In a worrisome development, Canadian Government has confirmed that nearly 20,000 Indian Students have gone missing in just two months of the year 2024. While India's diplomatic relationship with Canada continues to be estranged, a report by Canada's 'Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada' (IRCC), about nearly 20,000 'missing' Indian students is indeed concerning.
The Federal report states that IRCC has confirmed that nearly 20,000 Indian students are missing from their colleges or universities. These students have been recorded as 'no-shows' in the institutions, meaning they have not attended their educational institutions for a long time. This raises the question of where these students are and what they are doing.
Indian Students in Canada Missing
According to the report, 50,000 international students made it to Canada’s 'no-show' list. Of these, 19,582 were Indians. Other countries that are on the 'no show' list are China and Rwanda. China with 4,279 students, Iran (1,848 students), and Rwanda (802 students) are on the list.
The Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) revealed this data for the period between March and April 2024.
Federal reported the potential reason for Indian students 'missing' from their colleges and universities. It stated that Indian students arriving in Canada on study permits allegedly cross the border and enter the United States illegally. Notably, Canada does not insist that international students should pay their tuition fees before arrival, making the system more vulnerable. Indian law enforcement agencies are now investigating the alleged links between Canadian colleges and Indian organisations who are facilitating these illegal crossings from Canada to the USA.
However, former federal economist Henry Lotin was quoted by a news portal who stated that he believes that most of the absent students are working in Canada and trying to become permanent residents. He said that these students are not crossing the US border, but are planning to settle in Canada.
Immigration rules of Canada
The International Student Compliance Regime, implemented in Canada in 2014, was aimed at identifying fake students and suspicious educational institutions. Under this, the immigration department seeks attendance reports from students from colleges and universities twice a year to ensure that the students are following the rules of their study permit.
The case has also drawn the attention of the Indian Enforcement Directorate (ED), which is investigating a case of illegal smuggling of Indians from Canada to the US and money laundering. The investigation began when an Indian family from Dingucha village in Gujarat died of cold while trying to cross the Canada-US border.