The Professional Association of Foreign Service Officers (PAFSO) has been conducting rotating strikes at embassies and consulates around the world in response to a dispute with the Federal government over payment practices. After further negotiations failed to result in compromise, the union has decided to halt all services at Canada’s 15 largest visa offices. While this effects temporary resident visa (TRV) and study permit processing, permanent residency and temporary work permit applications are processed by other departments and remain unaffected by the strike.

The following centres will be subject to the withdrawal of PAFSO services:

• Abu Dhabi
• Ankara
• Beijing
• Cairo
• Delhi/Chandigarh
• Hong Kong
• London
• Manila
• Mexico City
• Moscow
• Paris
• Riyadh
• Sao Paulo
• Shanghai

Prior to this action, PAFSO’s rotating strikes have already caused a sharp rise in wait times for visas around the world. This has already negatively affected the Canadian economy, especially at the height of summer tourist season.

It is unknown when the general strike will be lifted. Stay tuned to CanadaVisa and CICNews for the latest as this story develops.