Punjab to safeguard interests of students affected by Canada work permit crisis: Dr Ravjot Singh

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Chandigarh, August 7
The Punjab government has urged the Centre to intervene in the issue of post-study work permit refusals affecting Punjabi students in Canada, saying around 1,500 students are facing uncertainty despite completing their academic programmes.

Addressing a press conference and speaking earlier in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha, Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr Ravjot Singh said the state government was closely monitoring the situation and was committed to supporting the affected students.

The minister said he had written to External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar seeking an early meeting to discuss the matter. In his letter, he urged the Government of India to take up the issue with the Canadian government through diplomatic channels so that timely relief could be provided to the students.

Dr Ravjot Singh said many students had travelled to Canada after their families invested nearly Rs 20 lakh each in the expectation of securing better educational and employment opportunities. According to him, students had been informed at the time of admission that completing a two-year academic programme would make them eligible for post-study work permits.

However, he said, a large number of students have since been denied work permits, leaving them in difficult circumstances. He said the refusals had resulted in mental stress, financial losses and legal challenges for many students and their families.

The minister said several affected students had approached him directly for assistance. He assured them that the Punjab government was treating the issue with sensitivity and would extend all possible support.

Dr Ravjot Singh added that many students had already filed petitions before the Federal Court of Canada challenging the decisions. If required, he said, the Punjab government would explore facilitating common legal representation for the affected students by engaging legal counsel, a step aimed at reducing individual litigation costs.

He also appealed to Members of Parliament of Punjabi origin in Canada to work together, irrespective of political affiliations, and raise the issue with the Canadian government on humanitarian grounds.