The federal government is requesting authority to invalidate applications for groups of visa holders, citing concerns about potential fraud from individuals in India and Bangladesh, as per internal documents obtained by CBC News.
A presentation to the immigration minister’s office outlined collaborative efforts between Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), and undisclosed U.S. partners to detect and annul fraudulent visitor visa applications. Highlighting India and Bangladesh as specific challenges, the working group is looking to enhance capabilities to reject and revoke visas.
The presentation elaborated on scenarios where mass cancellation powers could be utilized, including during a pandemic, war, or with country-specific visa holders. While Immigration Minister Lena Diab publicly mentioned a pandemic or war as reasons for seeking these powers, the presentation sheds further light on Ottawa’s rationale for pursuing mass cancellation authority.
This provision was introduced in Parliament through Bill C-2, encompassed within the broader border legislation. Subsequently, the mass visa cancellation component was split into C-12, with the government aiming for swift approval.
Several civil society groups, including the Migrant Rights Network, have voiced apprehensions about the legislation, expressing concerns that group cancellations could potentially facilitate a “mass deportation machine.” Additionally, immigration lawyers have speculated whether the mass cancellation capability is intended to address the mounting backlog of applications.
According to the document, asylum claims from Indian nationals surged significantly from under 500 per month in May 2023 to approximately 2,000 by July 2024. The verification process for temporary resident visa applications from India has led to delays in application processing, with processing time increasing from an average of 30 days to 54 days over a year.
Moreover, the presentation highlighted a rise in “no boards” cases in India, where individuals were prevented from boarding flights. By July 31, 2024, 1,873 applicants were flagged for further scrutiny, receiving procedural fairness letters delineating their rights and legal options.
While specific data on Bangladesh was not provided in the document, the government mentioned that the new powers were not proposed with any particular group or situation in mind to maintain fairness in decision-making processes.
A memorandum from October 2024 urged the immigration minister to advocate for additional visa cancellation powers without singling out any individual countries, emphasizing the importance of reducing security risks and preventing document misuse.
In response to queries, the Immigration Department highlighted efforts to curb unnecessary border activities, enhance information sharing, and decrease fraudulent entries. These measures have reportedly led to a substantial decline in illegal crossings and asylum claims, particularly from TRV holders. The department underscored a commitment to transparency and accountability in utilizing mass cancellation powers, subject to approval by the Governor in Council and publication in the Canada Gazette.
As the government pursues these powers, it is concurrently working to mend diplomatic ties with India, following strained relations since 2023. The recent visit of Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Canada signals a potential reinvigoration of bilateral relations, alongside efforts to reappoint high commissioners and foster dialogue between the two nations.
