OTTAWA: Canada is the country of choice for many foreigners including Indians for education and employment but due to the recent diplomatic tensions, India-Canada relations have been strained. Now the Canadian government has brought changes in the visa policies as a setback for Indians as well.

Canadian visiting visa applicants face setbacks. In addition to refusing visitor visas, the Canadian government is even sending back those who arrive at the border with official documents. Foreigners are being denied entry at Canadian borders at the highest rate since 2019, data shows.

In July alone, Canada repatriated 5,853 foreign travelers, including students, workers and tourists. In the first seven months of 2024, an average of 3,727 foreign travelers were denied entry per month. There is an increase of 20 percent compared to the previous year. Behind this is the strict immigration policies of the Justin Trudeau government. Housing shortages and high prices caused by immigration have increased anxiety among Canadian citizens, forcing the government to restrict immigration policies. But the Canadian government has not made an official response to the visa rejection.

The issuance of study and work permits has decreased compared to previous years. This is part of the Canadian government's efforts to reassess the number of applicants for permanent residency. Immigration Minister Mark Miller explained that the move was necessary to address public concerns. The government, including the opposition parties, has been heavily criticized for the rising population in Canada.

Between 2013 and 2023, the number of Indians immigrating to Canada rose from 32,828 to 1,39,715, an increase of 326 percent. A study by the National Foundation for American Policy found that highly skilled foreign nationals, including international students, choose Canada over the United States. Obtaining H-1B status and PR in the United States is more difficult than in Canada. Moreover, the study shows that it is easy to get temporary work and permanent residency in Canada.

The number of Indian students in Canadian universities has increased by over 5800 percent in the last two decades. From 2181 in 2000, it has increased to 1,28,928 in 2021. An increase of 1,26,747 students is recorded.