Indian students in Canada (File photo from X)
By Satheesh Menon
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The relationship between India and Canada is increasingly strained following the assassination of Khalistan separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, raising concerns about the future of Indian students in Canada. Currently, there are approximately ten thousand Kerala students in Canada, most of whom have arrived in the past three years. Recent developments are anticipated to impact their ability to remain in the country.
As of August, there are 427,000 Indian students in Canada, representing 41 percent of the total international student population. The economic contribution of these students to Canada is significant. However, the Trudeau administration’s anti-immigration policies have led to a decline in the number of students pursuing education in Canada.
This year, the influx of Indian students has decreased by 37 percent compared to 2023, with further declines expected due to ongoing developments. From October to December 2023, the number of study permits issued to Indian students has plummeted by 86 percent, dropping from 108,940 to 14,901. The primary factor behind this decline is the worsening relations between India and Canada. Additionally, the Trudeau government has recently enacted legislation aimed at limiting the entry of foreign students, prompting protests led by students against these measures.
Most Malayali students studying in Canada are newcomers, and the rise of anti-immigrant sentiments is also impacting them. The popularity of the Trudeau government is waning, and current opinion polls suggest that the Liberal Party of Canada may face challenges in the upcoming election. There is a growing perception that the influx of immigrants has resulted in job losses for locals and a significant increase in housing costs. Trudeau appears to be attempting to leverage this sentiment by adopting an anti-India position. Consequently, Canada may soon become an unattainable aspiration for Indian students.
