Canadian national and podcaster Caleb Friesen, who has been residing in India for the past six years, is facing a challenging situation as India temporarily suspends visa processing for Canadians. Friesen, whose spousal visa is set to expire in three months, is in a particularly precarious position as his Indian wife is pregnant, and her due date is imminent.
In a thread posted on a social media platform, Friesen expressed his concerns, stating, “India has suspended visas for Canadians. My spousal visa expires in three months. With a very pregnant Indian wife (baby is literally due any day now) who doesn’t have a Canadian visa, two dogs, and an Indian business to run, this is very scary.”
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Currently residing in Bengaluru, Friesen also took the opportunity to criticize the Canadian government, particularly Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, in subsequent tweets. He acknowledged India’s reasons for taking such actions but expressed his fear that the new life he has built in India now feels “endangered.”
Friesen also expressed concern for the numerous non-resident Indians (NRIs) and overseas citizens of India (OCIs) who reside in Canada, including entrepreneurs, students, employees, spouses, and children, hoping that Canada doesn’t reciprocate India’s actions. He clarified that he wasn’t attempting to make a political statement but was genuinely concerned about the implications for individuals who consider Canada their home.