A couple from Ahmedabad has been left stranded in Canada after being duped by a relocation service promising permanent residency (PR) under the guise of a skilled-based visa. The couple paid ₹35 lakh to Pacific Relocation Services of Ahmedabad, only to face further demands for CAD 25,000 (₹15.52 lakh) upon reaching Canada.

Ashwin Vanand, who moved to Canada with his wife for a skilled-based visa to work in a salon, was assured by Nitin Patil, the operator of Pacific Relocation Services, that he would secure PR for them. Trusting Patil, Ashwin agreed to a deal worth ₹30.25 lakh and subsequently paid an additional ₹4 lakh when Patil demanded ₹9 lakh, threatening to halt the visa process otherwise.

Upon arrival in Canada, Ashwin was given a legitimate job in a salon, while his wife was promised work in another salon. However, the process for obtaining PR dragged on, and despite repeated assurances from Patil, no progress was made. When Ashwin confronted Patil again, he was threatened and eventually lost his job. Patil then demanded CAD 25,000 for further assistance with PR and job placement, warning that failure to pay would result in no job or PR.

The couple is now struggling to make ends meet with menial jobs. They reached out to the Canadian police but allegedly received no response. Desperate for justice, they have appealed to the Home Department, DGP, and Police Commissioner in Ahmedabad, Gujarat.

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