Protests Erupt As 70,000 International Students Face Deportation After Canada Cuts Foreign Worker Intake

Protests have erupted across Canada as over 70,000 international student graduates face uncertainty about their futures following recent changes to the country’s immigration policies.

Under the new changes announced by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s government, which include restrictions on study permits, these students now risk deportation.

Indian students, in particular, have mobilised in large numbers to demonstrate against the federal policy changes. Many of these students, who came to Canada with hopes of building new lives, are now voicing their frustration on the streets.

The policy changes have had a severe impact on these students. Many who intended to apply for permanent residency after completing their studies are now burdened with significant debt and broken dreams, CityNews Toronto reported.

The situation has become critical as new provincial policies call for a 25% reduction in permanent residency nominations, leaving many students at risk of deportation.

Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student facing deportation, expressed his dismay: “I spent the most crucial six years of my life taking many risks to come to Canada… I studied, I worked, I paid taxes, I earned enough CRS [Comprehensive Ranking System] points, but the government has just taken advantage of us”

Why Canada Is Reducing Temporary Foreign Workers Number?

On Monday, the Canadian government announced that it will significantly reduce the number of temporary foreign workers it accepts, reversing expansions made in 2022. This decision comes as Justin Trudeau’s government grapples with rising concerns about the number of temporary residents.

Trudeau’s cabinet is also considering cuts to permanent residency streams. “We’re looking at the various streams to make sure that as we move forward, Canada remains a place that is positive in its support for immigration, but also responsible in the way we integrate and make sure there’s pathways to success for everyone who comes to Canada,” Canadian PM said.

The new changes will end low-wage temporary foreign workers in communities with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, reduce the percentage of low-wage temporary foreign workers employers can hire to 10%, and shorten the duration of low-wage temporary foreign worker permits from two years to one.

(With inputs from agencies)