Chandigarh, Aug 7 (IANS) Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Ravjot Singh on Friday expressed concern over difficulties being faced by Punjabi students in Canada regarding post-study work permits and asserted that the Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann-led state government is making every possible effort to safeguard their interests.
Briefing the media here after speaking in the Assembly, the minister said nearly 1,500 students have been affected by the ongoing crisis and the government is monitoring the situation to understand their concerns better and take effective steps in their support.
He said he has written to Union External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, seeking an appointment to discuss the issue at the earliest.
In his letter, he urged the Government of India to take up the matter with the Canadian government through diplomatic channels so that timely relief can be provided to the affected students.
The Cabinet Minister said, “They are our children, who travelled to Canada after spending nearly Rs 20 lakh each in the hope of securing a better future for themselves and their families. At the time of admission, they were assured that upon successful completion of their two-year academic programme, they would become eligible for post-study work permits. However, the large-scale refusal of work permits has left many students facing severe mental, financial and legal hardships”.
Singh further said a large number of affected students have directly approached him seeking assistance. He assured that the state government is listening to their concerns with utmost sensitivity and is committed to extending every possible support.
He said many students have already initiated legal proceedings before the Federal Court of Canada.
“If required, the Punjab government will also explore the possibility of facilitating common legal representation for the affected students by engaging appropriate legal counsel,” he said.
He also urged Members of Parliament of Punjabi origin in Canada to rise above political affiliations and collectively raise this humanitarian issue before the Canadian government.
–IANS
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