The number of Indian students in Canada is increasing rapidly every year, who go there with the hope of better opportunities for higher education and a secure future. However, a new and worrying trend has emerged in recent times—thousands of Indian students are lining up for low-paying jobs as waiters, servants, and in other unorganized sectors in Canada. This situation is a big blow to the students and their families, who had expected better living standards and employment after higher education.
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Increasing number of Indian students in Canada
Canada has become one of the most popular educational destinations for Indian students. Thousands of Indian students enroll in Canadian colleges and universities every year. There are several major reasons behind this, including quality education, Permanent Residency (PR) opportunities, and acceptance of Canada’s multicultural society.
Canada’s higher education system offers a golden opportunity for Indian students to study in various subjects such as science, technology, business, and medicine. Apart from this, Post-Study Work Permit (PSWP) and other employment opportunities are also a major attraction for students.
However, in recent years, finding employment has become a major challenge for these students. Indian students, who dreamed of studying in Canada for their future, are now struggling to find jobs as waiters, servants, and other low-paying jobs there.
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Economic hardship and limited employment opportunities
It is not always easy for students to find employment after completing their higher education in Canada. Many students go abroad with huge loans for higher education in the hope of better opportunities, but when faced with the reality of employment, they have to work in the unorganized sector.
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Rising costs and economic difficulties
The cost of living in Canada is constantly rising. Students not only have to pay hefty fees for their studies, but also face a huge challenge in managing daily expenses such as rent, food, and transportation. Many Indian students receive financial support from their families, but due to the rising cost of living, they feel the need to work immediately.
At the same time, there has also been an imbalance between the demand and supply of jobs in Canada since the pandemic. The number of jobs in some sectors is low, while many students are struggling to make their mark in the more competitive job market. As a result, many Indian students have to resort to servile, waiter, and other temporary jobs.
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The pressure of low-paying jobs
Many Indian students work part-time during their studies to cover their expenses. However, when students have to look for stable employment after completing their studies, they face low-paying jobs rather than high-skilled jobs. Jobs such as waiter, cashier, and service sector are often available to students, but these jobs fail to fulfill their career goals.
This situation is particularly challenging for students who have received higher education and high skills in fields such as technology, science, or business.
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Changes in visa and immigration policy
Recent changes in Canada’s immigration and visa policy are also affecting employment opportunities for students. The Post-Study Work Permit gives students three years to work after completing their studies. However, during this period, students face many challenges in finding a job in their field.
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Work experience requirement
Many companies in Canada look for employees who have local work experience in Canada. This is a major barrier for many Indian students as they have limited work experience in Canada.
As a result, students have to work in the unorganized sector where they can easily get jobs but it is not in line with their education and skills. Waiters, cashiers in retail stores, and other service sector jobs become temporary solutions for them.
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Challenge of obtaining permanent residence
The process of obtaining permanent residence (PR) in Canada has also become more complicated in recent years. Indian students often go to Canada with the hope of obtaining PR, but new immigration policies are making it more difficult for them.
For most students, obtaining PR depends on employment, and if they do not find a job in their field, the process becomes even more difficult for them. Delays and complexities in the PR process also force students to look for temporary jobs to meet their living needs.
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Discontent in society and its impact on mental health
Low paying jobs, financial difficulties, and job uncertainty have a serious impact on the mental health of students. Many Indian students’ families have spent a large amount of money on their education and life abroad. When students do not get the employment they expected, they have to face mental and emotional stress.
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Impact on mental health
Difficulty finding a job while pursuing an education in Canada and working in low-paying jobs can have a profound impact on the mental health of Indian students. Many students suffer from mental problems such as frustration, stress, and depression.
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Social pressure and dissatisfaction
Many Indian students feel pressure from their families and society. Education and career are given very little importance in Indian society, and when students do not get jobs according to their expectations, they have to face failure in front of their family and society. This pressure has a negative impact on their mental and emotional health.
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Solutions and Suggestions
Solving this problem requires students, their families, and the Canadian government to work together.
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Advice and guidance for students
Students need proper advice and guidance before going abroad so that they can better understand the employment opportunities and challenges. For this, colleges and universities should also provide career advice and information about job opportunities to the students.
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Improvement in government policies
The Canadian government needs to improve visa and employment policies to help students find jobs in their fields. Also, extending the duration of post-study work permits and reducing the requirement for local experience should be considered.
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Indian Community Support
The Indian community in Canada can also help these students. Various Indian organizations and community groups should help spread awareness about employment opportunities for students and guide them in the right direction.
Conclusion
Thousands of Indian students in Canada turning to informal jobs is a serious problem that has become a matter of concern for Indian students and their families. When students who go abroad with the hope of better education and employment are faced with low-paying and temporary jobs in reality, it has a serious impact on their mental, financial, and emotional health.
Students, government, and community organizations need to work together to solve this problem. Follow Immigration Bazaar for the latest information and opportunities on studying and working abroad, where you can get detailed information on education, visa, and employment abroad.
