The rising ignorance in Canadian law among Indian students, and the attempt to tackle the situation, the immigration minister is being pressed to implement a mandatory clause for visa applicants by the indo – Canada chamber of commerce (ICCC). The lack of awareness and its consequences were highlighted by the president of the Indo – Canadian organization, Murarilal Thapliyal.
Due to tragic circumstances, Indian students have lost their lives due to unfamiliarity with Canadian laws. Incidences such as drowning in ponds and road accidents due to lack of knowledge has resulted in student’s vulnerability to depression and in extreme cases, suicide. Due to the limited knowledge that parents and students have of Canadian legalities, agents in India are typically responsible for paperwork.
An essential solution by the ICCC propose that the admission document to include an acknowledgement form, that will require parents and Indian students to realize the potential prerecession of violating basic Canadian laws and confirm that they have adapted themselves with these laws. The acknowledgement form should be mandatory for Canadian college admissions.
Furthermore, the ICCC recommends the presence of service counters by Canadian colleges at airports, for the assistance and well – being of students entering the country. Post – landing assistance should be provided by these counters including furnishing incoming students with booklets with comprehensive knowledge with regard to Canadian regulations and laws. Significant topics as Canadian traffic rule, appropriate behavior in public places, emergency contact numbers, rent payment responsibilities, consulate and NGO phone numbers and resources for mental health support should be provided in the booklet.
A lawyer by profession, Mararilal, emphasized strict consequences will have to be faced by any students found violating the acknowledgement, this includes deportation with ought clemency. He went on to say, that he is concern with regard to the increasing incidents were Indian students refuse to vacate premised and failing to pay rent, resulting in community resentment.
The ICCC aims to enhance the knowledge to avert further episodes concerning Indian students in Canada. With airport service counters furnishing information booklets and mandatory acknowledgement form, the organization hopes to enrich students with vital information to create a more responsible student community.
