Indian Students Stage Protests In Canada

In Prince Edward Island (PEI), a picturesque corner of Canada known for its potatoes and the fictional character “Anne of Green Gables,” a significant protest is underway. The demonstrators are primarily former and current international students, most of whom hail from India. Their grievances stem from a recent policy change that jeopardizes their prospects in the country.

Indian international students often enroll in colleges or diploma mills in provinces like Ontario or British Columbia (B.C.). However, they discover that the pathway to permanent residency (PR) in these provinces is challenging due to high competition and an already saturated population. As a result, some students cancel their admission in Ontario or B.C. and join diploma mills in less populous provinces. Provinces like PEI have programs called the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) that facilitate PR for temporary residents. These programs help provinces maintain sustainable population growth and address labor shortages. International students benefit from PNP by having a shot at fulfilling their Canadian dream.

Canada has experienced unprecedented immigration in recent years, leading to an influx of students in provinces like PEI. The federal government has shifted its focus to prioritize PR for people working in specific sectors such as healthcare, early childhood education, and construction. Unfortunately, most international students work in food and retail industries, which aren’t prioritized. Additionally, the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) extension was not granted after December 2023, leaving many students in a precarious situation. Desperate and facing potential deportation, the students have resorted to Dharnas – a familiar form of peaceful protests.