Indian students face deportation from Canada: Punjab BJP leader Jakhar seeks MEA's intervention
Chandigarh, July 31
Taking the lead, former Punjab BJP president Sunil Jakhar on Friday expressed serious concern over the recent changes made by the Canadian government to the Post-Graduation Work Permit regulations that made hundreds of students, mainly from the state, face chances of deportation despite spending hard-earned money of their parents.
He has sought the Indian government's intervention. Jakhar said that these changes have left hundreds of Indian students facing uncertainty and severe mental distress, as many of them are from Punjab.
In a statement, BJP's former lawmaker Jakhar said that these students enrolled in Canadian colleges and universities at a time when the PGWP rules were different. Students and their families invested their future, time, and lakhs of rupees based on the policy that was in effect at the time of admission. The sudden change in regulations has now cast serious doubts over their careers and future.
He said that while every country has the sovereign right to make policy changes, such decisions should not adversely affect students who enrolled under the previously applicable rules. Appropriate relief or a transitional arrangement should be provided for these students to ensure they are not subjected to unfair treatment.
Jakhar urged the Ministry of External Affairs of the Government of India to immediately take up the matter with the Canadian government and work through diplomatic channels to find a solution that safeguards the legitimate interests of the affected Indian students.
He further stated that Indian students pursuing higher education abroad are a valuable part of the nation's human capital, and safeguarding their future is a shared responsibility.
Jakhar expressed hope that the Government of India will treat the matter with the seriousness it deserves, engage with the Canadian government at the earliest, and take effective steps to secure relief for the affected students.
— IANS
Reader Comments
While I agree with Jakhar ji that students shouldn't be penalized for policy changes, we also need to hold students and consultants accountable. Many agents in Punjab were pushing kids to apply without understanding the long-term visa rules. It's not always the government's fault. That said, the Canadian authorities should still show some compassion for those already in the system.
Finally a politician doing something useful! My cousin is stuck in this mess and he's been crying every day. Parents sold their land to fund his education and now he can't even work there. This is what happens when we don't have strong diplomatic pressure. Kudos to Jakhar for raising this issue, and I truly hope the Indian government acts fast before these kids' dreams are crushed.
It's not just Punjab, students from all over India are affected! As someone who studied abroad, I know how stressful it is to navigate these changes. India should definitely raise this diplomatically, but students also need to stay updated on policies and have backup plans. No country owes us a job, but they should honor the rules that were there when we applied. 🤞
As a Canadian, I feel for these students. Canada's immigration system has become chaotic lately, and changing rules mid-stream is really unfortunate. These students brought their talent and money to our country, and we should treat them fairly. I hope the Canadian government listens to reason and works out a fair transition for those already here.
This is a classic case of 'change the rules after the game starts.'
We welcome thoughtful discussions from our readers. Please keep comments respectful and on-topic.