Indian youths join pro-Khalistan protests for Canadian asylum
Indian officials link pro-Khalistan protests to rising asylum claims in Canada
New Delhi suspects that some young temporary Indian residents in Canada might be joining pro-Khalistan protests to bolster their refugee claims. Indian officials have observed a rise in participation at separatist rallies, with some youths taking selfies to document their presence. This trend has emerged after Ottawa announced measures to curb immigration. Around half-a-dozen immigration firms reportedly advise clients to use the Khalistan angle for asylum requests, according to a senior Indian official.
Several such protests have occurred this year, most recently on Saturday, with floats in Toronto and Vancouver honouring Dilawar Babbar, the suicide bomber who assassinated Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh 29 years ago. There is no evidence that rally organisers specifically invited temporary residents to attend.
New Delhi’s suspicions have grown alongside a sharp rise in asylum claims from India this year, coinciding with Ottawa’s immigration reduction measures. Data from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) shows 16,800 asylum claims between January and June, nearly 50% more than the total for 2023, which was 11,265. In 2015, when Prime Minister Justin Trudeau took office, there were just 380 claims.
However, these claims rarely succeed. The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) reported that out of 15,298 cases referred to it this year, only 1,078 were accepted. There are 23,538 pending claims from Indian nationals before the Board.
Those making refugee claims face few negative repercussions. Despite claiming persecution, India still allows them to renew passports and, if they gain Canadian citizenship, to obtain visas or Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards.
On 21 March this year, IRCC announced plans to reduce the intake of non-permanent residents (NPRs), including international students and temporary workers, aiming to lower their population share from 6.2% to 5% over three years.
What Other Media Are Saying
- The India-Canada rift: Sikh extremism and rise of transnational repression? This article explores the complex relationship between Canada and India, focusing on Sikh extremism, targeted killings, and allegations of foreign interference, all set within a broader context of transnational repression.(read more)
- The New Indian Express explores the diplomatic crisis between Canada and India, highlighting Canada’s accusations of foreign interference and India’s perceived antagonism.(read more)
- The The Hindu article details India’s strong protest to Canada over Khalistani extremists holding a “citizens court” in Vancouver, burning an effigy of the Indian Prime Minister, and creating a diplomatic standoff.(read more)
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions asked about this news
Why are some young Indians participating in pro-Khalistan protests in Canada?
They may be doing so to bolster their refugee claims.
Have the numbers of Indian asylum claimants in Canada increased recently?
Yes, there were 16800 asylum claims from January to June this year.
What is the success rate for Indian asylum claims in Canada?
Out of 15298 cases referred this year, only 1078 were accepted.
Are there negative repercussions for making false refugee claims in Canada?
Hardly any; India still allows passport renewals and OCI cards.
What is Canada’s plan regarding non-permanent residents?
Canada plans to reduce the share of non-permanent residents from 6.2% to 5% over three years.
