Diplomatic Tensions Impact Indian Student Enrollment in Canada, Study Permits Plummet
Recent diplomatic conflicts between India and Canada have significantly impacted the enrollment of Indian students in Canadian universities, with study permits witnessing an 86% decline in the fourth quarter of last year. Immigration Minister Marc Miller disclosed in an interview that the expulsion of Canadian diplomats by India, coupled with fewer applications due to a diplomatic dispute over the murder of a Sikh separatist leader, contributed to this sharp decrease.
The diplomatic tensions escalated when Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau suggested evidence linking Indian government agents to the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia. As a result, Canada was compelled to withdraw 41 diplomats, and the dispute prompted Indian students to explore educational opportunities in other countries.
The latest data, not previously reported, indicates a drop from 108,940 study permits issued to Indians in the third quarter to just 14,910 in the fourth quarter of last year. This is a significant blow to Canadian universities, as international students, including those from India, contribute approximately C$22 billion ($16.4 billion) annually to the economy.
Gurusubramanian, counselor for the High Commission of India in Ottawa, highlighted concerns among Indian students about the "lack of residential and adequate teaching facilities" at some Canadian institutions, leading them to consider alternative options.
The strained diplomatic relations pose challenges for the foreseeable future, as Miller expressed skepticism about a swift rebound in the issuance of study permits to Indian students. The impact goes beyond enrollment figures, affecting the economic contribution of international students to Canadian universities.
Moreover, as part of a broader strategy to manage the influx of international students, the Canadian government is contemplating additional measures. Miller hinted at a possible cap on the number of students and expressed intentions to address concerns related to postgraduate work permits, crack down on substandard institutions, and modify off-campus work hour restrictions.
Despite the challenging landscape, Canada remains a favored destination for international students due to favorable post-education work permit policies. However, the current diplomatic impasse and proposed policy changes underscore the complexities faced by both students and institutions in the evolving Canadian educational landscape.
