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Canada's plan to reduce the intake of temporary foreign workers is causing concern among business groups, who warn of catastrophic economic consequences. The Commissioner for Employers, Nancy Healey, has written a letter to three ministers urging the government to maintain the number of workers admitted under the Temporary Foreign Worker program and improve processing times and application processes. Labour shortages are expected to persist in the next decade, and small businesses are particularly affected. However, there are concerns that making it too easy to bring in temporary foreign workers can hinder wage growth domestically and discourage businesses from investing in technology. [Extracted from the article]

British Columbia is implementing new measures to protect international students from exploitation. These measures include a new Education Quality Assurance (EQA) code of practice that requires institutions to meet higher standards for student support and protection. The new standards include clear and accurate marketing information, accountability for education agents, tuition transparency, and better information about student supports. The government is also imposing guidelines for public institutions, such as limiting international enrollment and providing tuition fee transparency. These measures aim to strengthen the protections offered to international students, who make up a significant portion of BC's post-secondary institutions. However, Canada is reassessing the number of long-term visas granted to foreign students, reflecting a shift in the country's approach to international education. The government wants to attract high-quality talent and provide a clearer understanding of studying in Canada, rather than viewing it as an easy route to permanent residency. Despite these changes, the contributions that international students make to Canada's economy continue to grow. However, starting in 2024, Canada has imposed a temporary two-year limit on the number of new study permits issued to address infrastructure and quality concerns. These changes aim to slow the growth rate of international student admissions while ensuring high-quality educational offerings. [Extracted from the article]

According to a recent report from the Government of Canada, international students contributed $37.3 billion to the Canadian economy in 2022 through tuition, accommodation, and discretionary spending. However, the government is reassessing the number of long-term visas granted to foreign students in an effort to moderate immigration and population growth. Immigration Minister Marc Miller emphasized that study visas should not guarantee future residency or citizenship, and that the focus should be on attracting high-quality talent and providing a clearer understanding of studying in Canada. The report also highlights the significant economic impact of international students, including their contribution to GDP, job creation, and tax revenue. [Extracted from the article]

Young women in small towns and villages across India are using Instagram to proudly showcase their caste identities, sparking a new battleground for caste politics. The BBC tracked 100 accounts and interviewed several influencers from different castes to understand the motivations behind this trend. The videos, which often have millions of views, feature discussions about caste superiority, rejection of inter-caste relationships, and opposition to affirmative policies for Dalits. While some women aim to unite their communities, others perpetuate social divides. The content shared on Instagram sometimes borders on hate speech and violence, leading to the removal of certain videos by the platform. [Extracted from the article]

International students in Canada are facing increasing challenges due to policy changes. Despite initially being welcomed to the country, international students now face tightening restrictions that jeopardize their dreams of stability and opportunity. Factors such as the pandemic, an entertainment industry strike, and advancements in artificial intelligence have made it difficult for students like Niki to find work and make connections. Additionally, new policies have limited the number of work permits available and increased the financial requirements for students. This has left many uncertain about their future in Canada and unable to pursue permanent residency. [Extracted from the article]

The article discusses how the Indian government has been revoking visas of Indian-origin academics, journalists, and others who have criticized Prime Minister Narendra Modi and his ruling Hindu nationalist government. The government claims that these individuals had their visas revoked because they engaged in "anti-India activities," a claim that the banned individuals reject. Human Rights Watch has taken up their cause, stating that the government's actions demonstrate a growing hostility to criticism and dialogue. The article also mentions specific cases of individuals who have been barred from entering India due to their criticism of the government. [Extracted from the article]

Canada has re-imposed visa requirements for Mexican nationals seeking to come to Canada temporarily as visitors, students, and workers. This decision was made due to the high levels of refugee claims being made by Mexican nationals, most of which are rejected by Canada's Immigration and Refugee Board. The new rules affect visitors to Canada and not those with valid work or study permits. Work permit applicants from Mexico must now apply online to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and undergo standard processing procedures. This change has far-reaching consequences for travelers to Canada, including family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who were previously able to travel without visas and business visitors who could travel on short notice. Canadian employers will also need to plan ahead to bring Mexican talent to Canada. [Extracted from the article]

The federal government of Canada has reintroduced a visa requirement for Mexicans traveling to Canada, which some experts believe could lead to an increase in human smuggling and irregular border crossings. Mexican nationals now need to obtain visitor visas to determine if they are likely to apply for refugee status. In 2023, 25,236 Mexicans applied for refugee status in Canada, the highest number from any country. The new visa requirement may also pose an additional risk of human smuggling from Mexico to Canada. However, there are differing opinions on whether the visa requirement will actually reduce human smuggling, with some arguing that Mexicans are using Canada as a back door to enter the US. The flow of Mexican migration is primarily to the US, and the Safe Third Country Agreement makes Canada inhospitable to Mexicans who cross the border irregularly. It is important to distinguish between human smuggling and human trafficking, as they are different phenomena. Human smuggling refers to providing a route for people to enter a country, while human trafficking involves forcing people into a country and making them work to pay off debt. There is currently little evidence of human trafficking in Canada's labor force. [Extracted from the article]

The article mentions the availability of the 10-year Canadian visa for Indians and the assertion of Deputy High Commissioner Jim Nickel that Indian students could also obtain students visa.

The article reports on the increased number of student visa applications from India to Canada in 2010.

The article reports on the racism against Indians in Australia. It is said that many Indian go to Australia as students to gain permanent residency and in the process have financial benefits. It is noted that most Indian students are enrolled in vocational courses and have part time jobs. It is cited since they have part time jobs which offer the worst working schedule, they have become the easy targets for bullies since they have to travel territories in an unholy hour.