In a significant development, the Government of Canada has decided to suspend the deportation of 700 Indian students, following a request made by Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) Member of Parliament Vikramjit Singh Sahney.
Sahney, who is also the International President of the World Punjabi Organisation, highlighted that these students were innocent victims of fraud perpetrated by unauthorized agents who issued fake admission letters and receipts of payment. The Canadian Government, in collaboration with the Indian High Commission, has decided to intervene, temporarily halting the students’ deportation. Additionally, an investigation committee will be formed to delve into the matter further.
Vikramjit Singh Sahney, the AAP MP and International President of the World Punjabi Organisation, expressed his gratitude for the cooperation extended by the Indian High Commission and the Canadian Government in temporarily suspending the deportation of 700 Indian students. Sahney emphasized that these students were not at fault, as they fell victim to fraud orchestrated by unscrupulous agents who provided them with counterfeit admission letters and payment receipts. He also highlighted the lax immigration checks that allowed the students to enter Canada.
Moreover, Sahney informed that an investigation committee would be established to thoroughly investigate the fraudulent practices surrounding the issuance of fake acceptance letters and related matters.
The Punjab NRI Affairs Minister, Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal, furthered the cause by writing letters to the Indian High Commissioner to Canada, Sanjay Kumar Verma, and the Canada High Commissioner to India, Cameron Mackay.
Dhaliwal urgently sought their personal intervention in resolving the predicament faced by the 700 students. He underlined the innocence of these students, labeling them as victims of a fraudster network that involved travel agents, officials at the Canadian Embassy in India, and other agencies in Canada.
Dhaliwal’s letter stressed the importance of immediate attention, as the future of the students and their families hung in the balance. He requested that the matter be taken up with the relevant agencies of the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) and the Government of Canada to prevent the deportation of these students.
Earlier, on June 7, Dhaliwal had appealed to the central government, including External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar, to address the issue concerning the 700 Indian students, predominantly from Punjab, who had become victims of immigration fraud in Canada. He urged that the students be granted work permits and not face deportation, considering their valid visas. Dhaliwal also sought cooperation from Home Minister Amit Shah to ensure that the travel agents responsible for cheating the students face appropriate legal action.
To prevent such incidents of human trafficking and fraud in the future, Dhaliwal emphasized the necessity of stringent laws. He also urged the people of Punjab to thoroughly investigate the credibility of colleges and travel agents before venturing abroad for studies or sending their children.
Conclusion:
The Canadian Government’s decision to temporarily halt the deportation of 700 Indian students, made in response to AAP MP Vikramjit Singh Sahney’s request, provides a ray of hope for these students caught in a fraudulent web. The intervention of the Indian High Commission and the formation of an investigation committee underscore the seriousness with which this issue is being addressed. Efforts by Punjab NRI Affairs Minister Kuldeep Singh Dhaliwal to seek assistance from both the Indian and Canadian authorities are aimed at safeguarding the future of these students and ensuring justice for those responsible for the fraudulent practices.