Tightening Immigration Rules Spur Protests by Indian Students in Canadian Province

In the charming Canadian province of Prince Edward Island (PEI), a significant protest is evolving. Former and current international students, primarily from India, have taken to the streets to express their concerns over a policy change that threatens their prospects in the country. Meanwhile, if you are flying as a student, explore Tripbeam to grab cheap tickets to India from Canada for a hassle-free experience.

The issue revolves around the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), which is crucial for many international students seeking permanent residency (PR) in Canada. Indian students often enrol in institutions in provinces like Ontario or British Columbia. However, facing intense competition for PR in these densely populated regions, many choose to transfer to smaller, less populated provinces like PEI.

These smaller provinces, which struggle with stagnant and aging populations, have traditionally relied on the PNP to attract temporary residents. This approach helps address labour shortages and supports population growth.

Latest Modifications to Policies

In recent times, Canada has witnessed an unprecedented surge in immigration, with PEI experiencing a higher influx of international students than its PNP can support. In response, the provincial government has shifted its PR focus to individuals working in essential sectors like healthcare, early childhood education, and construction. This new emphasis has left many international students, who predominantly work in the food and retail industries, in a vulnerable position.

Their situation is further complicated by the federal government’s December 2023 announcement that the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) would not be extended. As their permits near expiration, these students face the difficult choice of returning to their home countries or protesting in hopes of a policy change.

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The Protest and Its Consequences

The protests, fueled by desperation, evoke memories of past student demonstrations that successfully promoted government concessions, such as stopping deportations for students with fraudulent admission letters. However, the current political landscape has changed. A new immigration minister, falling government approval ratings, and heightened job competition have made the prospects of government leniency much less likely.

The Demands of the Students

The students who are protesting have set out three main demands:-

• Grandfathering into the PNP System: Students who were already in Canada on valid work permits before the policy change should be permitted to continue under the previous system.
• Equitable PNP Draws Without a Point System: The recent exclusion of sectors such as sales, services, and trucking from PNP draws has put many students at a disadvantage. Protesters are demanding equal opportunities for all sectors, arguing that the current point system, which requires 65 points, is almost unattainable for those under 25.
• Extension of Work Permits: Students are requesting an extension of their work permits to allow them more time to meet the new PR criteria.

Response of India

The protest in PEI might be the first of many as international students across Canada deal with the new reality of stricter immigration controls. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) in India has acknowledged the large number of Indian students in Canada but has minimized the severity of the issue, stating they are unaware of major deportation problems.

During a weekly media briefing, Randhir Jaiswal, spokesperson for the MEA in India, commented on the situation. He recognized the significant number of Indian students in Canada but mentioned that the ministry had not received substantial reports of deportation issues. Jaiswal remarked, “You know we have a large number of students who have gone to Canada to study. The figure is pretty significant. But what you are mentioning is that several students are facing problems that we haven’t come across as of now. Sorry, deportation. I don’t have an update on that. We are not aware of it.”

Jaiswal further noted that while there might be isolated cases, the MEA does not see a major problem affecting students in Canada overall. “There may be one case here or one case there, that’s about it. But we don’t see any major problem as far as students in Canada, as they’re concerned.”

The protests in PEI could mark the beginning of broader unrest among international students in Canada, particularly as immigration policies become stricter. With work permits nearing expiration and no extensions available, many students face the difficult choice of returning home or continuing to protest in hopes of policy changes. Lastly, for the stress of last minute hassle, we have last minute flights from Canada to India. For further information, contact our toll-free number.

Source:- The Economic Times

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