Indian students in Canada protest over deportation fears
Indian students in Canada have been protesting against a new federal policy that could potentially lead to their deportation. The changes have sparked widespread demonstrations, with students camping outside the legislative assembly in Prince Edward Island for over three months. Similar protests have also taken place in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia. The policy changes are primarily aimed at reducing permanent residency nominations by 25% and limiting study permits.
Policy changes impact over 70,000 Indian student graduates
The revised immigration policies have left the future of more than 70,000 Indian student graduates in Canada uncertain. A cap was introduced on international student permit applications to manage growth over the next two years. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), this cap is expected to result in around 360,000 approved study permits in 2024, a 35% reduction from the previous year.
Canada's population growth and immigration policy changes
Canada has experienced rapid population growth in recent years, with immigration accounting for approximately 97% of last year's increase. This inflow of international students has put significant pressure on Canada's housing, healthcare, and other services, forcing Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government to reduce the number of temporary residents. The government is also reversing its decision to expand the program for temporary foreign workers it had initiated in 2022.
New changes to work permits amid unemployment concerns
Under the new changes, work permits will be denied in regions where the unemployment rate is at or above 6%. However, sectors such as agriculture, food processing, construction and healthcare will be exempt from these changes. On Monday, Trudeau said that his government will also cut the number of temporary foreign workers working at low wages. "The labour market has changed. Now is the time for our businesses to invest in Canadian workers and youth," he wrote on X.
Advocacy groups call for clear pathways to permanent residency
The International Sikh Student Organization has argued that the current employment and housing issues are due to broader policy failures, not the influx of international students. Having made significant investments in education and the Canadian economy, they claim they are now being told to complete their degrees and return home with massive debts. They are pressing the government to extend post-graduate work permits, create consistent and transparent avenues to permanent residency, and address the underlying conditions.
