Changes to Canada’s immigration policies could hit Indians hard. According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, by the end of next year nearly five million temporary permits held by foreign workers will expire.
The holders of these permits will then have to leave the country unless they renew it or are able to transition to permanent residency.
Add to that, about 766,000 study permits are also due to expire by the end of December next year. Miller clarified that some students would remain for post-graduate study, thereby enabling them to stay on in Canada for some more time.
Reports say the restrictions are in tune with the Trudeau government’s effort to limit the flow of temporary and permanent residents into the country over the next three years. It will enable the government to better address issues relating to Canada’s infrastructure, healthcare and housing.
Under this policy, the entry of permanent residents next year will drop from 500,000 to 395,000, a reduction of 21%. Temporary foreign workers and international students will also see a reduction in their numbers by 2026, ranging from 40% for the former and 10% for the latter.
The changes could make it harder for Indian workers on temporary visas. For them to renew their work permits or otherwise extend their stay will be an enormous challenge. Those in line for permanent residence could also be impacted.
Canada’s ethnic Indian population is 1.68 million and they include among the most technically qualified people. They range from engineers of every kind to technicians and scientists.
The restrictions on immigration come at a time when the economy is not seen as doing well. In fact, in the view of a former Bank of Canada Governor Stephen Poloz, the country is in recession bolstered only because “We’ve been swamped with new immigrants who buy the basics in life and that boosts our consumption enough.”
He argued that 30% inflation saw a reduction in consumer spending and then inflation fell steeply, which only happens during a recession.
