Protests In Canada As 70,000 International Students Face Deportation

The inflow of international students, who made up 37 per cent of study visa holders in 2023, put significant pressure on Canada’s housing, healthcare, and other services. In response, the Canadian government has imposed a cap on international student permit applications to manage the growth over the next two years.

This cap is expected to result in around 360,000 approved study permits in 2024, a 35% reduction from the previous year, according to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).

Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said foreign nationals can no longer apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the border from June 21. This decision targets “flagpoling”, where temporary residents exit and re-enter Canada to expedite work or study permit applications.

Notably, the PGWP is crucial for international students seeking employment and permanent residency, with a notable surge in issuances int2023 as compared to 2018.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday also announced that his government will reduce the number of temporary foreign workers doing low-wage jobs.

Meanwhile, Indian students are feeling unfairly targeted by the Canadian Government. In Brampton, frustration among international students has led to further protests, where hundreds have rallied against the narrative that blames them for local housing and job crises.

Advocacy groups, such as the International Sikh Student Organisation, argue that these issues stem from broader policy failures rather than the influx of international students.

There is a growing desperation among international students, who feel they are being unfairly targeted by the government. Having heavily invested in their education and the Canadian economy, these students are now being told to complete their studies and return home, all while grappling with substantial debt. They are calling on the government to extend post-graduate work permits, establish clear and consistent pathways to permanent residency, and address the systemic issues contributing to their exploitation, the report added.