Canada eliminates police clearance requirement for temporary residents | Global News

In a significant move, the Canadian government has announced that police clearance certificates will no longer be required for temporary residents entering the country, including those on study permits. This decision comes after Indo-Canadian MP Arpan Khanna raised concerns during a session of the House of Commons Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration.

Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, clarified that while the government conducts verification through biometrics and partner databases, police certificates from the country of origin are not mandatory for temporary residents. Miller emphasized that such certificates may only be requested as part of a cascading security screening process.

The government’s decision to eliminate the need for police clearance certificates follows scrutiny over security checks on temporary residents, particularly international students. This scrutiny intensified after it was revealed that individuals involved in the killing of pro-Khalistan figure Hardeep Singh Nijjar had entered Canada as students.

External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar had previously criticized Canada for welcoming individuals with organized crime links from Punjab. However, Minister Miller defended the screening process for student visa applicants, stating that individuals with criminal records are not permitted entry.

The government’s move to waive the requirement for police clearance certificates aims to streamline the entry process for temporary residents while maintaining stringent security measures. This decision underscores Canada’s commitment to ensuring the safety and security of its residents and visitors.