Canada urged to be fair, take humanitarian approach: Sources on Indian students’ deportation

The Government of Canada has decided to hold the deportation of the Indian students who have been accused of allegedly submitting fraudulent documents. Meanwhile sources have been quoted as saying that the number of students who are trapped in immigration fraud in Canada and facing deportation cases is much less than 700. India has also taken up the matter with the Canadian authorities.

Minister of External Affairs S Jaishankar took up the matter with his Canadian counterpart and the authorities have been urged to be fair and take a humanitarian approach since “the students are not at fault”, sources said.

“Some Indian students who had gone to Canada during 2017-2019 have been threatened with deportation for allegedly submitting fraudulent admission letters. The actual number is much less than the 700 which is being reported in the media. After completing their studies, some of the students obtained work permits, while others continue to study in Canada,” sources were quoted as saying by ANI

They have said that PM Justin Trudeau has also acknowledged the need for a fair treatment of the students. “India has been taking up the matter with Canadian authorities, in Canada and in New Delhi. EAM also took up with matter with his Canadian counterpart. Secretary (East), MEA raised it during his visit to Canada in April this year. Indian Consulate in Toronto, where most of the students are based, have met many of them.”

“Canadian PM Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the need for fair treatment of the students,” sources said, adding, “Canadian authorities were repeatedly urged to be fair and take a humanitarian approach since the students were not at fault.”

“It was also pointed out that there were gaps in the Canadian system and a lack of diligence, owing to which the students were granted visas and also allowed to enter Canada. Some students have recently received stay orders on their deportation notices,” sources said.

Meanwhile, Canada has put on hold the deportation of Indian students.