Speaking at a press conference to apprise people in Kolkata of the new policy, on Friday, he said, "changes mooted in Canadian law, and fresh provisions in easing of work permit conditions for international students studying in Canada , like the Post Graduate Work Permit Programme, provided immense advantage to Indian immigrants interested to work and settle abroad."
Under the Post Graduate Work Permit Programme, international students in Canada would now be able to get a work permit for up to three years without even a job offer available to them.
Huge requirement of skilled workforce in Canada has prompted the government to ease the migration rules. For example, at present, Canada requires about 500 trained nurses, with an average salary of $ 5000 per month, informed Sandhu.
Each year about 30,000 people of Indian origin migrate to Canada.
"The immigration via education route requires about four-five months time, which means one can work and earn up to $1,000 per week, by working for a stipulated 20 hours a week during the study. Consequently, one can get a work permit even if a job is not readily available after passing out a permanent residency status is taken for granted later," he said.
Canada's birth rate has drooped by at least 25 per cent over the last 18 years, to 11.5 births per thousands. About half of the country's population comprises migrants.
Apart from Canada, Australia and the UK still remains the preferred destination for Indians willing to settle aboard.
