The stressed diplomatic relations between Canada and India have negatively affected the quantity of study permits given to Indian students, as per Immigration Minister Marc Miller. The downfall was ascribed to the expulsion of Canadian diplomats by India, who were liable for handling the permits. Moreover, fewer Indian students applied for study permits during a dispute connected with the murder of Sikh dissident pioneer Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's assertion in June connecting Indian government agents to Nijjar's murder further heightened pressures, adding to a huge drop in the issuance of study permits. Miller communicated suspicion about a fast recovery, expressing that the continuous diplomatic rift will probably keep influencing the numbers in the foreseeable future.
Miller emphasized that the strained relationship has significantly hindered Canada's capacity to handle a significant volume of applications, which has harmed the processing of applications from India.
In October, Canada faced a diplomatic setback as it needed to review 41 diplomats, containing two-thirds of its staff, following requests from New Delhi. This stressed relationship has impacted political ties and triggered a surge in students exploring alternative courses for study opportunities.
Subsequently, the effect on the issuance of study permits to Indian students has been radical, with official, already unreported information uncovering an 86% decrease in permits given in the fourth quarter of the earlier year contrasted with the previous quarter. The number plummeted from 108,940 to 14,910, mirroring the extreme outcomes of the dispute on study opportunities for Indian students in Canada.
Indian Students Explore Alternative Study Options
As strategic pressures endure among Canada and India, a few Indian students are exploring alternative study courses, referring to worries about the new insufficiency of residential and teaching facilities at specific Canadian institutions, as per C. Gurusubramanian, counselor for the High Commission of India in Ottawa.
Considering that Indians comprise the biggest group of international students in Canada, representing more than 41% of all permits in 2022 (225,835 permits), the preference change represents a significant challenge for Canadian institutions. Marc Miller communicated the probability of the future of political relations and their effect on educational ties, especially if charges somehow managed to be documented regarding the dispute.
The slowdown in the inflow of international students, a significant source of income adding up to roughly C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) yearly for Canadian colleges, represents a significant blow to these institutions. In June, Canada ensnared Indian specialists in the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a claim dismissed by India. Notwithstanding the absence of accusations in association with the killing, the diplomatic fallout has stressed relations.
Moreover, the Canadian government, grappling with housing shortages, aims to diminish the general number of international students entering the country. Marc Miller featured the requirement for a considerable decrease in the sheer volume of students entering Canada, referring to plans for extra measures, including a possible cap, in the first half of this current year. Canada's relatively easy access to post-graduation work permits contributes to the country's popularity among international students.
The government intends to address postgraduate work permits, fix guidelines on assigned learning institutions, and execute measures. Mill recognised concerns about potential labour deficiencies in businesses like food administration and retail. Notwithstanding a 4% decrease in permits for Indian students last year, they comprise the biggest group, containing 40% of the extended 900,000 students worldwide in Canada by 2023.
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