Canada Tightens Immigration Rules, 30,000 Refugees Asked to Respond Within 21 Days

Following the implementation of Bill C-12, the immigration department of Canada has issued notices to approximately 30,000 refugees. The move has significantly affected Punjabi students, many of whom are now seeking legal assistance. In response, Punjabi students, along with international students from other countries, staged protests in Winnipeg on April 15, 16, and 17. The demonstrators urged the government not to cancel their work permits or proceed with deportations. The notices have been sent to individuals whose work permits have expired and who are currently residing in Canada as refugees. Authorities have asked them to explain the reasons for their ineligibility, specifically questioning why they did not apply for asylum within one year of arriving in the country and why their refugee claims should not be rejected. Refugees have been instructed to provide medical reports from their home countries, along with documentation supporting emergency or life-threatening situations. All recipients have been given 21 days, until May 3, to respond. The notice clearly states that failure to reply within the stipulated period will result in the cancellation of work permits and the initiation of deportation proceedings. According to immigration data, out of the 30,000 individuals who received notices, nearly 9,000 are Punjabis. This has led to widespread concern within the community, with many affected individuals consulting legal experts. The Canadian government has stated that the objective of implementing Bill C-12 is to identify individuals residing in the country without legal authorization. Under the new provisions, refugee cases will no longer be heard by the refugee board, unlike earlier procedures that often took several years to conclude. Bill C-12, recently introduced as part of broader immigration reforms, mandates that asylum claims must be filed within one year of arrival in Canada. Under the previous system, individuals could apply for asylum at any time after entering the country, and cases often remained pending for years. However, under the new law, those who fail to meet the one-year requirement may face deportation without a formal hearing. The notices have been issued as the law came into effect in 2025, and even existing residents may fall under its scope. A significant number of Punjabi students in Canada are currently working after completing their studies, either on work permits or under refugee status. Indian students have continued to protest against the new law while demanding protection and asylum.