Dozens lined up outside the Indian visa center in Surrey, British Columbia, on Friday morning, as India began accepting some visa applications for the first time in over a month.

A local travel agent said he expects the rush to continue for at least a few days as Canadian citizens apply to travel to India to visit family and attend events such as weddings and funerals.

On September 21, the High Commission of India in Ottawa announced that it and its Consulates General in Vancouver and Toronto would stop accepting most visa applications from Canadian citizens due to safety and security considerations.

This announcement came amid a deterioration in diplomatic relations between Canada and India, after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau alleged that India might be involved in the killing of a pro-Khalistan Sikh activist in Surrey. India has denied this claim.

Additionally, the Indian High Commission stated on Wednesday that it will resume visa applications for those wishing to enter for business, conferences, and medical reasons, as well as entry visas for people of Indian origin who do not hold Indian citizenship or have returned.

It said in a statement that tourist visas remain suspended.

A statement from the High Commission indicated that after a careful review of the security situation, considering some recent Canadian measures in this regard, it was decided to resume visa services.

The High Commission and Consulates General will continue to process emergency cases as they currently do.

Canadian Emergency Preparedness Minister Harjit Sajjan, who represents the South Vancouver riding, welcomed the change, calling it good news for Canadians needing to travel to India.

'Fingers crossed'...

Jatinder Dadra, owner of Let's Go Travel and Tours in Surrey, said this announcement brings relief to many trying to see family for the first time in years.

He also added that his phone has been flooded with WhatsApp messages from people asking how to apply for a visa to go to India.

Dadra told Gloria Macarenko, host of the On The Coast program on CBC, on Wednesday that this surprising announcement from the Indian government is really good news for everyone, especially for Canadian passport holders.