QUESTION PERIOD — Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Visa Application Processing
October 8, 2024
Minister, I am consistently approached by Canadians of Pakistani origin who are upset at the unacceptable delays in the visa process. In February you said, “We do have about seven positions that should be in place by summer of this year. . . .” You continued, saying, “. . . and it will allow us to have a more streamlined processing capacity on the ground in Islamabad.”
To date, there has been nothing. Was this just another empty promise to the community?
No. In fact, senator, that is not the case. As of August, I have data regarding a number of officers who have now been placed in Islamabad. We have had some challenges obtaining visas for them on our end, but my understanding from the department is that it is in place. We can provide you with a written update on the data in question and on the processing times in Pakistan.