A burgeoning influx of young students from Punjab, India, has poured a staggering ₹68,000 crore into Canada’s education sector, even as diplomatic tensions simmer between the two nations over allegations of involvement in the June killing of Khalistani extremist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in British Columbia’s Surrey.
The diplomatic rift between Ottawa and New Delhi has centered on their differing approaches to extremism within a specific religious group. However, it appears that followers of the same religion have significantly contributed to the influx of immigrant students in Canada.
Earlier reports indicated that Canada remains the top choice for Punjabi youngsters due to its flexible education policies, ample work opportunities, and easier post-graduation immigration prospects. Punjab has witnessed a fourfold increase in foreign enrollments for higher studies, with Canada emerging as the preferred destination among students.
In 2022, Canada approved a total of 226,450 visas under the Immigration, Refugee, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), with approximately 1.36 lakh students hailing from Punjab. These students are pursuing various courses, with an average duration of two to three years.
Current data from student visa processing agencies suggests that around 3.4 lakh Punjabi students are studying in various Canadian educational institutions.
Khalsa Vox, a publication, reported that this surge of Punjabi students on Canadian campuses is a notable trend, with nearly 60 percent of all Indian students moving to Canada being of Punjabi origin.
Last year, approximately 1.36 lakh Punjabi students journeyed to Canada, each paying an average annual fee of 17,000 Canadian dollars, according to Kamal Bhumla, Chairman of the Association of Consultants for Overseas Studies.
However, the substantial influx of students has also brought forth growing concerns of corruption, with agencies promising admission to esteemed Canadian institutions. Canadian authorities uncovered cases where students were living on student visas with fake admission papers.
This issue came to light in March when these students, upon completing their studies, applied for permanent residency in Canada, and the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) detected counterfeit documents. A staggering 700 students faced potential deportation in the wake of the scandal, though Canadian authorities temporarily suspended deportation orders.
Summary:
- Punjab’s youth invest ₹68,000 crore in Canadian education amid diplomatic tensions.
- Canada’s flexible education policies and post-graduation opportunities attract Punjabi students.
- In 2022, 1.36 lakh students from Punjab obtained visas for Canadian study.
- Around 3.4 lakh Punjabi students currently study in Canada.
- Growing corruption concerns as some agencies promise fake admissions.
- 700 students faced deportation due to counterfeit documents, with temporary suspension of orders by Canadian authorities.
