Relations between India and Canada have become quite bitter. Diplomatic relations between the two countries have also come to a standstill. Thousands of Indians are either doing temporary jobs there or have gone there to study. All of them are worried about how they will live in this country in future. How will their life be there and how much will the bad relations between the two countries affect it?
The bitter diplomatic dispute between India and Canada started mainly with the murder of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. After this, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government started cashing in on this issue to bring Sikhs closer. They gave this whole matter an India-hating colour. Certainly, if any government is doing this, then it will definitely have an impact on Indians living in Canada.
According to a rough estimate, about 30 thousand Indians are doing temporary jobs in Canada and about 4.5 lakh Indian students are studying in various universities there. Let us know what impact this whole matter can have on them there.
1. Concern about the future
Many Indian students currently studying in Canada are quite worried and concerned about their future. Families from India going to Canada are worried about the possible delay in the visa process and those seeking permanent residence (PR) or work permit are worried about this controversial development in both countries. According to statistics, about 6000 people from India catch flights to various cities in Canada every day.
More than 50 flights operate between the two countries every day. Although it is not confirmed, it is said that there are 100 flights connecting several cities in India to several cities in Canada every day. 40 per cent of international students in Canada are from India. This is being or will be the most affected. Many students are in the middle of their course, so they have paid a hefty fee and are stuck there by doing so.
The way the Trudeau government's stance has turned against India in the last one or two years, it will definitely lead to a decrease in the number of people going there for jobs and studies.
2. Delay in visa processing
The expulsion of diplomats will now lead to a shortage of staff, which will affect visa applications. Due to this, the waiting time for visas will increase further. Immigration consultants estimate that the processing time may double. This may disappoint those planning to travel or apply for a new visa.
This situation is particularly worrying for students who will find it difficult or very delaying to obtain the documents they need to start their courses.
3. Security concerns
The Indian government has issued advisories urging its citizens in Canada to exercise caution amid rising anti-India sentiments and politically motivated hate crimes. The advisory highlights that the safety of Indians living in Canada will certainly be affected in this environment.
4. Community tensions
Allegations against India's involvement in Nijjar's killing have fuelled tensions within the South Asian community in Canada, particularly among those from the Sikh diaspora.
5. How the students living there are scared
The Indian students living there are not only worried about all these situations but are also scared. They are relying on the support of friends, family and academic advisors to overcome their worries. Some advisors have advised the students to stay calm. They have been told that Canadian institutions value international students. They have a strong support system.
Question - How many Indians live in Canada?
- According to the data till 2023, there are about 25 lakh temporary residents in Canada, which includes a large number of Indian citizens. According to the data, till last year, 26,495 people from India were working there as temporary foreign workers. Whose number is expected to increase to around 30,000
Question - What kind of jobs do Indians usually go to Canada for?
- They get these jobs in sectors like hospitality, retail and agriculture. By the way, recently Canada has imposed new restrictions on workers coming from outside, which will directly affect Indian workers. The maximum employment period for low-paid foreign workers has been reduced from two years to just one year. This change reduces the opportunity for Indian citizens looking for long-term employment and permanent residence. The reason for this is also the rising unemployment in Canada.
Question – How many Indian students are studying in Canada?
– Last year's statistics say that 4.5 lakh Indian students have been admitted to various universities in Canada. Canada earns a lot of money through them.
Question - How many Indians go to Canada every year?
- According to the data for the year 2023, about 22 lakh people travelled between India and Canada last year. That is, 6000 passengers travelled daily. Most of the passengers in this were students, migrants, business people and people whose family members or friends live there.
Question - Has hate crime against Indians increased in Canada?
- There is no news of any such incident recently, because Indians have started being more cautious about their safety, but in the last few years, there has indeed been a significant increase in hate crimes against Indians and South Asian communities in Canada.
According to “Statistics Canada”, hate crimes targeting South Asian communities increased by 143% from 2019 to 2022, while there was an increase of 18% between 2021 and 2022. This trend shows the growing concern for the safety of Indian citizens in Canada. Many Indian students and newcomers report facing hate and discriminatory comments online. There has been a surge in anti-Indian sentiments on social media platforms. This has become a serious issue there.
--Advertisement--