As per the reports, if the refugees who received notices depart Canada voluntarily after getting the notice, they will have a chance to come back to Canada.
The new immigration legislation enacted in Canada has heightened the challenges faced by numerous Punjabi youth residing there. After the approval of the new C-12 bill, the Canadian Immigration Department has issued notices to around 30,000 individuals who were residing as refugees after their work permits lapsed. Of these, about 9,000 Punjabi workers and students are reportedly at risk of being deported.
This measure has been implemented to discourage misuse of the system and to grant asylum solely to individuals genuinely in need.
In protest against this decision, Punjabi students, along with students from several countries, demonstrated in Winnipeg, demanding relief from the government. Protesters say that the sudden change in rules has put the future of thousands of youth in danger. The new immigration rules implemented by the Canadian government are set to take effect in 2025. This change also extends to foreign nationals already living and working in Canada.
This includes a large number of Punjabi students who, after completing their studies, began working there on work permits or asylum. The new rules have left these students in a state of confusion. The tightening of the asylum process has increased concerns about their future. In protest, Indian students are continuously protesting in various cities, demanding relief from the government. Students say that the sudden rule change has put both their careers and their hard work at risk.
It should be noted that refugees who have been issued notices will be given an opportunity to prove their eligibility under the new law. Refugees must respond within 21 days of receiving the notice. They are advised to consult an immigration lawyer before submitting their response.
Accordingto this new regulation, applications needto be submitted within one year of arriving in Canada. Any application submitted after one year will be rejected.
If there is a delay in application, only refugees witha valid reason will receive relief under the law and must provide proof. If they cannot show evidence, they will have three months to obtain legal assistance from an attorney. Both the husband and wife with PR or a valid visa are eligible to apply for PR.
Subsequently, you will be able to choose a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment, during which the government will verify if the justification you provided is accurate. For instance, if your safety is at risk upon being sent to India, this will be carefully examined and only after that will additional steps be taken.
As per the reports, if the refugees who received notices depart Canada voluntarily after getting the notice, they will have a chance to come back to Canada. If expelled, they could encounter a lifelong prohibition on returning to Canada.
According to the Canadian Immigration Department, 30 percent of the 30,000 people, or around 9,000, are Punjabi youth. These people are working on temporary visas or asylum. Canada’s Immigration Minister, Marc Miller, has clarified the government’s stance on the new immigration law.
He says these changes are aimed at making Canada’s immigration system more transparent and effective. According to the government, refugee status will now only be granted to those who are truly affected by circumstances such as war, violence, or severe persecution. The government has clarified that a person will not be considered a refugee simply because they do not have a Permanent Residency (PR) or visa.
Officials say this step was necessary to prevent citizens of several countries, including India, Mexico, and Nigeria, from living illegally in Canada due to non-compliance with visa rules. Immigration experts believe that the government’s strictness has virtually closed the door to refugee immigration into Canada.
The new law will strictly enforce deadlines and eligibility, which could directly impact thousands of foreign nationals.
