Protest erupts across Canada as 70,000 international students including Nigerians face possible deportation
Demonstrations are currently unfolding across Canada as approximately 70,000 international students face the looming threat of deportation. According to CityNews Toronto, the Naujawan Support Network, a student advocacy organization, has highlighted that over 70,000 graduates could be at risk when their work permits expire at the end of the year.
On Tuesday, the Trudeau administration revealed new restrictions that will significantly limit the number of temporary foreign workers allowed into Canada. This policy, announced earlier this year, aims to reduce new international student permits by 35% starting September 1, 2024. Additionally, from September, international students will be restricted to working off-campus for a maximum of 24 hours per week.
Students have organized protests outside the legislative assembly in Prince Edward Island, where they have been camping out for over three months. Similar demonstrations have occurred in Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia. The situation is exacerbated by new provincial policies, which have reduced permanent residency nominations by 25%, leaving many students vulnerable to deportation.
Recent rallies have also been held in Brampton, where international students and immigrant workers have pushed back against claims that they are responsible for local housing and job shortages. The International Sikh Student Organization has argued that these issues stem from broader policy failures rather than the presence of international students.
Advocacy groups and students are urging the federal government to extend work permits and establish clearer pathways to permanent residency, emphasizing their significant contributions to the Canadian economy and the need for equitable treatment.
In a related move, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced on Monday that the Canadian government will reduce the proportion of low-wage temporary foreign workers employers can hire from 20% to 10% of their total workforce. This change, effective September 26, follows earlier adjustments made in March and over the summer. Additionally, the government will no longer accept applications from employers in regions with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher, and the maximum employment duration for workers in the low-wage stream will be reduced from two years to one year.
