families separated.

These developments have reverberated across the country, home to nearly 1.7 million people of Indian origin and a significant Pakistani community.

British Columbians with ties to both nations have expressed deep concern, with community leaders calling for peace and de-escalation.

While no official policy has been confirmed, based on previous scenarios, the government may consider several temporary measures to address the challenges faced by Indian and Pakistani nationals.

These potential initiatives include:

Visa Extension Programs: Temporary extensions for Indian and Pakistani citizens on expiring visitor, student, or work permits.
- This measure aims to provide stability for those unable to return home due to travel bans or safety concerns.
Family Reunification Pathways: Expedited processing for family sponsorship applications to reunite separated families, particularly those affected by the abrupt visa cancellations between Pakistan and India.
- This could include priority processing for spouses, children, and parents.
Special Humanitarian Permits: Introduction of humanitarian permits for individuals facing risks due to the escalating conflict, especially those with cross-border family ties or who fear persecution.
Streamlined Asylum Processes: Enhanced support for Indian and Pakistani nationals seeking asylum, particularly those citing threats stemming from the regional instability.
Consular Support Expansion: Increased staffing at Canadian consulates to handle the anticipated surge in visa and immigration inquiries, following the reduction of diplomatic presence in both countries.

Students, who make up a significant portion of the Indian and Pakistani population, are particularly concerned.

With over 400,000 Indian students in Canada, visa uncertainties loom large.

Canada has a strong track record of implementing special immigration measures during global crises, offering a framework for the current proposals:

1971-1972: East Pakistani Refugees: During the Bangladesh Liberation War, the Canadian government resettled over 5,000 East Pakistani (now Bangladeshi) refugees, offering expedited visas and humanitarian pathways.
1999: Kosovo Crisis: Introduced the Humanitarian Designated Classes Regulations, welcoming over 7,000 Kosovar refugees with fast-tracked family reunification and temporary permits.
2015: Syrian Refugee Initiative: Canadian government resettled over 25,000 Syrian refugees through government and private sponsorship programs, prioritizing family reunification and asylum processing.
2022: Ukraine Conflict: The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) provided temporary residency to over 200,000 Ukrainians, including visa extensions and work permits.
2023: Sudanese Humanitarian Measures: In response to Sudan’s civil war, the Canadian government introduced temporary measures, such as fee waivers for Sudanese nationals seeking visa extensions and expedited family sponsorship for those with Canadian relatives. By mid-2024, the Canadian government had granted temporary status to over 1,500 Sudanese.

These precedents underscore the ability to adapt the Canadian immigration system to humanitarian needs, a model likely to inform the proposed measures.

The South Asian diaspora, particularly in provinces like British Columbia and Ontario, has welcomed the prospect of these measures but remains cautious.

“We’re all concerned about our families back home,” said Haroon Khan, a director with the Pakistan-Canada Association in Vancouver.

“Any step to ease visa or immigration worries would be a relief, but we also want Canada to push for peace between India and Pakistan.”

As quoted by CBC News, “I’m worried about my study permit renewal,” said Simran, a student from Punjab. “If tensions worsen, it could affect my plans to stay and work in Canada.”

Meanwhile, community leaders like Vinay Sharma of the Vedic Hindu Cultural Society of British Columbia emphasize unity.

“We are one family here in Canada, regardless of where we come from. We hope the government supports our communities while advocating for de-escalation abroad,” Sharma said.

The Canadian government has not made any announcement or shown their intent to introduce these special immigration measures; the South Asian diaspora remains hopeful yet apprehensive.

The proposed policies could provide much-needed relief for Indian and Pakistani nationals navigating the fallout of regional tensions.

However, their success will depend on swift implementation and broader efforts to foster peace in South Asia.

For now, community members like Jatinder Bhan, a Kashmiri Canadian, hold onto hope.

“One day, peace will reign in our homeland, and here in Canada, we’ll continue to build bridges,” Bhan said, as quoted by CBC News.

Stay tuned for updates on the Canadian immigration policies and the evolving India-Pakistan situation.

How many immigrants from India are in Canada?

1.3 million people of Indian origin live in Canada, as per the latest official census done 4 years ago.

How many Pakistanis live in Canada?

303,260 Pakistanis live in Canada, according to the latest available statistics data.

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC

Kamal Deep Singh, RCIC (Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant) licensed by CICC (formerly known as ICCRC) with member number R708618. He brings extensive knowledge of immigration law and new changes to rapidly evolving IRCC.