Canada Minister: In a recent interview with Reuters, Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, revealed a substantial decline in study permits issued to Indian students. The drop, attributed to India expelling Canadian diplomats handling permit processing, was exacerbated by diminished applications due to a diplomatic dispute linked to the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada.
Miller expressed pessimism about a quick recovery, citing strained relations following Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s allegations connecting Indian government agents to the aforementioned murder.
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The repercussions were stark, with an 86% decrease in study permits issued to Indians in Q4 2023 compared to the previous quarter, dropping from 108K to 14K, as per undisclosed official data.
The diplomatic fallout forced Canada to withdraw 41 diplomats from India, causing disruptions. Furthermore, Indian students, seeking alternative study destinations, added to the decline.
To address broader concerns, the Canadian government aims to reduce international student inflow, partly addressing housing shortages. Additional measures, potentially including a cap, are anticipated in the first half of this year.
In response to labour market concerns, the government plans restrictions on off-campus work hours for international students. This move, however, raises apprehensions in the food service and retail industries, fearing potential labour shortages.
The evolving situation underscores the multifaceted challenges facing Canada in managing international student flows amid diplomatic tensions and broader policy adjustments.
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