New Delhi: The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the high commission are actively engaged in finding a solution to the plight of 700 Indian students, primarily hailing from Punjab, who face deportation from Canada due to fraudulent admission offers. External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar assured the Indian authorities are working diligently to address this matter.
The students are at risk of deportation after Canadian authorities discovered their admission offer letters from Canadian educational institutions were counterfeit. The issue came to light when the students applied for permanent residency in Canada earlier this year.
Expressing concern over the situation, Mr. Jaishankar emphasized that the MEA and the high commission have actively supported the affected students. He added that those responsible for this fraudulent act should be held accountable. Notably, Canadian authorities have acknowledged the unfairness of penalizing students who are innocent victims of fraud and are committed to finding a solution.
In a letter to External Affairs Minister Jaishankar, Punjab’s NRI Affairs Minister Kuldip Singh Dhaliwal highlighted the students’ innocence, explaining that unscrupulous individuals had deceived them. Mr. Dhaliwal urged the Minister to personally intervene and engage with relevant agencies, including the High Commission of Canada and the Canadian government, to prevent the students’ deportation.
Mr. Dhaliwal has also requested a meeting with External Affairs Minister Jaishankar to discuss the matter. He proposed that instead of deportation, the affected students should be granted work permits considering their valid visas. Additionally, he urged the people of Punjab to exercise caution and verify the authenticity of colleges and travel agents before pursuing studies abroad.