NRI Top Stories ( Page 1 of 32 )

US Universities Warn Foreign Students Amid Trump's Immigration Plans Fears November 30, 2024 10:57

Universities across the United States sent emails to international students and staff advising them to return to campus by January 2025, when President-elect Donald Trump begins his second term in the White House. The email comes amid growing concern over President Trump's mass deportation plan, which could affect thousands of international students, the BBC reported. With more than 400,000 undocumented students enrolled in college in the United States, all international students feel unsafe, the report quoted a University of Colorado professor as saying. The University of Massachusetts issued a travel advisory for international students and faculty in November, urging them to urgently consider returning to campus from winter break before Trump's presidency begins next January. The Office of International Affairs is including this recommendation out of an abundance of caution since it was adopted in 2016 during the first Trump administration. The Massachusetts Institute of Technology and Wesleyan University also issued travel warnings and urged students, faculty and staff to return to the United States by Inauguration Day. At Yale University, the Office of International Students and Scholars hosted a webinar this month to address student concerns about possible immigration policy changes. This also includes foreign students who are protected by the DACA (Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals) policy. In 2017, President Trump signed an executive order at the White House banning citizens of several Muslim countries, North Korea and Venezuela from visiting the United States. He also proposed restrictions on student visas during his first term as president. President Trump is using all available resources to step up efforts in his first term to pressure so-called “sanctuaries” to cooperate with the U.S. government in deporting record numbers of immigrants. The entire agency is expected to be mobilized, Reuters reported, citing statements from six former presidents. This was announced by government representatives and coalition representatives. Trump supporters, including those who may serve in his second administration, expect the Republican president-elect to call on everyone from the US military to foreign ambassadors to follow through on his campaign promise to end mass deportations. Efforts include working with Republican-led states and using federal resources to confront rival jurisdictions. Immigration advocates warn that Trump's deportation initiative will be costly, divisive and inhumane, separating families and destroying communities, Reuters reports. According to the BBC, representatives of the new Trump administration have proposed creating more comprehensive detention facilities for illegal immigrants on deportation lists. His new Border Patrol chief, Tom Homan, said the priority will be removing violent criminals and national security threats from the country. However, this did not alleviate higher education concerns.

India Overtakes China In International Student Enrollment November 18, 2024 14:54

India has surpassed China as the top source of international students in the United States, with over 330,000 Indian students enrolling in US higher education institutions in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 23% increase from the previous year. This growth was driven primarily by a 19% rise in graduate student enrollments, which reached 196,567 students. Additionally, the number of Indian students participating in Optional Practical Training (OPT) programmes after graduation increased by 41%, reaching a total of 97,556. US Ambassador Eric Garcetti expressed his excitement over this achievement, emphasizing the importance of international education in building future leaders and strengthening the bonds between nations. According to the report, Chinese students continue to be the largest international group pursuing education in the United States, with a total of 277,398 enrollments. Overall, the US hosted a record 1.1 million international students in the 2023-2024 academic year, a 7% increase from the previous year. The report also noted significant growth in graduate program enrollment (over 500,000 students) and participation in Optional Practical Training (OPT) initiatives (over 242,000 students). Additionally, the number of American students studying in India has seen a substantial rise, increasing from 336 in 2021/22 to 1,355 in 2022/23, a growth of 303.3%. International students in the US have a diverse range of academic majors, with the majority (56%) enrolled in STEM fields, particularly math, computer science, and engineering. Other popular fields include business and management, physical and life sciences, social sciences, and fine and applied arts.

Thailand Announces Indefinite Visa-Free Entry for Indians November 05, 2024 15:12

Good news for Indian travelers! Thailand has announced that it will indefinitely extend its visa-free entry policy for Indian nationals, which was originally scheduled to expire on November 11, 2024. The policy allows Indian travelers to stay in Thailand visa-free for a maximum of 60 days. You can also extend it for another 30 days at your local immigration office. The policy aims to improve accessibility for Indian tourists and enable them to explore Thailand's enchanting sights and cultural heritage without a visa. The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) confirmed the decision and officials at the Royal Thai Embassy in Delhi Nu said the indefinite extension would have a positive impact on Thai tourism and ease of travel for Indian tourists and shared their enthusiasm for the indefinite extension. Visa-free travel has many advantages as it simplifies travel preparations and stimulates the economy of the destination country. The main advantages are: Increase in tourism revenue: An increase in the number of tourists means an increase in demand for accommodation, restaurants, tours and transportation services, resulting in growth in the hospitality and tourism sectors. Job Creation: As visitor numbers increase, so do employment opportunities, supporting local businesses and benefiting communities across Thailand. Discover the wonders of Thailand: Thailand is a special travel destination with a unique combination of culture, natural beauty and adventure. Begin your journey in the dynamic capital of Bangkok, known for its grand palace and beautiful temples such as Wat Arun, which stand majestically against the city skyline. For a more relaxed experience, head north to Chiang Mai. The city has peaceful temples and access to green mountain areas for hiking. You can also visit the famous floating markets in the suburbs of Bangkok. Lively food stalls line the canals, offering a unique shopping experience. With great food, warm locals, and affordable options, Thailand is a dream destination for travelers. From beautiful beaches and ancient temples to vibrant cities, Thailand promises unforgettable experiences for all types of travelers.

Canada Slashes Immigrant Intake Amid Public Worry October 25, 2024 06:27

Canada has announced a significant reduction in its immigration targets, a major shift for a country known for its welcoming approach to immigrants, including economic migrants seeking better opportunities. The country's population saw a substantial 3.2% increase from 2023 to 2024, the highest annual rise since 1957, now reaching 41 million. This surge was largely driven by an unprecedented wave of new arrivals. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau stated that while the influx helped boost the Canadian economy's recovery from the Covid-19 disruptions, the time has come to make "adjustments." Trudeau said Canada needs to stabilize its population growth to allow the government to catch up and make necessary investments in healthcare, housing, and social services to accommodate future population growth. The government plans to reduce the number of new permanent residents allowed to settle in Canada in the coming years, from 500,000 in 2025-2026 to 395,000 in 2025 and 380,000 in 2026. The target for 2027 is set at 365,000. The Immigration Minister called this a unique plan to control population growth in Canada. According to the 2021 census, 23% of the population was born abroad, with increasing numbers coming from Asia, the Middle East, and Africa. A recent survey found that a majority of Canadians believe there is too much immigration, a significant increase from 2023. Additionally, half of Canadians say immigration is harming the country. Immigration is primarily associated with concerns about a perceived shortage of critical resources, particularly affordable housing. Miller specifically emphasized the new plan's efforts to address what many Canadians describe as a housing crisis. He anticipated that reducing immigration targets would address the housing supply gap, leading to a decrease of 670,000 in the number of homes Canada needs to construct by 2027.

India summons Canadian diplomat after Ottawa's move October 15, 2024 12:26

The Indian government summoned a Canadian diplomat shortly after rejecting Ottawa's claim that the Indian High Commissioner and other diplomats were 'persons of interest' in the investigation into the murder of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar. India strongly denied these allegations, accusing the Trudeau government of engaging in vote-bank politics and not doing enough to address separatist elements within Canada. The Indian government stated that the Canadian government had not provided any evidence of India's involvement in Nijjar's killing, despite repeated requests. The Canadian government has not provided any proof to the Indian government, despite many requests, regarding the allegations made by Prime Minister Trudeau in September 2023. This latest action follows a pattern of making claims without any supporting evidence. This strongly suggests that the investigation is being used as a pretext to intentionally damage India's reputation for political gains. The relationship between India and Canada deteriorated in September last year when Prime Minister Trudeau accused the Indian government of being involved in the killing of Khalistani terrorist Hardeep Singh Nijjar in Canada. New Delhi dismissed these charges as "motivated and absurd".

Canada To Implement Revised Work Permit for PG Courses October 08, 2024 13:57

Canada will introduce a revised graduate work permit program starting November 1, 2024. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has modified the Postgraduate Work Permit (PGWP) program. Changes have been made to the language requirements, language certificate and PGWP training requirements. On September 19, the Government of Canada announced that it will further reduce the entry limit for students with international study permits until 2025. The government has announced that they will reduce the number of study permits by 10 percent by 2025, compared to the 2024 target of 485,000. After processing the revised work permit, applicants must demonstrate their language skills to meet the language requirements of the PGWP. The Canadian Language Tests (CLB) English test and the Ebenex de compétence linguistique canadien (NCLC) French test. According to the release, IRCC accepts Canadian English Language Proficiency Project (CELPIP), IELTS and PTE Core English scores. TEF Canada: Test d'évaluation de français and TCF Canada: Test de Connaissance du français accepted in French. The candidate must have reading, writing, listening and speaking skills. Apart from the revised norms, candidates have to follow some old norms as well. For example, to be eligible for the PGWP, an applicant must still meet general and physical residency requirements (even after November 1, 2024) and be enrolled in a program of study at a PGWP-eligible institution.

Indian-Born Businessman Rinson Jose Linked to Lebanon Blasts September 21, 2024 16:24

An Indian-Norwegian entrepreneur has been linked to the pager explosion in Lebanon that killed at least 12 people and injured thousands. Rinson Jose was born in Kerala, hails from Wayanad and lives with his wife in Oslo, Norway. He holds a Norwegian passport. Jose reportedly owns Norta Global, a company registered in Bulgaria that is believed to have supplied explosive pagers to Lebanon. The pagers were manufactured by Hungarian company BAC Consulting under the brand of Taiwanese company Gold Apollo, which was reportedly acquired through Norta Global. According to the Daily Mail, there were indications that Jose knew of a secret plan to rig the pagers with explosives and that the end buyer was cooperating with Israeli security services. The shell company Norta Global Ltd. is registered in a residential building in Budapest where almost 200 other companies are located, the newspaper continues. Following reports linking Jose to the Lebanon bombings, Jose's relatives said Friday that they trusted Jose and would not take part in the pager attacks in Lebanon. “We talk on the phone every day. But for the last three days I haven't been able to reach Jose. He is an honest person and we trust him completely. I will not engage in any wrongdoing. Maybe he did. “In this explosion.” fell.” Mr. Sankachen said he had not spoken to Joe's wife for several days. A few years ago Jose went to Norway to continue his higher education. He worked briefly in London before returning to Oslo. In addition to owning his own business, Jose also works in Oslo and has a twin brother in London. Meanwhile, Jose's neighbors in Wayanad also say that they have known Jose for a long time and think he is a very good person. On Friday, authorities in Taiwan and Bulgaria denied any involvement in the supply chain of the thousands of pagers that attacked Lebanon's Hezbollah on Tuesday. A total of 37 people were killed and about 3,000 injured in Lebanon in the attack on Tuesday and another on Wednesday in which a portable radio used by Hezbollah exploded. How and when the pagers were weaponized and detonated remotely remains a public mystery, and Taiwan, Bulgaria, Norway and Romania are searching for answers. Israel was responsible for the pager explosion, increasing the risk of an escalation of the conflict between the two countries. Israel has not directly commented on the attack. Taiwan-based Gold Apollo said this week that the equipment used in the attack was not manufactured by the company and that Hungary-based BAC, which tracks the pagers, had licensed the use of its brand. "The components are (mainly) low-end ICs (integrated circuits) and batteries," Taiwan's Economy Minister Ko Ji-hui told reporters. Bulgaria also became the focus of an investigation on Thursday after local media reported that Sofia-based Norta Global was involved in selling pagers. However, Bulgaria's national security agency DANS said on Friday that it had "conclusively proven" that the pagers used in the attack on Lebanon were neither imported, exported nor manufactured.

Canada Tightens Restrictions on International Students September 20, 2024 08:05

Canada announced Wednesday that it will further reduce the number of study permits it grants to international students to reduce the number of temporary residents in the country and introduce stricter rules for foreign workers, a move that concerns many people in Canada will affect affects Indians. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau tweeted: "This year we are cutting international student permits by 35% and next year that number will be cut by another 10%.""Immigration is good for our economy, but when actors behave badly, immigration is good for our economy. When people abuse the system and our students, we crack down,” he added. According to immigration data, Canada approved 5,900 in 2023 and 1,75,920 in the first seven months of 2024, and the new measures will reduce the number of study permits issued to four. 37,000 in 2025. This shift will also limit employment. Some students and spouses of temporary foreign workers are also eligible. We’re granting 35% fewer international student permits this year. And next year, that number’s going down by another 10%. Immigration is an advantage for our economy — but when bad actors abuse the system and take advantage of students, we crack down. — Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) September 18, 2024 The announcement comes as polls show the Trudeau Liberal government is seeking to reduce the number of temporary residents, including international students and foreign workers, ahead of next year's federal election. In January, Canada also imposed a two-year limit on international students. According to Statistics Canada, the largest increase in immigration will come from temporary residents, particularly students and workers, whose numbers will rise from 1.4 million in the second quarter of 2022 to the 2.8 million previously promised by the country by the second quarter of 2024 the number of temporary residents fell from 6.8% in April to 5% of the total population. Immigration is often blamed for social problems in Canada, including the lack of affordable housing and rising costs of living. Canada is one of the most popular destinations for Indian students. According to Indian government data released last month, about 13.35 million Indian students study abroad, including about 4.27 million in Canada. Between 2013 and 2022, the number of Indian students studying in Canada increased by 260 percent. According to a Reuters report earlier this year, around 40 percent of Canada's international students came from India. The Canadian government's move to reduce the number of international students is forcing Indian students to choose other options such as the United States, the United Kingdom and Australia.

Inappropriate Relationship: Indian origin Lawyer Fired in USA September 12, 2024 14:39

An Indian-origin lawyer has been dismissed from her job in the United States due to an alleged "inappropriate workplace relationship" with the CEO of her company. Nabanita Nag, the Chief Legal Officer at Norfolk Southern Corporation in Atlanta, was terminated from her position after an investigation into claims that she had a consensual relationship with her boss, Alan Shaw, who was also fired as CEO. Despite the relationship being consensual, the two officials violated company policies and ethical standards by engaging in it, according to Norfolk Southern Corporation. The company stated that Shaw's departure was unrelated to the company's performance, financial reporting, or operations. Nabanita Nag has described herself as a "seasoned leader" who has worked with three Fortune 300 public companies. She previously worked at Goldman Sachs and joined Norfolk Southern in 2020 as the General Counsel, before being appointed as the Chief Legal Officer in 2022 and the Executive Vice President of Corporate Affairs in 2023. Mark R George, the company's Chief Financial Officer, has been appointed as the new president and CEO following the dismissal of the previous leadership.

Indian students are facing deportation and are struggling in Canada August 28, 2024 14:35

More than 70,000 graduate students across Canada are at risk of deportation due to recent changes in federal immigration policy. Protests are spreading across Canadian cities as international students and skilled workers stand up for their rights and demand changes to immigration policies that determine whether they face deportation in the countries they call home. From the busy streets of Ontario to the beautiful countryside of Prince Edward Island (PEI), these protesters came to Canada with the promise of a better future, but found themselves caught in a web of bureaucracy. The situation is particularly exacerbated by the state's new policy of reducing green card recommendations by 25 percent. This was the case in PEI, where several Indian students were forced to return home. Indian student protests spread to four Canadian provinces: Ontario, Manitoba, Prince Edward Island (PEI) and British Columbia (BC). The unrest first began in May in P.E.I. It's no secret that in Canada, many students have enrolled in private universities due to the easy naturalization process. Hundreds of thousands of Indian students dreaming of immigrating to North America or Europe have chosen the student visa route. The Canadian government has always been aware of this but allowed large-scale immigration as students also contributed to the gig economy. According to India's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, there are currently about 2.8 million Indians living in Canada, including 1.8 million people of Indian descent. According to Statista, the number of Indians in Canada has increased from about 670,000 in 2000 to over a million in 2020. The growing number of international students is putting significant pressure on Canada's housing, healthcare and other services. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's government launched a sudden crackdown as Canadians protested pressure on housing and hospitals caused by an influx of immigrants. To accommodate this growth, we have set a two-year limit. According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), the cap is expected to result in the approval of approximately 360,000 study permits in 2024, a 35 per cent decrease from last year. From June 21, foreigners will no longer be able to apply for Post Graduate Work Permits (PGWP) at the border, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Minister Mark Miller announced. The decision targets “flag voting,” where temporary residents leave and re-enter Canada to facilitate their work or study permit applications. PGWP is very important for international students looking for work or permanent residence. Demonstrations are taking place all over the United States and students are protesting. Just two days ago, on August 26, Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau also announced that the number of temporary foreign workers employed in Canada would decrease. The Government of Canada will stop processing Labor Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) for low-wage workers in areas with an unemployment rate of 6 percent or higher, excluding occupations in agriculture, food processing, construction and agriculture. and health care. Employers can now hire up to 10 percent of their workforce through the low-wage Temporary Foreign Worker Program, below previous limits. In addition, the maximum period of employment for these workers will be reduced from the current two years to one year. According to Statista, India will provide 26,495 temporary foreign workers to Canada in 2023 through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), making it the second largest supplier of foreign workers after Mexico. According to Statistics Canada, Canada's population in 2023 exceeded the 41 million mark in the first quarter of 2024, reaching 41,012,563 on April 1, 2024. “I came to Canada for six years, worked, paid taxes and scored enough CRS points,” Mahakdeep Singh, an international student, told Toronto City News that they were facing deportation. Singh, who funded his education with his family's savings, now faces a daunting deadline without being guaranteed permanent residency. Students who came to Canada in hopes of starting a new life are currently protesting across the country against the Justin Trudeau government's decision to restrict study permits and limit opportunities for permanent residency. This is what they want from the Canadian government. International students are calling on the government to extend work permits for graduates, create a clear and consistent path to permanent residency, and address systemic problems that contribute to exploitation. One of the main issues fueling these protests is the demand for more slots for the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP). The PNP allows provinces and territories to nominate individuals for permanent residency based on their skills, work experience and potential to contribute to the local economy. However, the number of slots available is limited and competition is high. Prince Edward Island (PEI), Canada's smallest province, announced a 25% cut in admissions, sparking widespread protests by hundreds of Indian students who now face expulsion. The student movement started on May 18 and is still active after 110 days. They argue that sudden changes in Canadian provinces' immigration policies have made their future uncertain. Another major concern for international students and temporary workers is the expiration date of their work permit. After completing their studies, many international students are eligible for a Post-Graduate Work Permit (PGWP), which allows them to gain valuable Canadian work experience. This is an important requirement for many immigration routes, including the PNP. However, PGWPs are time-limited and typically last between eight months and three years. If a student fails to secure permanent residency within this period, they may have to leave Canada. In Manitoba, fear that work permits will expire before they can become permanent residents is adding to feelings of desperation.

Australia Restricts Foreign Student Intake For 2025 August 28, 2024 08:01

Australia has announced it will cap international student intake at 2,70,000 in 2025 to deal with record levels of immigration that have driven up housing rental prices. Australian Education Minister Jason Keller said today that the restrictions would affect not only higher education courses, but also apprenticeship and vocational training courses. The move will impact Indian students who want to go abroad for higher studies, especially those from Punjab where there are a large number of such students. In June 2022, Australia forecast an international student enrollment of 510,000. This number will fall to 375,000 in 2023. Chancellor Sunil Jaggi said: "Australia's immigration representatives, universities will allocate quotas by country and then by state." He further said, Students who were preparing for admission in February will be affected by this announcement and students from Punjab will be the worst affected. A student from Haryana who wants to study nursing in Australia said, “It will affect my career.” “The cost of studying in Australia is very high, so my family is taking loans to finance my education.” Another student said: "The Indian government should present the students' views to the Australian government." Notably, the Australian education minister, who visited India last year, signed an agreement to expand domestic access to Australian higher education institutions for Indian students. According to the Indian Foreign Ministry, about 122,000 students from India study in Australia. Quad Partners India is the fourth most popular destination for Indian students after Canada, the United States and the United Kingdom. Australia has also increased the non-refundable visa fee for international students from A$710 to A$1,600, another move likely aimed at reducing immigration rates. Canada also announced new restrictions on its temporary foreign worker program. From September 26th, companies will be allowed to hire up to 10 percent of their workforce as foreign low-wage workers, previously it was 20 percent. The decision to limit the number of low-wage foreign workers was made in response to rising unemployment in Canada. The overall unemployment rate reached 6.4% and the youth unemployment rate reached 14.2%.

UK anti-immigrant protests ringing bells for Indian Students August 09, 2024 08:18

Indian students in the UK and those arriving in Japan this year are concerned about escalating anti-immigration protests in the island nation, which is embroiled in one of the worst unrest in 13 years. The UK is currently home to over 180,000 Indian students, making it one of the top five international destinations. The rest are Canada, the United States, Australia and Germany. India on Tuesday issued a caution warning for its citizens traveling to Britain as violent protests continued in several British cities. Study abroad platforms such as Leverage.biz, Collegify, iSchoolConnect and AECC Global have been answering panicked calls and questions about developments in the UK since last week. This includes both existing Indian students in the UK and new students looking to start their studies this year. Students typically enroll in college in August and September. “We hear about people being placed under house arrest. Students who are on the verge of expulsion are thinking about it,” said Collegify promoter Adarsh Kahandelwal. “Many students are asking their respective universities for a postponement. The situation is likely to calm down soon but parents do not want to compromise on safety,” he said. In recent days, leaders have said parents fear their wards could inadvertently become involved in protests and offered advice on the current situation in England. “Like local police, we are currently in the UK to avoid travel to conflict areas.” The student, originally from New Delhi and currently studying at King's College London, said his parents were worried about returning home. “I’m trying to reassure them,” he said on condition of anonymity. People with children already studying in the UK make numerous phone calls to inquire about their child's safety. “This is scary news. You feel helpless when you are so far away,” said a parent of a child studying abroad in Manchester. Several students who use the Collegify platform to realize their dreams of studying abroad told ET that they were nervous about going to England. Khandelwal said some were looking for alternative countries, such as staying in India. Popular courses among Indian students include Engineering and Technology, Business and Management, Computer Science and Information Technology, Medicine and Healthcare, Law and Social Sciences. The best British universities for Indian students are Oxford University, Cambridge University, Imperial College, London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and University of Edinburgh. Vaibhav Gupta, chief marketing officer at iSchoolConnect, an AI-powered study abroad program, said his company expects the number of British students to fall by 20 percent this year. Mr Gupta said: “The current situation has expedited their decision. Macroeconomic conditions and strict visa requirements are now causing students to reconsider the UK." Mr Agarwal, Director of South Asia and Africa, said: "AECC recognizes that the confidence of students wanting to study in the UK has declined significantly. We understand the concerns caused by anti-immigrant sentiment and protests.”