In recent months, Canada has witnessed a wave of protests by tens of thousands of international students, following significant changes to immigration policies by the Justin Trudeau-led government. These policies, aimed at reducing the intake of foreign students and limiting their work opportunities, have sparked outrage among the international student community, who feel betrayed by a system they have heavily invested in.
The nationwide protests, which have seen participation from approximately 70,000 foreign students, have spread across several Canadian provinces, including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia. Among these students are roughly 15,000 Nigerians, part of a diverse group of young people whose futures are now uncertain due to the Canadian government’s tightened immigration measures.
The unrest among international students stems from a series of policy changes that have significantly altered the landscape of education and work opportunities in Canada for foreign nationals. In 2021, the Canadian government abolished the work permit for international students under the Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) program. The PGWP was a crucial pathway for students to gain Canadian work experience after graduation, providing them with an opportunity to work for up to three years, depending on the length of their study program. For many, this work experience was not just a means of sustaining themselves post-graduation but also a vital stepping stone towards permanent residency.
The situation worsened in 2022 when the federal government introduced a two-year cap on international student visas, marking a stark departure from Canada’s previous openness to foreign students. Last year alone, international students accounted for 37 percent of all study visa holders in Canada. They have been essential contributors to the country’s economy, not only through tuition fees but also by filling labor gaps and addressing skills shortages in various industries. However, the influx of foreign students has also been blamed for exacerbating existing pressures, including a worsening housing crisis, rising unemployment, and strained public services.
In response to these issues, the government’s cap on student visas aims to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35 percent, further tightening the flow of international talent into Canada. This measure is part of a broader immigration overhaul that has left many international students feeling unwelcome and unsure about their future in the country.
The policy changes have not gone unnoticed by the international student community. Protests erupted across Canada’s provinces, with students voicing their displeasure at the new measures. These demonstrations are not just about the immediate impact of the policies but also about the broader message they send to those who have come to Canada seeking better opportunities.
One of the most vocal groups in the protests has been the Naujawan Support Network, an advocacy organization representing international students and immigrant workers. The group has warned that many graduates could face deportation when their work permits expire at the end of the year. Without the ability to apply for the PGWP at the border, a measure announced by the government in June, many students are left in a precarious position, unable to transition smoothly from their studies to the workforce.
The situation is compounded by new provincial policies that have introduced a 25 percent reduction in permanent residency nominations. This move has made it even more difficult for international students to secure a stable future in Canada, despite their significant contributions to the economy and society. The cuts in residency nominations mean that even those who have built lives in Canada, paid taxes, and contributed to the community may still face the prospect of being sent back to their home countries.
The protests have brought to light the personal stories of many international students who feel let down by the Canadian government. Mehakdeep Singh, a former international student facing deportation, captured the frustration of many when he spoke to City News Toronto: “I spent six years taking risks to come to Canada. I studied, worked, paid taxes, and earned enough Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) points, but the government has taken advantage of us.” His sentiment reflects the broader sense of betrayal felt by students who have invested time, money, and effort into building a future in Canada, only to have their aspirations thwarted by sudden policy changes.
For Singh and many others, the promise of Canada was one of opportunity and stability—a place where hard work and dedication would be rewarded. Instead, they now find themselves caught in a web of restrictive immigration policies that seem to disregard their contributions. The abrupt shift in Canada’s stance towards international students has disrupted lives, forcing many to reconsider their future plans.
The protests by international students have also resonated with immigrant workers across Canada, many of whom have joined the rallies in solidarity. In cities like Brampton, immigrant workers have staged demonstrations to counter the narrative that they are responsible for Canada’s housing and job crises. These rallies have highlighted the complex interplay between immigration, labor markets, and public perception, as immigrant communities push back against scapegoating and seek recognition for their role in the Canadian economy.
Immigrant workers, like international students, contribute significantly to Canada’s workforce, particularly in sectors facing labor shortages. However, the tightening of immigration policies has fueled a growing sense of insecurity among these communities, as they grapple with the possibility of losing their right to live and work in Canada. The protests have thus become a platform not only for students but also for broader discussions about the treatment of immigrants in Canada and the need for fairer policies that reflect the realities of those who have built their lives here.
The impact of Canada’s new immigration policies extends beyond the immediate concerns of students and workers. The decision to cap international student visas and reduce work permit opportunities threatens to undermine Canada’s position as a top destination for global talent. International students bring significant economic benefits, contributing billions of dollars annually through tuition fees, living expenses, and their participation in the labor market. They also enrich Canada’s cultural landscape, bringing diversity and new perspectives to campuses and communities across the country.
However, the government’s policy shift appears to be driven by growing public concern over housing affordability, unemployment, and the strain on public services. With Canada facing a severe housing crisis, particularly in major cities, there has been increasing scrutiny of the role of international students and immigrants in driving up demand for limited housing stock. Unemployment rates among domestic workers have also sparked debates about the impact of foreign labor on local job markets.
Yet, the narrative that international students and immigrant workers are to blame for these issues is not without controversy. Many experts argue that the housing crisis and unemployment are complex problems rooted in broader economic and policy failures, such as insufficient housing supply and mismatched skills in the labor force. Reducing the number of foreign students and workers may provide a temporary reprieve, but it does little to address the underlying structural challenges.
As protests continue, there are growing calls for the Canadian government to reconsider its stance on international students. Advocacy groups, university representatives, and student bodies have urged the government to provide more support for international students, including pathways to permanent residency and expanded work opportunities. They argue that rather than reducing the intake of foreign students, Canada should be finding ways to integrate them more fully into the economy and society.
Protesters have also called for a reversal of the PGWP restrictions, highlighting the vital role that work experience plays in helping graduates transition from academia to the workforce. Without this support, many students face the prospect of returning home with no clear path forward, despite years of investment in their Canadian education.
There is also a push for more transparent and fair immigration policies that take into account the contributions of international students and immigrant workers. Many believe that the current approach, which appears punitive and reactionary, fails to recognize the value that these individuals bring to Canada. By fostering a more inclusive and supportive environment, Canada could continue to attract the best and brightest from around the world, bolstering its economy and enriching its social fabric.
The ongoing protests by international students in Canada are a stark reminder of the complexities and challenges of immigration policy in a rapidly changing world. As Canada moves towards a major overhaul of its immigration system, the government faces a critical choice: to either embrace the contributions of international students and immigrants or risk alienating a generation of young people who have already given so much to the country.
The decisions made today will have lasting implications not just for the students and workers directly affected, but for Canada’s reputation as a welcoming and inclusive nation. At a time when global competition for talent is fiercer than ever, Canada’s actions will speak volumes about its values and its vision for the future.
SOURCES
- https://thenationonlineng.net/protest-in-canada-as-70000-international-students-face-deportation/amp/
- https://www.vanguardngr.com/2024/08/protests-across-canada-as-70000-international-students-face-deportation/
