11 october 2024 : Hundreds of Punjabi students in Canada have taken to the streets to protest the government’s decision to limit the number of international students eligible for post-graduation work permits (PGWPs) and other immigration pathways. The new policy, which could severely impact their chances of applying for permanent residency, has left many students in a state of uncertainty, unsure of their future prospects in Canada.
These students, who moved to Canada with hopes of building a better life, now fear deportation as the policy change affects their ability to stay in the country. Protests initially started in Toronto but quickly spread to other cities like Brampton, Vancouver, Winnipeg, and Montreal. Students have been vocal about the unfairness of the policy, especially given the financial and emotional investment they’ve made in their education.
The protests have gained widespread support, with notable figures such as Punjabi singers Rupinder Handa and Guru Randhawa visiting the protest sites. Additionally, 54 trade unions, part of the Ontario Federation of Workers and Migrants, have joined the cause, further amplifying the movement.
Student leaders claim that this policy change will impact approximately 130,000 international students, many of whom had hoped to transition to permanent residency after their studies. Some, like Mehakdeep Singh, shared personal stories of sacrificing years to meet the requirements for permanent residency, only to be thwarted by the new regulations.
Despite the protests, the Canadian government has defended the policy, stating that the cap is necessary to ensure the sustainability of Canada’s immigration system. They acknowledged the students’ frustration but emphasized that the system must manage the flow of workers in accordance with the country’s economic and societal needs.