Disha Tandon, Pune
Indo-Canadian relations have hit an all-time low over the murder of a Sikh separatist, which has led to concerns among students in Punjab who aspire to study in Canada. However, immigration firms are confident that students have nothing to worry about. Sandeep Jhajawar, managing director of Bathinda-based immigration firm Boston International, believes that Canada is immigration-friendly and that Punjab’s students actually boost their economy by going there. He also added that there’s little chance that they’ll cancel visas or revoke admission to universities.
Canada is a preferred destination for many students from Punjab, and data reportedly shows that over 40 percent of the international student population currently migrating to Canada is from India, with a significant portion from Punjab. While immigration firms believe that it’s unlikely that student visas will be affected, students are worried about the visa process getting affected and losing money.
The Indian government has suspended visas for Canadians, a move that has led to fear and worry in the minds of young Punjabis, who expect Ottawa to retaliate similarly. Students are miffed with the government’s aggressive posturing on the issue. They feel that the government has put their future in jeopardy.
According to Bathinda-based immigration agent Jaspreet Singh, the Canadian government has done more for the welfare of Sikhs than its Indian counterpart. India, he says, forgot about the welfare of the community while taking an aggressive stance on the issue.
Despite these concerns, immigration firms are confident that student visas won’t be affected by the diplomatic row between India and Canada over the murder of a Sikh separatist. While students are worried about their future, they should be reassured that Canada is immigration-friendly and values their contribution to their economy.
While the ongoing diplomatic row between India and Canada over the murder of a Sikh separatist has caused concern among students in Punjab who aspire to study in Canada, immigration firms believe that student visas won’t be affected. However, there are concerns among some in Punjab about the Indian government’s handling of the situation and its aggressive stance on anyone who talks in favour of Sikhs.