Diplomatic Strain cause decline in Indian student study permits and impacts Canada’s educational landscape
Amidst escalating diplomatic tensions between Canada and India, triggered by the controversy surrounding the murder of Sikh leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a significant 86% decline in study permits for Indian students is reshaping the educational landscape in Canada.
A senior Canadian official revealed that the expulsion of Canadian diplomats responsible for processing study permits has resulted in a notable decrease in the issuance of permits to students from India. This downturn has had profound implications for the Canadian education system, with Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressing skepticism about a swift rebound in the number of study permits for Indians. Miller acknowledged that the strained relationship with India has significantly impeded the processing of applications.
-
Indians have historically constituted the largest group of international students in Canada, representing over 41% or 225,835 permits in 2022
-
Beyond their academic pursuits, Indian students contribute significantly to Canadian universities, generating approximately C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) in revenue annually
In an interview, Miller stated, “Our relationship with India has effectively halved our ability to process a lot of applications from India,” adding that he sees no immediate improvement on the horizon. The diplomatic tension reached a critical point when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau publicly insinuated evidence linking Indian government agents to Nijjar’s murder in British Columbia—a claim vehemently denied by India.
The uncertainty surrounding the future of the diplomatic relationship, especially in the event of potential legal charges, has further clouded prospects for improvement. Miller commented, “It’s not something that I see any light at the end of the tunnel on.”
Consequently, Indian students, adversely affected by these ongoing issues, are now exploring educational opportunities in other countries. A spokesperson for Miller noted that this has resulted in a substantial 86% decrease in study permits issued to Indians in the fourth quarter of the previous year, dropping from 108,940 to 14,910, according to official data reported by Reuters.
C Gurusubramanian, a counselor for the High Commission of India in Ottawa, acknowledged that some Indian international students are considering alternative options due to concerns about insufficient residential and teaching facilities at certain Canadian institutions. Reportedly, many are now contemplating colleges in Australia and the United Kingdom.
Indians have historically constituted the largest group of international students in Canada, representing over 41% or 225,835 permits in 2022. Beyond their academic pursuits, Indian students contribute significantly to Canadian universities, generating approximately C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) in revenue annually.
************************************************************************
Readers