In a bid to protect Indian students in Canada and address the rising incidents caused by their lack of knowledge about Canadian laws, the Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) has approached the Immigration Minister, urging immediate action.
The ICCC Raises Concerns to Safeguard Indian Students in Canada
The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce (ICCC) has expressed deep concern over the growing number of Indian students falling victim to their limited understanding of Canadian laws. Tragic events, including road accidents, drowning incidents, and cases of depression and suicide, have been reported due to students’ failure to comply with local laws. President of the ICCC, Murarilal Thapliyal, highlights the fact that most paperwork for Indian students is handled by agents in India, leaving them and their parents ill-informed about Canadian laws and regulations. This knowledge gap intensifies the risks and difficulties faced by Indian students during their studies in Canada. The ICCC also acknowledges instances where Indian students have failed to pay rent or vacate their premises upon the expiration of their lease, causing discontent within the Canadian community.
The ICCC Proposes a Solution to Enhance Safety Measures for Indian Students
In a proactive effort to mitigate this critical issue, the ICCC is urging the immigration minister to introduce an acknowledgement form as a mandatory component of the admission process for Indian students. This form would require students and their parents to sign, confirming their awareness of basic Canadian laws and the repercussions of non-compliance. The ICCC suggests that signing the acknowledgement form should become a prerequisite for admission to Canadian colleges. By making it compulsory, students will be encouraged to familiarize themselves with Canadian laws and regulations before commencing their educational journey. Additionally, the ICCC recommends establishing dedicated counters at airports, specifically catering to international students, to provide essential post-landing services. As part of these services, each student would receive a comprehensive booklet containing vital information about Canadian laws, including appropriate behavior in public, consequences of traffic violations and failure to pay rent, emergency contact numbers, and contact information for NGOs and consulates.
Strict Consequences to Ensure Adherence to Canadian Laws
The ICCC emphasizes that any student found to be in violation of the acknowledgement form should face severe consequences, including deportation, without leniency. This firm stance aims to ensure that students fully comprehend the importance of abiding by Canadian laws and regulations.
Safeguarding Indian Students’ Welfare in Canada
The Indo-Canada Chamber of Commerce’s proactive efforts to raise awareness about Canadian laws and improve safety measures for Indian students demonstrate their unwavering commitment to protecting the well-being of these individuals. Through collaboration with the immigration minister and Canadian colleges, the ICCC aims to bridge the information gap, creating an environment that promotes compliance with local laws and ensures a secure and positive experience for all international students studying in Canada.
