Chandigarh: Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Dr. Ravjot Singh today expressed serious concern over the difficulties being faced by Punjabi students in Canada regarding post-study work permits and asserted that Chief Minister Bhagwant Singh Mann led Punjab Government is making every possible effort to safeguard their interests.
Addressing a press conference and earlier speaking in the Punjab Vidhan Sabha the Cabinet Minister said that nearly 1,500 students have been affected by the ongoing crisis and the Punjab Government is closely monitoring the situation to better understand their concerns and take effective steps in their support.
Dr. Ravjot Singh informed that he has written to the Union External Affairs Minister, Dr. S. Jaishankar, seeking an appointment to discuss the issue at the earliest. In his letter, he has 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 that these 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.
Dr. Ravjot Singh further said that a large number of affected students have directly approached him seeking assistance. He assured that the Punjab Government is listening to their concerns with utmost sensitivity and is committed to extending every possible support.
He said that 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, thereby reducing the financial burden on them.
Dr. Ravjot Singh 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.
Dr. Ravjot Singh reiterated that under the leadership of Chief Minister S. Bhagwant Singh Mann, the Punjab Government is fully committed to protecting the interests of Punjabis and Punjabi students living abroad and will continue to make every possible effort, in coordination with the Union Government and all other concerned stakeholders, to resolve the issue.
