International students, including many Nigerians, have taken to the streets in major Canadian cities to protest against policies that could lead to the deportation of over 70,000 foreign nationals.
According to *CityNews Toronto*, the protests erupted due to fears that these students might face immediate deportation once their work permits expire at the end of 2024. The alarming figure was disclosed by representatives of the Naujawan Support Network, a student advocacy group, as demonstrations began on Monday in various provinces including Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba, and British Columbia.
On Tuesday, the administration of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reinforced the government’s stance, stating that Canada will admit fewer temporary foreign workers under stricter immigration rules.
This shift in policy was first announced by the Canadian government in January, aiming to reduce the number of new foreign student permits by 35% from 2023 levels, effective September 1, 2024. Additionally, starting in September, international students will be restricted to working off-campus for a maximum of 24 hours per week.
In response to these reforms, international students have set up protest camps outside the legislative assembly in Prince Edward Island.
They face significant challenges, particularly as new provincial policies mandating a 25% reduction in permanent residency nominations have left many at risk of deportation.
The protests are not only directed at federal immigration reforms. Over the past few months, hundreds of foreign students and immigrant workers in Brampton have rallied against the growing narrative that blames them for local housing and job crises.
