Around 500 Punjabi Students in Canada Face Possible Deportation After PGWP Rejections

Nearly 500 Punjabi students studying in Canada are reportedly facing the possibility of deportation after their applications for Post-Graduation Work Permits (PGWP) were rejected. The development has sparked protests by affected Indian students, who have been demonstrating continuously for the past three weeks. Despite heavy rain, intense heat and adverse weather conditions, the students have remained on the streets of Calgary, Alberta, demanding that Canadian authorities reconsider their cases. The protesting students say they enrolled in Canadian colleges based on the rules and assurances that were in place at the time of their admission. They claim they invested lakhs of rupees to complete their education but are now being denied post-graduation work permits. According to the students, having completed their education in Canada, they should be given the opportunity to work in the country. They are urging Canadian authorities to conduct a fresh review of their applications and reconsider the decisions related to their work permits. Meanwhile, the Canadian government and Alberta Premier Danielle Smith have stated that they would not directly label Portage College as an institution issuing fraudulent degrees. However, they believe the institution may have overstated the prospects of obtaining Permanent Residency (PR). The Alberta Premier also clarified that international students whose visas have expired and who do not hold Permanent Residency (PR) may have to return to their home countries. The statement has added to the uncertainty surrounding the future of the affected students.