Indian students facing deportation in Canada gained some breathing room as some of them have received “stay orders” from Canadian authorities, Indian government sources said today.
India has repeatedly been urging Canadian authorities to be fair and take a humanitarian approach since the students were reportedly victims of fraud perpetrated by certain agents.
Unnamed sources also said that the actual number of Indian students facing deportation from Canada is much less than 700, as was earlier reported.
“Most of these students had gone to Canada during 2017-2019. After completing their studies, some of them obtained work permits, while others continue to study in Canada,” said a source.
India has been taking up the matter with Canadian authorities, in Canada and in New Delhi.
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar also took up the matter with his Canadian counterpart. Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal had also issued statements and requests for assistance for these students, as most of the people facing deportation were from his state.
“Canadian authorities were repeatedly urged to be fair and take a humanitarian approach since the students were not at fault,” the source cited above told PTI. “It was also pointed out that there were gaps in the Canadian system and a lack of diligence, owing to which the students were granted visa and also allowed to enter Canada.”
In the last few days, Canadian parliamentarians across political parties also spoke in support of the students. Immigration Minister Sean Frasier has indicated that Canada is actively pursuing a solution for international students who are facing uncertainty, the sources said.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the need for fair treatment of the students.