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The escalating diplomatic dispute between India and Canada has cast a shadow of uncertainty over the lives of numerous families in Punjab, particularly those with ties to the North American nation. The recent expulsion of six Canadian diplomats by India, in response to Ottawa's allegations linking the Indian envoy to the killing of a designated terrorist, has sparked concerns about visa restrictions and the future of educational aspirations for Punjabis hoping to study or settle in Canada.
The article highlights the anxieties of individuals like Kunal Saini, a young student from Hoshiarpur, whose dream of studying in Canada has been put on hold. His sister, Kanika, who migrated to Canada on a student visa, has informed him of the tightening restrictions imposed by the Canadian government, including a limit of 20 hours of work per week for international students. These restrictions have particularly affected students from modest backgrounds, who rely on part-time work to meet their living expenses. Kunal, facing these challenges, has reluctantly abandoned his plans to study in Canada and is exploring alternative educational options.
The concerns extend beyond students. Arvind Sharma, whose son holds permanent resident status in Canada, fears the diplomatic tension will make it difficult for him to obtain a visa to visit his son. The article further details the anxieties of other families with relatives in Canada, including Gulshan Batra, whose daughter is pursuing interior design, and Rajesh Marwaha, whose son is studying in Canada. These individuals are apprehensive about the impact of the diplomatic fallout on their children's future, particularly given Canada's recent policy changes regarding permanent residency and study permits. The article also highlights the difficulties faced by families in securing visitor visas to meet their children and wards already studying in Canada, as evidenced by the experiences of residents in Kapurthala.
Beyond individual anxieties, the article emphasizes the broader economic implications of the diplomatic crisis. The Doaba region of Punjab, known for its high number of residents settled abroad, particularly in Canada, is expected to experience a decline in NRI visits and related business activities. Travel agents in Kapurthala and Amritsar have observed an increase in waiting periods for visitor visas and anticipate a further slowdown in the visa process due to the worsening relations between India and Canada. The article concludes with a call for a peaceful resolution to the diplomatic dispute, highlighting the human cost of the tensions on families and businesses in Punjab.
Source: Diplomatic Crisis Between India, Canada Leaves Several Punjab Families Worried