OTTAWA: Hundreds of Indian students in Canada's Prince Edward Island (PEI) region took to the streets to protest against the Canadian government for "changing the [immigration] policy overnight and denying them work permits." According to reports, the students alleged that despite graduating, they were denied work permits and now face deportation. However, India's ministry of external affairs (MEA) has denied the claims, saying that while there might be a few cases here or there, it doesn't see any major problem.
The students reportedly threatened to go on a hunger strike if their demands weren't met. The protests near the PEI government buildings began on May 9. According to CBC News, over 200 protesters gathered in Charlottetown, urging the provincial government to intervene and help the many foreign workers whose work permits are about to expire.
In July last year, PEI passed a law restricting postgraduate work permits to students with specific qualifications. They now allow only students with construction, home-building and healthcare qualifications to get a permit.
This reportedly meant that hundreds of immigrants in other industries, such as retail sales and service, may not have their work permits extended when they run out in the next few months. This left many international students unable to continue working in Canada.In February, the PEI government announced it would reduce the number of people from other countries that it nominates for permanent residency in Canada through the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). "The number of nominees will fall by 25 per cent in 2024, partly as a result of pressure on PEI's healthcare system and housing market," CBC News reported.
