look news india
The Canadian government has come up with a new rule for international students coming from other countries including India. Where Indian students are the largest group of international students in Canada. Due to the new federal rule, a student may face many financial problems. Under this rule, now international students will be able to work off campus only for 24 hours a week.
According to media reports, this new rule of the Canadian federal government, which has been implemented in the month of September. This rule replaces the temporary exemption of the 20-hour limit on working hours, which was introduced to reduce labor shortages during the COVID-19 pandemic. But this concession was abolished on 30 April 2024.
What discounts are offered to international students?
Currently, there are no restrictions on working hours for international students during school holidays, such as summer or winter vacations in Canada. But in the year 2022, out of 5.5 lakh international students in Canada, 2.26 lakh were from India, out of which 3.2 lakh Indians were living in Canada on student visas. Whereas, they were contributing to the economy as gig workers.
Students are having a tough time meeting their expenses
Because of this, off-campus jobs help Indian students meet their living expenses. Since most work shifts are 8 hours long, the new rule means that students can only work three shifts per week, making it difficult for them to meet their expenses.
A big challenge in expensive cities like Toronto
Indian students help the Canadian government maintain the minimum wage. It is now set at 17.36 Canadian dollars per hour, effective from May. Before this increase, the minimum wage was $16.65 per hour in 2023. However, affording the cost of living in expensive cities like Toronto will be fraught with challenges due to the 24-hour limit.