Ottawa: In a move that has sparked concern among foreign workers, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau announced a significant policy change aimed at reducing the number of temporary foreign workers in Canada. This decision, unveiled through a social media post on X (formerly Twitter), has created unease among the thousands of Indian workers and students currently in the country.
Trudeau emphasized that new, stricter regulations would compel Canadian companies to justify why they cannot hire domestic workers before seeking temporary foreign labor. This policy shift is poised to impact a large number of foreign nationals, particularly from India, who form a significant portion of Canada’s temporary workforce. The move comes at a time when diplomatic tensions between India and Canada are already strained.
The diplomatic rift stems from the killing of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Khalistan supporter, in British Columbia last year. Trudeau previously accused Indian agents of being involved in Nijjar’s assassination a claim vehemently denied by India. The murder and ensuing allegations have led to heightened tensions between the two nations, casting a shadow over their historically strong ties.
The Indian Diaspora at Risk
With over 1.8 million Indians residing in Canada, including 10 lakh Indian nationals, the effects of these new regulations could be profound. A significant portion of the workforce in Canadian sectors such as agriculture, construction, and service industries is made up of Indian nationals on temporary work visas.
Adding to this concern is the large number of Indian students pursuing higher education in Canada. According to a December 2023 report from India’s Ministry of External Affairs, over 230,000 Indian students are enrolled in Canadian institutions. These students often rely on temporary work permits to support their education, and Trudeau’s new policy could jeopardize their ability to find employment.
Concerns and Uncertainty
While the full details of the new regulations are yet to be disclosed, the announcement has left many Indian workers and students in a state of uncertainty. As Canada becomes a more difficult landscape for foreign workers, Indian families who rely on remittances from relatives abroad are likely to feel the economic impact. Moreover, this decision could further strain relations between the two nations as India continues to advocate for the well-being of its citizens abroad.
The policy change adds yet another layer to the ongoing diplomatic stand-off, with experts speculating on how this might influence Canada’s standing as a favored destination for Indian migrants.
For now, the world watches as Trudeau’s new foreign worker policy unfolds, with many hoping for a resolution that balances domestic labor concerns without sidelining the contributions of foreign workers.
