India has deported a Canadian citizen following visa regulation concerns in the northeastern state of Assam. Authorities reportedly found Brandon Joel Dewalt operating Grace Church at Mission Campus in Jorhat and determined that his activities did not align with his tourist visa terms.
Jorhat Superintendent of Police (SP) Shwetank Mishra said Dewalt had been in the district since 2021. “During inquiry it was found that his visa expired on January 7, 2025 and he was addressing religious gatherings as part of his activities,” the police statement noted.
Dewalt’s visa renewal application brought the matter to official attention. “Brandon had applied for a visa renewal when we received information about his activities,” SP Mishra explained. Local residents had contacted police regarding his religious outreach work at Grace Church, situated on Jail Road in the Borbheta area of Jorhat town.
Dewalt maintained an active online presence through social media, including a YouTube channel, to connect with the local community. While authorities have deactivated the channel, they documented his activities prior to shutdown. “We have gathered evidence of his engagement with the local community,” Mishra stated.
Officials noted that Dewalt’s tourist visa had expired on January 7, 2025, and his activities extended beyond the scope of his entry permit. The Foreigners Regional Registration Office (FRRO) in Kolkata issued a “Leave India Notice” after assessing the situation.
Jorhat police personnel accompanied Dewalt to Kolkata airport to assist with his departure arrangements. From there, he travelled to Delhi, where he boarded a flight to Toronto. “The entire process was carried out following proper protocol and in coordination with multiple law enforcement agencies,” the SP confirmed.
India maintains separate visa categories for tourists and religious workers, with distinct permits for each type of activity. Foreign nationals conducting religious work must obtain specific visas rather than enter on tourist permits.
Assam has witnessed similar administrative actions previously. In 2022, authorities deported seven German nationals and three Swedish nationals who had entered India on tourist visas while engaging in religious activities.
SP Mishra noted that Dewalt had established a presence in the community since 2021, operating from Grace Church in Jorhat town. The Canadian national connected with local residents through various channels, including his social media platforms.
Current Indian immigration rules require visitors to align their activities with their specific visa category. The regulations establish administrative oversight of different types of foreign engagement within the country.
According to media reports, a response from the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi is awaited.
Multiple law enforcement agencies executed the deportation process following established protocols. Officials stressed that they took action purely on administrative grounds relating to visa regulations.
