While student protests have historically led to concessions, the current political environment and new immigration policies make a favorable outcome uncertain
- The Ministry of External Affairs in India has downplayed the issue, but the situation may signal broader unrest among international students in Canada amid tightening immigration rules
Indian students in Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada, are staging protests, including a hunger strike, against recent changes to the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) which threaten their residency status.
The protests began on May 9, escalating on May 28 when some students initiated a hunger strike. The new regulations reduce the number of nominees for permanent residency by 25% in 2024, prioritizing sectors like healthcare and construction while disadvantaging retail, food, and service industry workers. This shift could lead to the deportation of hundreds of international students, many from India.
Manpreet Kaur from the Montreal Youth Student Organisation highlighted the plight of approximately 300 graduates in PEI with expiring work permits. These students, primarily working in retail and services, are deeply affected by the sudden policy changes.
The students are demanding three main changes:
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Grandfathering into the PNP System: Allow students who arrived before the policy shift to be assessed under the old rules.
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Fair PNP Draws Without a Points System: Ensure that the PNP draws do not exclude certain sectors. The current 65-point requirement is nearly impossible for those under 25.
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Extension of Work Permits: Provide more time to meet the new PR requirements, enabling students to stay in Canada under the new system.
PEI employers, concerned about the potential workforce impact, have joined the students in urging the government to reconsider. Premier Dennis King and Workforce Minister Jenn Redmond acknowledged the issue but maintained their commitment to the new policy. Redmond suggested that affected students consider training for high-demand jobs.
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