Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Urges Action for Punjabi Students in Canada
Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh expressed severe concern over the mounting difficulties confronting Punjabi students in Canada regarding post-study work permit refusals. Addressing reporters and speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the minister asserted that the state government is making every possible effort to safeguard their future. Nearly 1,500 international students currently face immense uncertainty after Canadian authorities turned down their work permit applications. Consequently, the Punjab administration has initiated direct measures to secure relief through diplomatic channels and state-backed assistance.
To resolve this escalating crisis, Dr Ravjot Singh officially wrote to Union External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar. In his letter, the minister requested an urgent meeting to discuss the matter thoroughly. Moreover, he urged the Government of India to intervene diplomatically with Canadian immigration officials without delay. Timely intervention remains critical to protect young graduates from facing sudden deportation and financial ruin abroad.
Also Read : Mumbai Bomb Threat: Mayor Office, Metro, and Stock Exchange Targeted
Financial Strain and Retroactive Policy Decisions
The ongoing crisis deeply impacts families who invested life savings into overseas education. The minister emphasized that these young scholars spent roughly ₹20 lakh each to study abroad. Upon admission, institutions assured them that completing a two-year academic program would guarantee work permit eligibility. However, recent policy changes by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada created sudden roadblocks for graduates. Many non-credit diploma programs delivered under college partnership arrangements were unexpectedly declared ineligible for permits.
As a result, hundreds of Punjabi students in Canada now face severe mental, financial, and legal distress. Many affected youth completed their courses in good faith before immigration authorities updated eligibility definitions. Affected individuals have organized peaceful demonstrations outside immigration centers in Calgary, Edmonton, and Surrey to air their grievances. Additionally, several students have directly approached the Punjab NRI Affairs Ministry seeking urgent state intervention.
State Explores Legal Aid to Support Affected Youth
Recognizing the severe financial burden on families, Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann’s administration is planning comprehensive support. Many affected graduates have already filed petitions before the Federal Court of Canada to challenge arbitrary rejections. Legal fees in Canadian courts often range between 3,500 and 5,000 Canadian dollars per applicant. Therefore, the state government is actively exploring options to facilitate common legal representation for students.
Engaging expert legal counsel collectively will significantly reduce individual litigation expenses for struggling scholars. Dr Ravjot Singh reassured families that the state government is reviewing every legal avenue with utmost sensitivity. Furthermore, officials are coordinating closely with international legal representatives to monitor ongoing court proceedings in Canada.
All-Party Unity and Global Diplomatic Pressure
In addition to legal backing, the state leadership is rallying political support across international borders. Dr Ravjot Singh appealed to Canadian Members of Parliament of Punjabi origin to unite on humanitarian grounds. He urged lawmakers in Ottawa to set aside party affiliations and collectively lobby federal immigration ministers. The minister stressed that protecting vulnerable scholars should remain a shared priority beyond party lines.
The state administration reiterated its unwavering commitment to protecting the rights of diaspora members worldwide. As diplomatic outreach continues, the Punjab government will maintain continuous communication with New Delhi officials. Parents in India and Punjabi students in Canada eagerly await a positive resolution from forthcoming bilateral discussions between Indian and Canadian authorities.