Visa applications pile up as Canadian diplomats strike continues for 'equal pay'

A large number of visa applications for Canada are lying at Canada embassy in Delhi and consulate in Mumbai. The scene is same across the world. reason-over 1,100 Canadian diplomats posted around the world are on strike since April 2 for the want of ‘equal pay for equal work’.A Pune resident says, “My citizenship application is lying since April. It should have been cleared in a month.” Diplomats of Mumbai confirmed the withdrawal of services will continue till their demands are met.Chrystiane Roy, strike communications coordinator claims that diplomats in Canada are paid less than economists, lawyers and other officials working with government. She admitted,“25% -65% of visa applications are lying at most of the centres though we ensure that students don’t suffer.” Academic year in Canada starts from September and education consultants in Mumbai confirm that most of the students have got the clearance however work was more affected in Delhi.