Lucky Obukohwo Reporting
Fear of possible deportation has gripped the International students studying in Canada, resulting to a countrywide protests.
It said if it works out, more than 70,000 student graduates could face deportation due to federal policy changes.
The unprecedented number of students, who came to the country with dreams of a new life, say their futures are now hanging in the balance.
Protest scenes have been observed in some cities, including Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia. The students across Canada are organising the protests against the backdrop of looming deportations, City News, Toronto said, yesterday.
Many Nigerian students are studying in Canadian universities. Representatives with Naujawan Support Network, a student advocacy group, said the graduates are at risk of being deported when their work permits expire at the end of this year.
This comes after the Canadian government announced changes to its immigration policies, which included limiting study permits.
Hundreds of international students and immigrant workers have held rallies in recent months throughout Brampton, pushing back against a narrative that blames them for local housing and job crises.
The impact has been devastating for these students. Tens of thousands who had planned to apply for permanent residency after completing their studies say they are now left with heavy loans and shattered dreams.
The students and advocacy groups, such as the International Sikh Student Organisation, say such problems are rooted in broader policy failures rather than the migration of international students.
At press time, a group of students have set up encampments outside the legislative assembly in Prince Edward Island, protesting overnight for more than three months.
The international students say they are facing a critical situation as new provincial policies for a 25 per cent reduction in permanent residency nominations have left many unexpectedly vulnerable to deportation.
They are calling on the Federal Government to extend work permits and provide clear pathways to permanent residency, emphasising they contribute significantly to the Canadian economy and deserve fair treatment.
The protests reflect the growing frustration and desperation among international students who feel the government has unfairly targeted them.
Having invested heavily in education and the Canadian economy, they say they are now being told to finish their studies and return home while dealing with massive debts.
The students and their supporters are urging the government to extend post-graduate work permits, provide consistent and transparent pathways to permanent residency, and address the systemic issues that have led to their exploitation.
Without these changes, they say they fear that Canada will lose not only a significant portion of its skilled workforce but also the trust of future international students.