Trudeau’s Tightening Of Rules For Workers, Students, Will Affect Indians

Photo: Reuters/ Blair Gable

OTTAWA (REUTERS) – On September 18, Canada has announced measures to reduce the number of study permits issued to foreign students and tightened its foreign worker rules, a move that will significantly impact many Indian nationals.
Canada remains a popular destination for Indian students, with Indian government data showing that around 4.27 lakh Indian students are currently studying in Canada. Between 2013 and 2022, the number of Indian students moving to Canada increased by 260%. According to a Reuters report, approximately 40% of international students in Canada are from India.
In an effort to lower the number of temporary residents, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated, “We’re granting 35% fewer international student permits this year, and next year, that number will decrease by another 10%,” in a post on social media.
Trudeau emphasized the importance of immigration for the Canadian economy but noted the need to crack down on those who exploit the system, particularly when it comes to international students. Additionally, the new measures will limit work permit eligibility for spouses of certain students and temporary foreign workers.
According to Statistics Canada, the number of temporary residents—particularly students and workers—has doubled in just two years, rising from 1.4 million in the second quarter of 2022 to 2.8 million in the second quarter of 2024.

Canada has already committed to reducing the proportion of temporary residents to 5% of the total population, down from 6.8% in April. Temporary residents have been linked to societal challenges such as a lack of affordable housing and the rising cost of living.