Toronto, Canada – The North American Punjabi Association (NAPA), under the leadership of its Executive Director, Satnam Singh Chahal, has urgently called the Canadian government to address the detrimental impact of the new visa policy on Indian students.The recent changes to visa policies have led to increased rejection rates, prolonged processing times, and heightened scrutiny of applications, disproportionately affecting Indian students. These barriers are jeopardizing the dreams of countless young individuals aspiring to pursue higher education in Canada and are straining the longstanding cultural and economic ties between Canada and India.
“Indian students contribute significantly to Canada’s economy and society. The new policies are causing financial and emotional distress for these students and undermining Canada’s reputation as a welcoming destination for international talent,” said Satnam Singh Chahal.NAPA has highlighted the far-reaching consequences of the new visa policy, including:
Economic Impact: A decline in Indian student enrollment risks billions of dollars in revenue for Canadian educational institutions and local economies.
Strained Bilateral Relations: Perceived discrimination against Indian students could harm Canada’s partnership with India.
Mental Health Challenges: Uncertainty and stress caused by visa rejections are adversely affecting students and their families.
Loss of Skilled Talent: Denying opportunities to students in fields critical to Canada’s labor market needs, such as technology and healthcare, hinders national growth.
NAPA is urging the Canadian government to take immediate action by:
Ensuring transparent and efficient visa processing;
Reducing rejection rates through objective decision-making criteria; Providing support to current students affected by the policy changes; and Strengthening bilateral dialogue with Indian authorities and community organizations. The organization remains committed to advocating for the rights and well-being of Indian students and fostering collaboration between Canada and India.