However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied the claims, saying that while there might be a few cases here or there, it doesn’t see any major problem.
Our Bureau
Prince Edward Island
Hundreds of Indian students in Canada’s Prince Edward Island (PEI) region took to the streets to protest against the Canadian government for “changing the [immigration] policy overnight and denying them work permits.”
According to CBC News, over 200 protesters gathered in Charlottetown on Monday, May 13, urging the provincial government to intervene and help the many foreign workers whose work permits are about to expire.
According to reports, the students alleged that despite graduating, they were denied work permits and now face deportation. However, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has denied the claims, saying that while there might be a few cases here or there, it doesn’t see any major problem.
In July last year, PEI passed a law restricting postgraduate work permits to students with specific qualifications. They now allow only students with construction, home-building and healthcare qualifications to get a permit.
This reportedly meant that hundreds of immigrants in other industries, such as retail sales and service, may not have their work permits extended when they run out in the next few months. This left many international students unable to continue working in Canada.
As per the report, the protesting students demanded an extension of work permits and a review of the recent changes to immigration policies.
