CANADA: The Trudeau government’s new cap on foreign workers and stricter rules have heightened tensions and triggered demonstrations across the country.
Thousands of international students in Canada are voicing their concerns through protests as the federal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, introduces new restrictions on foreign workers. The recent policy changes, effective from September 1, 2024, include a 35% reduction in new international student permits and a limit of 24 hours of off-campus work per week.
Student advocacy groups, including the Naujawan Support Network, have highlighted the looming threat of deportation for over 70,000 graduates whose work permits are set to expire by the year’s end. Protests have erupted across various provinces, with students setting up encampments outside legislative assemblies and holding rallies in cities such as Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
Read More
- Philippines, GCC move to expand medical screening network for workers heading to Gulf
- Air India appoints former Ethiopian Airlines Chief Tewolde Gebremariam as new CEO, MD
- GCC bottled water market reaches $7.55 billion
- Lightning strikes kill 14 people in India’s Jharkhand
- Libyan coast guard rescues 29 migrants off Sirte coast
In addition to the protests against federal policies, students and immigrant workers have challenged the narrative that blames them for local housing and job issues. The International Sikh Student Organization argues that these challenges stem from broader policy failures rather than the presence of international students.
The Trudeau administration’s new measures include reducing the proportion of temporary foreign workers in low-wage positions from 20% to 10% of a company’s workforce and shortening the maximum employment period for these workers from two years to one. These changes are aimed at addressing post-pandemic labor market shifts and reducing the share of temporary residents.
Advocacy groups are calling for the extension of work permits and clearer pathways to permanent residency, emphasizing the significant contributions of international students to the Canadian economy and their deserving of fair treatment.
For all the latest news from Oman and GCC, follow us on Twitter, Instagram and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook and subscribe to our YouTube page, which is updated daily.
