Update for Canadians

I can't believe that this July, it will already have been 2 years since Orion was born. I think about India every day; running in the rain with my mom at night, carrying Orion around in his carrier, my dad the wandering traveller being happy there in his element, the Eid celebrations, the people we met and helped us along in our journey... it will always be in my heart. Every day I also think about when will be the right time to go back just to visit or maybe go back and try for a sibling for Orion.

I've had people write me though and people post on my blog that things are becoming increasingly difficult. Not only difficult with these new guidelines being issued (which I hope fade away and never become law) on behalf of the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs but also difficult with the Canadian High Commission in India. What was once a simplified 4-6 week wait to get home after the baby was born has turned into a logistical nightmare with the wait being upwards of over 2 months. What the heck happened?

For one, apparently now the DNA tests are only done in Delhi and I think only once a month. Before, the DNA testing could be scheduled within days of the baby being born. I had to write the High Commission to express my concerns:


"The reason for my e-mail is that it has recently been brought to my attention that Canadians now in India for the birth of their children, are now effectively stuck there for up to 2 months or more due to an apparent lapse in procedure on behalf of the Canadian High Commission there. This is very concerning as there seems to be a lot of uncertainty and distress amongst Canadians there now, as to how long much longer they will be there for with their newborn children, waiting to come home to Canada.

I can relate to this as I was there myself in 2011 for the birth of my son, which is why, in part, I wanted to take action and write to you. Thankfully during my time in India, there seemed to be an efficient and sensical process in place at the time where I was able to have the DNA testing done and receive the baby’s temporary passport in Mumbai all within 4-6 weeks. For some reason, two steps backwards seems to have been taken with the approach now, as the process in getting them home is reportedly taking up to 2+ months. For example, the DNA testing is now only being done in Delhi, complicating things as Canadians must fly there with their newborn babies from wherever they may be in India. Canadians who are there now are feeling helpless and stuck in India with their newborn babies and are looking to the Canadian government for help in getting home in an efficient manner.

Is there any immediate relief that can be done to get the process streamlined back down to 4-6 weeks or less? Are there plans for any clear guidance (in the form of a bulletin, etc) to be issued to Canadians who may be going for the first time/returning to India or who are there in India now, waiting to return home with their children so that it is less confusing, distressing and more efficient to get Canadians home in a reasonable timeframe?

Sincere thanks for giving this issue your attention."

I was quite surprised that I got a response the very next business day!

"The High Commissioner has asked me to respond to your email on his behalf.   

I appreciate you taking the time to write and voice your concerns on behalf of Canadian citizens. 

As you may know, DNA tests are generally requested only in cases where a child is born through assisted reproduction or surrogacy.  DNA tests are requested by Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) to ensure that the child has a claim to Canadian citizenship.  Until a claim is established, Passport Canada will not authorize consular officials to issue a travel document for the child and family to return to Canada.  We understand that delays can be frustrating for parents, however there is a need to protect the integrity of the citizenship/passport process that cannot be overlooked.   

We are working to clarify the procedures and to incorporate information related to recent changes introduced by the Indian Ministry of Home Affairs regarding children born through surrogacy.  Once these are ready, the information will be published on our website."

This is a start; I'm glad that recognition and guidance will be available on their website for those looking for it. But for those in India now, waiting... I can't imagine feeling that stress of being a new parent, now coupled with the uncertainty of the process in getting home. I really really hope both the Indian and Canadian governments can iron out the mess they've created and get back to the simplified and streamlined approach and process they had in place previously so people can get on with their lives.