The vulnerabilities experienced by Indian students in Canada raise pertinent questions about India’s role in ensuring their safety and well-being.
Author
Sugandha Nagpal, Associate Professor, Jindal School of International Affairs, O.P. Jindal Global University, Sonipat, Haryana, India.
Summary
For Indians studying in Canada, the ongoing diplomatic standoff between the two countries is just the latest chapter in a series of relentless challenges. Earlier this year, Canada reportedly threatened to deport around 700 Indian students, mostly from Punjab, over allegations that their admission letters were forged. Apart from being scapegoated for Canada’s housing crisis, Indian students have also been dealing with rising rental costs, homelessness, and reduced employment opportunities. As reports of extremism on Canadian soil mount, there are growing fears that tensions among international students and discrimination against Indian Canadians would also increase.
Many are asking if students will continue to migrate to Canada and whether the country would issue visas to Indian students. However, the vulnerabilities experienced by Indian students in Canada raise pertinent questions about India’s role in ensuring their safety and well-being. In the post-migration phase, students can use their position as crucial human resources in developed economies to demand better services and treatment. However, in the pre-migration phase, it is India’s responsibility to spread awareness among prospective international students and enable them to make informed immigration decisions.
Published in: The Print
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