Chandigarh, 15 October, 2024: As tensions between India and Canada continue to worsen, many families in Punjab, particularly those with connections to Canada, are growing increasingly anxious.
Students aspiring to study in Canada, as well as families with loved ones living abroad, fear the diplomatic rift will make it harder to secure visas and maintain connections with their relatives.
Kunal Saini, a 21-year-old student from Hoshiarpur, shared his disappointment, saying, “My dream of studying in Canada now feels uncertain.”
His sister, Kanika, who moved to Canada three years ago on a student visa, has been keeping him updated on the challenges faced by Indian students there. She explained that recent restrictions have limited students to working just 20 hours a week, making it difficult for those from modest backgrounds to cover living expenses.
Due to these concerns, Kunal is reconsidering his plans and is now exploring other options for higher education.
Arvind Sharma, another resident of Hoshiarpur, worries about being able to visit his son Gopal, who is a permanent resident in Canada.
“The visa process could become more challenging with the diplomatic situation. It’s hard not to worry about the future,” he said.
Similarly, local shopkeeper Gulshan Batra expressed concern over the situation impacting his daughter, Sabhy, who moved to Canada last year to pursue interior design.
With Canada being a popular destination for Punjabis to study and settle, the region is particularly impacted by these diplomatic tensions.
The Canadian government’s recent decision to reduce international student study permits by 10 percent for 2025 has added to the uncertainty, especially for those in Punjab, which accounts for nearly 70 percent of the Indian students going to Canada.
These developments have left families and students alike grappling with a growing sense of uncertainty and anxiety about their futures.
(With PTI inputs)
