Indian Students Protest Against Canada’s New Immigration Policy

 Hundreds of Indian students are currently staging protests in Canada against the new federal policy that places them at risk of deportation. This new immigration policy has cast uncertainty over the future of over 70,000 student graduates. Indian students have been demonstrating in front of the legislative assembly in Canada's Prince Edward Island Province, while provinces such as Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia are also witnessing similar protests.

The new immigration policy in Canada aims to significantly reduce the number of permanent residency nominations. The government's objective is to decrease permanent residency nominations by 25% in response to the local housing and job crisis. Experts attribute Canada's new immigration policy to the rapid population growth in recent years. According to data from the federal agency, approximately 97% of Canada's total population increase was due to immigration. By limiting this growth through cutting down on permanent residency nominations, Canada hopes to address its job and housing crisis.

Securing permanent residency in Canada has been a key pathway for Indians to stay in the country. However, with the recent amendments, work permits will be withheld in areas where the unemployment rate is 6% or higher. These changes, though, will not impact sectors such as agriculture, food processing, construction, and healthcare.

These ongoing discussions are being taken very seriously, especially in light of the challenges faced over the past years, from the pandemic to severe labor shortages to the current situation. The government is committed to responding to the needs of Canadians, businesses, and the economy by constantly adapting and ensuring alignment with the current circumstances.

In the upcoming fall, Canada will present an immigration levels plan that encompasses not only permanent residents but also temporary residents, including foreign workers. The aim is to design a comprehensive plan that caters to the needs of Canadians and the economy. The initial steps involve reducing the number of low-paid temporary foreign workers allowed to work in the country. In the next 90 days, higher wage streams of temporary workers will be assessed alongside unemployment rates to make further adjustments.

This shift is likely to impact thousands of Indian students aspiring to relocate to developed Western nations, many of whom have traditionally pursued the study visa route. The number of Indians moving to Canada has quadrupled in the last decade, from 33,000 in 2013 to nearly 140,000 in 2023. Indian immigrants constitute the largest group seeking permanent residency in Canada.

Earlier this year, Ottawa announced a cap on international students, citing concerns that it was being used as a gateway for entry into Canada. Another issue for international students and temporary workers is the expiration of work permits upon completing their studies. While many students are eligible for a post-graduation work permit to gain work experience, this permit is time-limited, typically lasting between 6 months to 3 years. Failure to secure permanent residency within this timeframe could lead to departure from Canada.

As protests continue to unfold nationwide, the Canadian government is under mounting pressure to address the grievances of international students and temporary foreign workers. Without significant changes or reversals, many of these individuals may be compelled to leave.