Many seeking 'fake' asylum in Canada citing persecution from Indian govt, says official | WATCH

Ottawa, Canada: There has been an increase in asylum claims from Indian nationals, particularly international students, which has raised concerns within Canada's immigration system. 

Joe Adam George, a Canadian National Security Expert, highlighted the issue, noting a significant rise in fake asylum claims amid the ongoing diplomatic tensions between India and Canada.

In the first eight months of 2024 alone, approximately 13,000 international students have sought asylum in Canada, says George. While not all claimants are from India, a substantial number, particularly from the state of Punjab, are alleging persecution related to their support for the Khalistan movement. 

"Unfortunately, what we have seen this year since the fallout of this crisis is concerning," George stated. "Many claimants are coming forward with allegations of persecution that are not necessarily true."

In response to this surge, the Canadian government has begun to recognize the need for action, initiating measures to clamp down on the misuse of the immigration system, though experts argue that these efforts may be too late to mitigate the ongoing challenges.

"...And what I hear is that many of them are coming using the pretext that they are being persecuted by the Indian government for being supportive of the Khalistan movement which is not necessarily true or in fact true at all so there has been that abuse of the asylum and immigration system which I think now the Canadian government has belatedly recognized, I mean they have decided to clamp down on it although it's too late...," he added.