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Complaints pile up against only agency providing Indian consular services in Canada

time5 days ago

  • Business

Complaints pile up against only agency providing Indian consular services in Canada

Every time Prashant Vashista thinks of BLS International — the sole company sanctioned by the Indian consulate to handle services like visas and passport renewals in Canada — his mind goes back two years to his mother's death. Grief-stricken, he drove an hour to BLS's Brampton location to arrange for emergency visas so he could see his family in India. Even though he picked up the visas himself, Vashista said employees demanded he pay a $45 courier fee for himself, his daughter and his wife, totalling $135. I was in dire need. So I had to pay, he told CBC Toronto. It wasn't the first or last time BLS allegedly pushed him to pay for services he didn't need — and his experience isn't unique. CBC spoke with numerous people who described being pressured to pay extra charges at BLS, many of whom felt their ability to visit India or legally stay in Canada depended on it. Former employees at one BLS branch say they're not surprised, saying staff were encouraged to charge clients as much as possible and find minor errors in their forms or photos to sell services or reduce the backlog of applications. I knew 100 per cent that we are wrong… and we are [over]charging the clients, said one former supervisor. BLS says it has reputation for 'service excellence' BLS has locations across the country that provide services like passport renewal, police criminal record checks, and Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) cards, which function as lifelong visas. A quick web search reveals a trove of public Facebook posts, Reddit threads and online petitions — one of which has more than 7,000 signatures — created by frustrated BLS clients. The company has also been awarded an F rating by the Better Business Bureau. In response to CBC Toronto's questions about the complaints, BLS said the company has a longstanding reputation for transparency, compliance, and service excellence. Enlarge image (new window) BLS's Brampton location, where Prashant Vashista says he was pressured to pay for unnecessary courier fees. Photo: CBC / Saloni Bhugra We remain fully aligned with the standards and expectations of the governments and authorities we work alongside, BLS communications manager Pooja Arora wrote. Where concerns are raised, we will always investigate them thoroughly and take appropriate steps to improve. For its part, the Consulate General of India in Toronto says it is committed to prompt, efficient service, adding that BLS International was selected through a competitive bidding process. Client describes 'legalized plunder' During a visit to the Mississauga location in April, one client says his OCI application ran aground when staff pressed him for extra documents not mentioned on the BLS website and found minor issues with his photos and application forms. CBC Toronto has agreed to protect his identity because he fears repercussions from BLS during future visits. In a complaint he later sent to the company, he says staff used scare tactics to push him to pay for extra fees, called his wife dumb and threatened to blacklist him when he asked to see an itemized receipt before paying. Harpreet Hora, a lawyer based in Kenora, Ont., says he had similar experiences during two separate visits to Toronto BLS locations. They forced me to take a courier service… which I had never asked for, he said. Shivam Nehra says he had to make multiple trips to the BLS offices, with new mistakes on his form being pointed out each time. Photo: CBC / Paul Smith Though he later received refunds after complaining to both the company and the consulate, he described the ordeals as obviously stressful and a sort of harassment. You see that this is legalized plunder from people, Hora said, pointing out that few people have the time or patience to pursue refunds. Another client, Shivam Nehra of Oakville, says he was pressured to pay $100 for a premium lounge service to bypass the long lineups outside while he faced down a looming permanent residency application deadline. I went there three to four times to get my documents corrected and every time, these guys will point out any different mistake, he said. The story on the inside It appears the situation wasn't better on the other side of the counter. Three former employees, all of whom worked in the Brampton location within the last five years, say they were kept on short-term contracts and felt pressured to find issues with applications or add extra charges. CBC Toronto has agreed to protect their identities over concerns about impacts to their careers. You need to find a reason where you can take out money from a client, one said. If you're not selling, you will be kicked off, they continued, describing internal staff competitions over who could sell the most services, with gift baskets going to the winners. Enlarge image (new window) An image from inside of Brampton's BLS office, shared by a former employee, that appears to show a sign displaying internal staff competitions. Photo: Submitted With little guidance on official standards, reasons to reject applications could be as minor as a missing comma or writing ave. instead of avenue on a form. They also said some mistakes were unavoidable because of how the company's own online application forms were formatted. Two employees also said they would push unwilling clients to use their courier service and charge families multiple times, despite deliveries going to the same address. 'I know what you're doing' The same employee who described looking for misplaced commas said they ultimately left the company because they were disturbed by having to lie to clients they often sympathized with. There are students who are doing their applications for their permanent residency, not having jobs… or getting minimum wage, but still BLS is charging them like two or three hundred dollars [for] a thing which could be done [for] $40. All three also say they eventually found themselves returning to BLS for services, where they or their families were charged for add-ons they didn't want. I was like, 'Man, I have worked at this location and I know what you're doing,' the same employee recalled telling a Brampton staff member, who charged them an unnecessary courier fee, which they say they had no choice but to pay. The search for accountability As a private company contracted by a non-Canadian consulate in Canada, BLS operates outside of the purview of any federal or provincial immigration ministry. Global Affairs Canada says that while it authorizes the establishment of consular posts, it has no authority over a company contracted by a foreign state, recommending instead that people with issues reach out to their local consumer protection office, or, in the event of a criminal complaint, the police. Consumer Protection Ontario, meanwhile, says it has received just one complaint related to BLS International in the last three years, but declined to comment on the outcome. An overnight lineup outside the Brampton BLS office in 2023, during a rush to apply for OCI cards following India's suspension of visa services for Canadians. Photo: Radio-Canada / Saloni Bhugra The only body with authority to fire or discipline BLS is the Consulate General of India, who said in a statement to CBC Toronto that every effort is being made — including through internal reviews, coordination with BLS, and process improvements — to ensure that service standards continuously improve. Former client Harpreet Hora isn't so sure. For the last three years, he's found himself researching BLS, including several right-to-information requests with the Indian government over how many complaints they've received about the company. Much to my surprise, the Indian consulate says they do not have data of this, he said. The consulate did not comment on Hora's claim that it had no data on complaints, when asked by CBC Toronto. I feel cheated by the Indian consulate, said Hora. Reason being… I'm making complaints to you, and you're not taking action. Naama Weingarten (new window) · CBC News · Reporter Naama Weingarten is a reporter with CBC News based in Toronto. You can reach her at or follow her on X @NaamaWeingarten.

Map Shows Countries That Don't Allow Dual Citizenship
Map Shows Countries That Don't Allow Dual Citizenship

Newsweek

time7 days ago

  • Business
  • Newsweek

Map Shows Countries That Don't Allow Dual Citizenship

Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. Data mapped by Newsweek shows which countries do not allow dual citizenship. Why It Matters A recent Harris Poll survey revealed that 42 percent of U.S. adults have thought about or intend to move abroad to enhance their lifestyle or financial well-being. This figure climbs to 63 percent among Gen Z adults and 52 percent among millennials. What To Know According to Henley & Partners—a U.K.-based investment migration consultancy—at least 39 countries do not permit dual citizenship. In Africa, these include Botswana, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Ethiopia, Eswatini, Guinea, Libya, Mauritania, Senegal, Tanzania, and Congo. In the Americas, Cuba and Suriname do not allow dual citizenship; in Europe, these include Andorra, Estonia, Monaco, and San Marino. As for Asia, Henley & Partners says countries that prohibit dual citizenship include: Azerbaijan Bhutan Brunei China India Indonesia Iran Japan Kazakhstan Kuwait Laos Malaysia Myanmar Nepal North Korea Oman Qatar Saudi Arabia Singapore Uzbekistan Countries that ban dual citizenship typically do so to preserve national identity, ensure loyalty, and avoid legal complications, Henley & Partners said. Key reasons include concerns over divided allegiance, potential security risks (like military conflicts or espionage), legal complexities related to taxation and rights, and fears that dual nationality may dilute cultural or political cohesion. Notable examples include China, India, and Singapore. China fully bans dual citizenship, citing the importance of loyalty and safeguarding national unity. India disallows it to maintain legal and administrative clarity, offering Overseas Citizenship of India (OCI) status instead, which grants limited privileges without full citizenship. Singapore upholds a firm one-citizenship rule, stressing national allegiance and requiring proof of renunciation of other citizenships before granting naturalization, the firm said. What People Are Saying Tim Osiecki, director of thought leadership and trends at The Harris Poll, previously told Newsweek: "For most of modern history, the American Dream was rooted in one place: America. But that's shifting," "While dual citizenship used to be reserved for retirees, the wealthy, or those with strong family ties abroad, it's now a growing goal for middle-class Americans who want more control over their future," he said. "It marks a real mindset shift—less about pledging allegiance to one nation, more about staying agile in a world that feels increasingly unstable." What Happens Next "This isn't about a mass migration overnight—but we are at a tipping point," Osiecki said previously. "One in five younger Americans say they're seriously considering moving abroad, and that kind of intent matters. So, while it may not be an exodus yet, it's certainly a movement, and it speaks volumes about how people are feeling about life in the U.S. right now," he said. "The American Dream may not be ending—it could simply be relocating."

Parent or pal: Why you should not try so hard to be your child's 'friend'
Parent or pal: Why you should not try so hard to be your child's 'friend'

CNA

time11-07-2025

  • General
  • CNA

Parent or pal: Why you should not try so hard to be your child's 'friend'

I have always been fascinated by how my aunt has a remarkably close relationship with her son. Even when my cousin was overseas, she would call him almost every day. Across oceans, they shared updates on how life was going, celebrated milestones such as birthdays and even sent each other personalised care packages. When I asked how she built this bond, her advice was: "Be like a friend." Her suggestion gave me pause. It ran counter to the traditional approaches of strict, structured parenting that was more familiar to me. Caught between these perspectives, I wondered: Is being like a friend truly the right approach, or does it risk creating confusion for the child? HELPING CHILDREN UNDERSTAND WHY RULES EXIST When I posed to experts the notion of friendly parenting, they all cautioned about the importance of maintaining the parent role, but agreed that a friendly approach may have benefits. Clinical psychologist Annabelle Chow, from mental healthcare provider Annabelle Psychology, said: "While it is important for parents to maintain appropriate boundaries, adopting a friendly stance can be highly beneficial. This means fostering a warm, supportive environment where children feel safe, respected and understood." Counsellor Radhika Haralalka, from mental wellness and therapy centre The Other Clinic, said that "children have opinions and their opinions need to be valued". "That's the shift from your traditional, strict parenting," she said. "(It means) I am taking into consideration my child's opinion, not necessarily fully following it, but it is a more collaborative approach, rather than a 'do as I say, or else' approach." Positive "friendly parenting", the experts said, begins with active listening, consistent conversation and helping children understand why rules exist. Ms Haralalka stressed the importance of being someone children can talk to – someone who listens, validates and shows empathy. The role of parents is inherently different from that of a friend, where there is a natural hierarchy because of the responsibility of care and protection that parents need to fulfil towards the child. Assistant Professor Cheung Hoi Shan from the National Institute of Education, who studies the effects of parenting styles on children, said that it also means explaining the rationale behind a parent's expectations. For instance, when a child steps on the seats of an MRT train, the parent could explain that doing so would dirty the seat and inconvenience the next person who uses it. This is an example of "other-oriented induction", where the caregiver explains the impact that the child's behaviour has on others. Other suggestions include spending quality time together and involving children in age-appropriate problem-solving to help them feel empowered. For instance, you may offer the child two choices to pick when it comes to doing household chores. For older children, problem-solving tasks might include learning to divide up chores at home or guiding siblings to take turns explaining their side during a disagreement and encouraging them to suggest fair solutions. Dr Chow said: "With appropriate boundaries, these behaviours strengthen trust, encourage emotional vulnerability and model mutual respect." They also make children more likely to open up about their experiences. PARENTS AND THEIR FEARS That said, the experts cautioned that there is a risk of becoming too friendly, blurring the boundaries of the parental role. As Asst Prof Cheung warned, "'friendly parenting' does not necessarily mean that we become a friend to our child." She said: "The role of parents is inherently different from that of a friend, where there is a natural hierarchy because of the responsibility of care and protection that parents need to fulfil towards the child." If parents fall too far into the friend zone, they may fail to assert their authority, she noted. "It's important to recognise that being warm towards a child does not mean permissive parenting. Parents can be firm, but at the same time listen to the child's perspectives and help the child understand the rationale for setting the rules and expectations," she added. Ms Haralalka said that parents can become too permissive if they fear upsetting their child or have a strong desire to be liked and feel constantly connected – a pattern especially common among divorced parents. Dr Chow said that parents may have a "personal discomfort" with setting limits and boundaries. In wanting to avoid conflict, it can prevent them from setting boundaries confidently. This can result in overly friendly parenting, where the parent avoids imposing necessary discipline or expects responsibilities from the child beyond their developmental capacity. This may even go as far as treating the child as a confidante, where these parents may "overshare about their own problems, about their lives, about everything from their friendship and workplace problems to their marriage to the dating life to the sex life", Ms Haralalka said. There can be adverse consequences when this happens regularly. Faced with what seems like a parent who is unable to regulate emotions, children may feel emotionally unanchored and see rules as optional, making it harder for them to develop emotional self-regulation. THE BALANCING ACT Having established the pros and cons of friendly parenting, I asked the experts how to apply these principles to more specific situations. After all, each child's needs are different. "Parenting is the hardest job in the world," Ms Haralalka said. "The one tool parents can develop is the capacity to be reflective about their own parenting style, to emotionally regulate themselves and to be self-aware. "That means asking if this (parenting) style is what my child needs – is this helping or harming my child?" For example, reflection might reveal areas that have become too relaxed, such as bedtime routines, screen time or helping out with household chores. In these cases, Dr Chow suggested that parents explain the reasoning behind the new boundaries and help the children understand the boundaries come from a place of care, not control. When asserting boundaries, it is possible to acknowledge the child's feelings without giving in to their demands. To a child refusing to do their homework, Ms Haralalka proposed this response: "I know you don't want to do your homework and it's okay to feel upset about that. I'm here to help you manage your frustration but the homework still needs to be done. You can choose when to start, but it does have to get finished." It is not enough to set such boundaries – they must be enforced consistently. "Children may initially resist the new rules, but holding firm helps build a sense of predictability and emotional security," Dr Chow said. Ms Haralalka said that the boundaries you set may also depend on the age and maturity level of the child, where you can still offer the child choices within the limits of those boundaries. "For a young child, if you let them know what the plans are for the day, what you're going to do – it gives them that sense of control." The approach can differ for teenagers, where it may be impractical to enforce blanket restrictions such as total phone bans. "When it's a question of safety, children will comply more," Ms Haralalka said. For example, teenagers may be expected to stay contactable or let parents know where they are. BEING INTERESTED IN YOUR CHILD'S INTERESTS While these strategies may help establish healthy boundaries, I also wanted to know how a closer bond could be nurtured. Dr Chow said the key to this is that parents should avoid dismissing their child's experiences as trivial. 'It's important to recognise that children are growing up in a society shaped by different pressures, social norms and the pervasive influence of social media. Parents should try approaching these differences with curiosity and empathy.' Ms Haralalka advocated for "delighting in your child" – taking a genuine interest in their world and being willing to join them there. "For a very young child, it can mean joining in a game of building blocks or building sandcastles, going cycling with them," she said. "As they grow, it may mean playing video games together and enjoying it as a way to connect." Attunement comes from staying curious. "When you're attuned to your child, you know what they need and what their interests are," she added. Dr Chow said that the generational gap between parent and child is not a single hurdle to overcome, but that it is an ongoing shift that requires flexibility and openness. "By embracing this mindset, parents can foster emotional resilience, mutual respect and a strong meaningful connection with their children," she said.

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