Canada's Immigration Crisis: Millions of Foreign Students to Say Goodbye to Canada

Ontario(The Uttam Hindu): Canada's immigration policies under Prime Minister Justin Trudeau increasingly pose challenges for immigrants, with estimated 5 million temporary permits set to expire by the end of 2025. It includes around 700,000 work permits held by foreign students, many of whom are facing hurdles from the government's restrictive approach to immigration. Indian students suffer the most. Conservative leader Pierre Poilievre was also critical of Trudeau's policies, stating that they have created confusion for temporary residents without the policies bringing any benefits to the nation.

Work permits, which are usually issued for durations between 9 months and 3 years, provide international students with diplomas or degrees the opportunity to obtain required work experience that will qualify them for permanent residency. Immigration Minister Miller has assured that not all temporary residents will be asked to leave as some will qualify for new or post-graduate work permits. The government has, however stepped up its efforts to eliminate fraudulent applications.

Protests in Brampton have been staged by students, especially from Punjab, over the shifting policies. According to data, by May 2023, more than one million foreign students were present in Canada, and now, many of them are in a fix as their permits have either expired or due to very stringent immigration policies. Early this year, Canada announced a cut of 35% on international student permits, and it has promised another 10% cut in 2025.