Indian Students in Canada
The number of study permits for Indian students in Canada is not expected to recover soon, according to a government official. This drop in permits is due to a diplomatic dispute that led to the expulsion of Canadian diplomats from India who processed the permits and a decrease in applications from Indian students.
The dispute was triggered by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s claim in June of evidence linking Indian government agents to the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller told news agency Reuters: “Our relationship with India has halved our ability to process many applications from India.” The official further added that it’s uncertain how relations between the two countries would progress, especially if charges were laid in connection with the murder.
“Right now we have a challenge with the sheer volume” of students coming in, Miller noted. “It’s just gotten out of control and needs to be reduced, I would say, significantly over a short period.”
The decrease in study permits for Indian students in Canada is a significant concern for both countries. Canada has become a popular destination for Indian students seeking quality education and international exposure. However, the diplomatic dispute has affected the processing of study permits, leading to a decline in the number of Indian students studying in Canada.
The dispute between Canada and India arose from Prime Minister Trudeau’s statement regarding the alleged involvement of Indian government agents in the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar. This claim strained the relationship between the two countries and resulted in the expulsion of Canadian diplomats from India, who were responsible for processing study permits.
As a result of the strained relationship, the processing of study permits for Indian students has been significantly impacted. Immigration Minister Marc Miller acknowledged the challenges faced in processing the high volume of applications from India. The current situation calls for a reduction in the number of study permits issued, which may have a long-lasting effect on the education opportunities available to Indian students in Canada.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of the relationship between Canada and India further complicates the situation. If charges are laid in connection with the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, it could potentially strain the relationship even more and hinder the processing of study permits for Indian students.
Both countries have a vested interest in resolving the diplomatic dispute and improving the processing of study permits for Indian students. Canada benefits from international students’ cultural diversity and economic contributions, while Indian students gain access to quality education and global opportunities.
Efforts should be made to rebuild trust and improve diplomatic relations between Canada and India. This includes addressing the concerns raised by the Indian government and finding common ground to ensure the smooth processing of study permits for Indian students.
The government estimated that approximately 900,000 foreign students would be studying in Canada in 2023, which is roughly three times the number from ten years prior. About 360,000 students, or 40% of them, were Indian, according to Miller. Although they still made up the largest group, Indian students received 4% fewer permits last year.
With more than 41% of all permits granted to them in 2022, Indians have been the largest group of foreign students studying in Canada. Because they bring in approximately $16.4 billion a year, international students are essential to the survival of Canadian universities.
In conclusion, the number of study permits for Indian students in Canada is not expected to recover soon due to the diplomatic dispute and the decrease in applications. The strained relationship between the two countries has impacted the processing of study permits, creating challenges in managing the high volume of applications. Both Canada and India must work towards resolving the dispute and restoring trust to ensure the continued flow of Indian students to Canada for education.
Also Read
Nirmohi Akhara Receives Invitation for Pran Pratishtha Ceremony at Ram Temple
Malaysian Palm Oil Futures Rise on India’s Concessional Duty Extension
1 thought on “Study Permits for Indian Students in Canada Expected to Remain Low”