Canada Sees Protests as 70K Students Face Deportation Risk

Canada is currently witnessing nationwide protests as over 70K international students, primarily from India and many from Panjab, face potential deportation due to changes in federal immigration policies. These students, who came to Canada with hopes of building a new life, are now struggling with uncertainty as the Canadian govt. has introduced stricter immigration measures. Panjabi students and workers are protesting the Canadian govt.’s cap of 360K new study permits for 2024—a 35% reduction—and stricter Post-Graduation Work Permit Program (PGWP) criteria. ‘I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System points, but the govt. has taken advantage of us,’ said Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student now facing deportation. On 30 Aug Naujawan Support Network initiated a 24/7 protest in Brampton, Ontario at Queen St & Highway 410. The protesters are demanding the extension of PGWPs expiring in 2024-25, the introduction of a 5-year PGWP for all international students, a fair pathway to permanent residency, and an end to exploitation through Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIA’s). This is also noted in a UN report by Tomoya Obokata, as LMIA’s employment terms enable wage theft, long hours, and frequent abuse. Meanwhile, Germany is emerging as a top destination for students from Panjab. Germany has around 43K students from India, which has more than doubled from just over 20K in 2019. Unlike Canada, where the cost of tuition can be a significant burden, Germany offers free education at all public institutions.