Several Indian students in Canada have recently received stay orders on their deportation notices, as the Canadian Prime Minister, Justin Trudeau, acknowledges the importance of treating these students fairly, according to government sources. The number of Indian students facing deportation for allegedly submitting fraudulent admission letters is significantly lower than the reported 700 in the media, officials clarified. The Indian government has been actively engaging with Canadian authorities in both New Delhi and Ottawa to address this issue.
New Delhi has consistently urged Canadian authorities to adopt a fair and humanitarian approach, emphasizing that the students themselves are not at fault. It has also highlighted the gaps in the Canadian system and the lack of diligence that allowed these students to obtain visas and enter the country. Most of the affected students had been in Canada between 2017 and 2019, with some obtaining work permits after completing their studies, while others continue their education in Canada. The matter has been raised by India’s External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, with his Canadian counterpart, and the Indian Consulate in Toronto has been in close contact with many of the students.
In a positive development, Canadian parliamentarians from various political parties have expressed their support for the affected students. Immigration Minister Sean Frasier has indicated that Canada is actively working towards finding a solution for international students facing uncertainty. Government sources have praised the efforts of the Indian government, noting that Canada has adopted a humane approach by considering the perspective of the students.
Previously, reports suggested that Canada decided to halt the deportation of the 700 Indian students at the request of Vikramjit Singh Sahney, a Member of Parliament from the Aam Aadmi Party and the International President of the World Punjabi Organisation. Sahney clarified that the students are innocent victims of fraud, as unauthorized agents issued fake admission letters and payment receipts. Visas were also granted without proper verification, and the immigration department allowed the students to enter the country. Sahney stated that an investigation committee would be formed to address the matter.
Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal has written letters to the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and the Canadian High Commissioner to India, Cameron Mackay, urging them to resolve the issue of the students facing deportation. Dhaliwal emphasized in his letter that these students have been deceived by fraudulent agents and officials both in India and Canada.
On June 7, Dhaliwal requested Union Home Minister Amit Shah to collaborate with the Punjab Government in taking action against the travel agents who cheated the students. He also appealed to the families of prospective students to carefully verify college details and the track record of the travel agents handling their cases.
