The clarification comes amid scrutiny over security checks on temporary residents, particularly international students, following the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in the murder of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar.
Canada Visa latest update: The Canadian government has introduced a new guideline stating that police clearance certificates are not mandatory for individuals entering the country as temporary residents, including those on study visas. This decision is expected to benefit international students and temporary workers seeking entry into Canada. Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller said the government does “verification” using biometrics, specifically fingerprints cross-checked in partner and police databases. As for the police certificates from the country of origin, Miller said, “We do not, as a routine matter, require them for temporary residents.”
Miller mentioned that the government’s stringent screening procedures for student visa applicants, emphasizing that police certificates may only be requested as part of enhanced security measures if warranted. He expressed doubts about the reliability of police certificates and assured the public of the thorough vetting process in place to prevent individuals with criminal backgrounds from entering the country. However, police certificates from abroad may occasionally be requested on a case-by-case basis if further scrutiny is necessary.
The clarification comes amid scrutiny over security checks on temporary residents, particularly international students, following the arrest of individuals allegedly involved in the murder of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar. The revelation that at least two of the suspects, Karan Brar and Karamdeep Singh, had entered Canada as students raised concerns about the screening process for temporary residents, while a third, Amandeep Singh was also said to have studied in the country.
Nijjar was killed on June 18 last year in Surrey, British Columbia. Canada has claimed that it has arrested four Indian nationals who were involved in the murder of Nijjar. Two of the arrested, Karan Brar (22) and Kamalpreet Singh (22), were in the country on student visas.
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