Australia caps foreign student intake, Canada to allow fewer temporary workers amid spiralling migration
Both countries had loosened migration rules following labour shortage post-Covid. But record levels of migration have spiked rental prices & unemployment rates, with elections next year. Key Points
ThePrintCanada to donate 800 drones to Ukraine as aid against Russia, says Canada Defence Minister
Since February 2022, Canada had committed over C$9.7 billion in aid to Ukraine, including over C$2.4 billion in military assistance, Defence Ministry Bill Bair added. Key Points
ThePrintCanada's latest policy shift comes as fresh dampener for students from India
In 2022, Indians accounted for four out of 10 overseas students in Canada, with a total of 226,450 Indians studying in the country. Lower costs and easier permanent residency were the key attractions for Indian students opting for Canada. With the new restrictions in place, Canada will issue 35% fewer student visas this year. Key Points
Economic TimesCanada considers putting cap on international students, will it affect Indians?
Notably, Canada is facing a housing shortage. People have been criticising the federal government for welcoming an increasing number of immigrants. | World News Key Points
Hindustan TimesThe Great Punjabi Dream is going beyond Canada. Even Cyprus, Croatia, Malta will do
Many doorways are locked and young faces are scarce in numerous villages across Punjab. 'Why come back?’ asks resident Jai Singh of Khatkar Kalan. ‘What is there for anyone here?’ Key Points
ThePrint
‘Canadian politics have given space to Khalistani forces’: EAM Jaishankar on India-Canada relations
S Jaishankar in an interview with ANI expressed concern over Khalistani forces being given space in Canadian politics and engaging in activities that harm bilateral relations. He emphasized that these actions are detrimental to both India and Canada. Key Points
mintShots fired at temple president’s son’s house in Canada, probe on
Shots were fired at the house of a prominent Hindu businessman in Surrey, Canada. The attack occurred at the residence of the son of the president of the Lakshmi Narayan Mandir. Key Points
Business TodayHindu temple president targeted in another attack in Canada; Khalistanis fire 14 rounds at house
Canada Hindu Temple Attack: In Canada, the president of a Hindu temple faced a harrowing attack by Khalistani supporters. Satish Kumar's son's house, linked to Lakshmi Narayan Mandir in Surrey, was targeted with 14 rounds fired on December 27. The incident, the third attack on the temple, sparked concerns about recurring assaults on Hindu temples in Canada by Khalistanis. Key Points
Economic TimesYear Ender 2023: India's diplomatic fallout with Canada over killing of terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar
The fallout comes amidst security threats posed by the Khalistan terrorists residing safely in Canada and some serious allegations raised by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau against the Indian government. India and Canada's long and historical relations turned into a diplomatic row after Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau raised allegations against the Indian government over its involvement in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Key Points
Economic TimesImmigration Wrap 2023: The world wants more foreign workers, but only the highly skilled ones
In 2023, there was a global competition for highly skilled workers, and Canada strategically embraced immigration to mitigate economic decline. Germany introduced the 'Opportunity card,' and Australia implemented the Skills in Demand visa. UK and Australia also introduced stricter reforms to control the quality of workers entering their workforce. Key Points
Economic Times
Canada to launch citizenship path for undocumented immigrants, including students & workers with expired s
The existing population of Canada includes an estimated 300,000 to 600,000 individuals residing without valid documentation, putting them at risk of deportation due to their lack of formal status. The proposed program will include not only those who entered the country without proper documentation but also those who initially arrived legally as temporary workers or international students and chose to stay beyond the expiration of their visas. Key Points
Economic TimesCanada's surging cost of living fuels reverse immigration
Rising living costs and housing shortages in Canada have prompted an increase in emigration, with over 42,000 leaving in the first half of 2023, adding to the trend seen in 2022 and 2021. The departure of immigrants challenges Prime Minister Trudeau's pro-immigration policies, granting residency to 2.5 million in eight years. Affordability issues, especially housing, prompt departures, impacting newcomers' decisions to stay. Individuals interviewed cite financial strains, like high rent and living expenses, pushing them to consider leaving for more affordable countries. Key Points
Economic TimesCanada's higher cost-of-living requirement for students to worsen financial burden, say parents
Canada will more than double the cost-of-living financial requirement for incoming international students beginning January 1, Immigration Minister Marc Miller has announced, a move that will impact the arrival of foreign students in the country, including from India. Starting next year, prospective students will need to show they have access to CAD 20,635 instead of the current requirement of CAD 10,000 -- a limit that had been in place for two decades -- in addition to paying for travel and tuition. Key Points
Economic TimesNijjar killing: Jaishankar asks Canada to provide evidence in support of its allegations
If you have a reason to make such an allegation please share the evidence because we are not ruling out an investigation..., Jaishankar, who is in London on a five-day official visit to the UK, said while responding to a question. Key Points
Economic TimesThere is room for diplomacy: S Jaishankar on India-Canada diplomatic row
Jaishankar said both sides have been in touch and hoped that a way would be found to resolve the row. At the same time, he asserted that sovereignty and sensitivity cannot be one-way streets. Key Points
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Canada Parliament panel asks Ottawa to reject RBC, HSBC unit deal
The finance committee of Canada's House of Commons lower chamber has asked Ottawa to reject Royal Bank of Canada's (RY.TO) C$13.5 billion acquisition of HSBC's domestic unit, citing the lack of competition in the country's financial sector. Key Points
ReutersImmigrants are leaving Canada at faster pace, study shows
Trudeaus government has been using immigration to rapidly add more workers to stave off economic decline from an aging populace. But record population growth in recent years has led to growing criticism that its policies have exacerbated existing housing shortages and added more pressure on infrastructure and services like health care. Key Points
Economic TimesCanada bans WeChat, Kaspersky applications on government devices: ‘Unacceptable level of risk’
The ban on WeChat and Kaspersky was made to ensure the security of government networks and data, according to Canada's Treasury Board. The applications will be removed from government-issued devices and users will be blocked from downloading them in the future. Key Points
mintIndia ties facing a difficult moment, in contact with S Jaishankar: Canadian FM
Canada's foreign minister, Mélanie Joly, has confirmed that she has been in contact with India's External affairs minister, S Jaishankar, during the ongoing crisis in the relationship between the two countries. This is the first acknowledgement of ministerial contacts since the friction began. Joly attempted to downplay the situation, stating that the relationship between Canada and India is built on strong connections and that they remain engaged with the Indian government. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesIndia’s lentil imports from Canada steady despite ongoing tensions: Report
India consumes around 2.4 million metric tons of lentils annually, but local production falls short at 1.6 million tons. Key Points
India Today
India will resume some visas services in Canada
India will resume some visa services in Canada from Thursday, the high commission in Ottawa announced. Last month, New Delhi suspended new visas for Canadians and asked Canada to reduce its diplomatic presence after Prime Minister Justin Trudeau cited credible evidence of a potential link between Indian agents and the murder of Hardeep Singh Nijjar, a Canadian citizen. Canada subsequently withdrew 41 diplomats. India denies any connection to the shooting and has hit out at Trudeau for making claims without citing or offering evidence. | Latest News India Key Points
Hindustan TimesCanadian visa processing for Indians expected to return to normal by early 2024
The reduction of staff in India due to the recent diplomatic dispute between India and Canada is expected to result in a backlog of 17,500 'final decisions' within the global immigration system over the next two months. However, the Canadian government aims to restore normal processing by early 2024 as the immigration staff gradually reestablish themselves in Canada. Key Points
Economic TimesIndia will resume visa services in Canada if...: Jaishankar makes stand clear
India's Minister of External Affairs, S Jaishankar, has stated that visa services in Canada will only resume once the safety of Indian diplomats is ensured. The decision to stop issuing visas in Canada was made due to concerns over the safety and security of Indian diplomats. The issue of parity in the number of diplomats between the two countries is also being considered. The relationship between India and Canada is currently going through a difficult phase, said the minister. Key Points
Economic TimesCanadian PM says India's actions making life hard for millions of people of both countries
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau expressed his concern over the Indian government's crackdown on Canadian diplomats, stating that it is making life difficult for millions of people in both countries. Canada recently withdrew 41 diplomats after India threatened to revoke their status, in response to Trudeau's suggestion that Indian agents may have been involved in the murder of a Sikh separatist leader in Canada. Trudeau warned that this action would impact travel, trade, and Indians studying in Canada. Key Points
Economic TimesHow India-Canada diplomatic standoff can impact Canadian interests
The diplomatic tensions between India and Canada have escalated, with Canada removing 41 diplomats and their dependents from India. This move comes after India called for a reduction in the number of Canadian diplomats in the country. The removal of Canadian diplomats dims hopes for a thaw in diplomatic ties between the two nations. While Canada downplays the crisis, it may face adverse impacts, particularly in the education and immigration sectors, as a large number of Indian students may choose other destinations for study and residency. Key Points
Economic Times
Canada pauses in-person services at 3 consulates in India: What it means
After 41 Canadian diplomats left from India, Canada paused all in-person services at its consulates in Chandigarh, Mumbai and Bengaluru. Here's how it will impact travellers. Key Points
India TodayCanada tells its citizens in India to 'exercise high degree of caution' in major cities
Canada has issued an updated travel advisory for its citizens in India, urging them to exercise caution due to the threat of terrorist attacks throughout the country. The advisory also warns of potential protests and negative sentiment towards Canada in traditional and social media. Parts of Northeastern India, the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir, and border areas with Pakistan are advised to be avoided. Key Points
Economic TimesCanadian PM Trudeau extends Navratri wishes amid diplomatic tensions with India
Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau extended his wishes to the Hindu community on the occasion of Navratri, softening his tone after claiming Indian agents were behind the killing of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Trudeau stated that Navratri offers an opportunity to learn about the rich history and culture of Hindu communities and recognize their contributions to Canada. Key Points
Economic TimesDid Jaishankar hold secret meet with Canadian counterpart? What India said
At a press conference, MEA spokesperson Arindam Bagchi was asked if the news reports of Jaishankar meeting his Canadian counterpart were true. Here's what he said. Key Points
India TodayNijjar killing: US fears Canada-India row could upend strategy for countering China
US officials concerned over Canada-India dispute's impact on Indo-Pacific strategy. Justin Trudeau's alleged that the Indian government may have been involved in the killing Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Key Points
mint
5 stories to help decide if Canada dream, struggle are for you
In the second part of our three-part series, here are profiles of five people from diverse backgrounds and with varying durations of stay in Canada to help decide if the Canadian dream and struggle are for you. Also, advice from them for Indians looking to settle in Canada. Key Points
India TodayJustin, Canada can’t Trudeau Khalistani path!
Indo-Canada relations have deteriorated as Canada refuses to take action against radical Sikhs and terror cells, leading to strained ties with India. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's accusations of the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar on Canadian soil have exacerbated the situation. However, Canada has not provided any evidence to support these claims. India has provided specific information on organized crime and leadership operating out of Canada, including extradition requests. Key Points
Economic TimesWhy Bangladesh is calling Canada a hub for all murderers
When asked about Bangladesh's founding father Sheikh Mujibur Rehman's killer who continues to live in Canada, Momen said, Hes having a good life in Canada. He has been there. We have been requesting the Canadian government to send back the self-confessed killer of Bangabandhu, the father of our nation. Unfortunately, Canada is not listening to us and they have come up with a variety of excuses. So, we also went to the Canadian court to understand what is the status, since he has been staying in Canada for a long time. Momen said. Key Points
Economic Times'Important US has accurate picture': Jaishankar confirms he discussed India-Canada row with Blinken
At Washington event, Jaishankar said Indian diplomats 'unsafe, publicly intimidated' in Canada. Readout from US Department of State made no mention of discussions on Canada. Key Points
ThePrintClimate of violence: Let’s not normalise what is happening in Canada, says Jaishankar
Addressing a press conference in Washington DC on Friday, S Jaishankar said, “...Our point is that there is today a climate of violence, an atmosphere of intimidation...Just think about it. We have had smoke bombs thrown at the mission. We have had our consulates…violence in front of them. Individuals have been targeted and intimidated. There are posters put up about people”. Key Points
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Blinken urges Indian cooperation in Canada's Sikh murder probe
U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken said on Friday he had urged his Indian counterpart to work with Canada to investigate the killing of a Sikh separatist advocate that the Canadian prime minister has linked to Indian government agents. Key Points
ReutersIndian diplomats in Canada are unsafe and publicly intimidated, alleges EAM Jaishankar
India's External Affairs Minister, S Jaishankar, has claimed that Indian diplomats in Canada are unsafe and publicly intimidated, leading to the temporary suspension of visa operations. The remarks come in response to allegations made by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau regarding India's involvement in the killing of Khalistani separatist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. Key Points
Economic Times