A few Indian students of Portage College in Calgary, Canada, started a hunger strike as part of their ongoing protest against Canada Immigration's decision to deny them a post-graduation work permit. They said they waited for some positive outcome as they have been protesting for a few days now but now they have to start a round-the-clock protest to draw the attention of the authorities. While a thousand students have been protesting, around 5-6 students started a hunger strike.
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What is the post-graduation work permit issue?
The issue pertains to students who attended a diploma program offered by Portage College and the Canadian Institute of Osteopathic Therapy. Thousands of students got their post-graduation work permit denied as the IRCC said that the course they studied does not qualify for the work permit. In Canada, this PGWP depends on what course a student is pursuing and also the institute from which the degree is obtained.
The students claimed that the course they pursued and the college -- both were on the eligibility list when they enrolled. After they paid $32,000 for the two-year course and completed it, they were told that the course and the institute are no longer eligible.
