An average of 70,000 foreign students hit the streets of Canada in nationwide protests, as the country moves towards a major immigration overhaul.
The protesters expressed their displeasure with the new policies introduced by the Justin Trudeau-led federal government.
Demonstrations took place across provinces including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
In 2021, the work permit for international students under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) programme was abolished, and last year, the federal government also introduced a two-year cap on international student visas.
Furthermore, in 2023, international students accounted for 37% of study visa holders in Canada, contributing to existing pressures from the housing crisis, unemployment, and other services.
With the cap on student visas, the government expects a 35 percent reduction in the intake of foreign students.
However, to address this, the Canadian government in June announced that foreign nationals can no longer apply for a post-graduation work permit (PGWP) at the border.
Amid the protests, representatives from the student advocacy group, Naujawan Support Network, have warned that many graduates could face deportation once their work permits expire at the end of the year.
The situation has worsened with new provincial policies that have introduced a 25% reduction in permanent residency nominations.
Also Read: Canada Seeks To Boost Local Hiring By Cutting Foreign Worker Use
“I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but the government has taken advantage of us,” Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student facing deportation, told City News Toronto.
Similarly, immigrant workers have staged rallies in recent months throughout Brampton, countering claims that they are to blame for local housing and job crises.
