Canada is turning away immigrants at an unprecedented rate, according to government data obtained by Reuters, as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government faces mounting pressure to address housing shortages and rising prices. Many are pointing fingers at the growing number of temporary residents as contributing factors.

In July alone, 5,853 foreign travellers, including students, workers, and tourists, were denied entry into Canada—the highest monthly figure since January 2019. On average, 3,727 foreign travellers were turned away each month during the first seven months of 2024, reflecting a 20% increase over the previous year. July also saw a record 285 visa-holders being deemed inadmissible, the most for any month since 2019.

GOVERNMENT RESPONSE TO REJECTION SURGE

While there is no formal acknowledgment of new policies behind the spike in visa refusals, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) maintains that its procedures have not changed. “Our role has always been to assess the admissibility of those entering Canada,” a CBSA spokesperson told Reuters.

However, visa approvals have notably decreased. The rate of visitor visa refusals compared to approvals reached its highest point since the pandemic began, with more applications being refused than approved in the early months of 2024. Canada’s study and work permit approvals have also fallen from the peaks of 2022 and 2023, as the government takes a firmer stance on controlling the flow of immigrants.

LIMITING TEMPORARY WORKERS

The government is now taking additional steps to cap the number of people seeking permanent residency. Earlier this year, Canada announced restrictions on study permits for international students and is scaling back its Temporary Foreign Worker (TFW) programme. Industries with unemployment rates of 6% or higher will face hiring restrictions for low-wage foreign workers, except for certain sectors essential to food security, such as agriculture.

For Indian nationals, who make up a significant portion of international students and low-wage workers in Canada, these measures could have a major impact.

WHY INDIAN MIGRANTS ARE DRAWN TO CANADA

Canada has seen a significant influx of Indian immigrants in recent years, driven by its accessible immigration policies. A National Foundation for American Policy (NFAP) analysis suggests that Indian nationals increasingly prefer Canada over the U.S. due to challenges in obtaining H-1B visas or permanent residency in the U.S., while Canada offers a smoother path to work and permanent status.

Between 2013 and 2023, Indian immigration to Canada surged by 326%, rising from 32,828 to 139,715, according to NFAP. Indian student enrollment in Canadian universities also soared, with a more than 5,800% increase over two decades. Despite recent diplomatic tensions between India and Canada, the country remains a favored destination for Indian students seeking higher education opportunities abroad.