A recent announcement by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding a potential reduction in the number of low-wage temporary foreign workers has sent shockwaves through the international student community, particularly among Indian students.
Indian nationals make up the largest contingent of international students in Canada, holding 37% of the 579,075 study permits issued as of November 2023. This figure represents a dramatic increase from 2018, when only 107,070 Indian students received permits. Many of these students had anticipated that their study permits would pave the way to permanent residency (PR) and eventually citizenship. However, recent policy changes have cast doubt on this pathway, leading to widespread anxiety.
The United Nations (UN) special rapporteur recently expressed concerns about Canada’s heavy reliance on temporary foreign workers, labeling it a potential “breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery.” This observation highlights the risks of exploitation and underpayment faced by temporary workers, who often fill low-wage positions in industries like agriculture, hospitality, and retail. The UN’s warning has added fuel to the ongoing debate surrounding immigration policies and intensified the anxiety felt by international students.
Prime Minister Trudeau has announced plans to reduce the number of low-wage foreign workers, citing mounting domestic pressure and a desire to prioritize job opportunities for Canadian citizens, particularly young people. This decision comes amidst a rising unemployment rate for temporary residents, which has reached 11%, compared to 6.2% for the overall workforce.
The proposed policy shift has been met with particular anxiety by Indian students, many of whom viewed their study permits as a pathway to PR. A significant number of students, particularly from Punjab, have enrolled in institutions known as “degree mills” to obtain diplomas in various trades, hoping to earn work permits and eventually achieve permanent residency and citizenship. The prospect of a reduction in low-wage temporary workers has cast a shadow of uncertainty over these aspirations.
Further adding to the anxiety is the decision by the Prince Edward Island (PEI) provincial government to cut the number of PR nominations through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) by 25% for 2024. This reduction, attributed to strain on healthcare and housing systems, has heightened fears of deportation among immigrants in various sectors.
While the Trudeau government insists that study permits should not guarantee PR, the policy changes have undeniably caused distress among international students and temporary foreign workers. These anxieties are not only about their current status but also reflect a desire for support from the sizable Indian-origin Canadian voter base.
As Canada navigates adjustments to its immigration policies, the outcome of these protests will have a significant impact on the lives of many Indian students and foreign workers in the country. The future of their dreams and aspirations hangs in the balance, and the outcome of this situation will be closely watched by all involved.
