Chandigarh, August 3, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Punjab Cabinet Minister Lal Chand Kataruchak on Monday urged the Central Government to immediately intervene in the post-graduation work permit crisis faced by Indian students, particularly those from Punjab, in Canada.
Kataruchak appealed to the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) to take up the matter with Canadian authorities through diplomatic channels and ensure protection for affected students from possible deportation.
The minister said students who enrolled at Portage College in Brampton in 2024 had completed their two-year post-graduation programme but were now facing uncertainty after Canadian authorities allegedly changed regulations and withheld their work permits following a change in government.
“This is nothing short of outright fraud,” Kataruchak said, alleging that students who had paid substantial tuition fees and followed all required procedures were being left in distress.
He said many students, including a significant number of young women, had been forced to protest by setting up tents on streets despite heavy rainfall, describing the situation as a matter of serious concern.
Kataruchak also criticised what he termed an indifferent approach by the Ministry of External Affairs, saying the Government of India could not remain a silent observer while Indian youth faced difficulties in a foreign country.
“This is not merely an issue concerning a few students, but a question of the nation’s self-respect and the future of our youth,” he said, urging the Centre to lodge a strong diplomatic protest with the Canadian government and work towards restoration of the students’ work permits.
The Aam Aadmi Party leader said families across Punjab, especially in Pathankot and Gurdaspur, were deeply worried and angry after learning about the hardships faced by their children.
He said the Punjab Government was pursuing the matter at its level and taking all possible steps, but added that international diplomatic engagement falls under the jurisdiction of the Central Government.
Kataruchak called upon the Modi government to immediately communicate with Canadian authorities and seek a resolution to the issue affecting the students.
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