Kenyan Students Await Clarity as Canada Mulls Cap on International Students
News has surfaced that Kenyan students might face uncertainty as the Canadian government contemplates imposing a cap on the influx of international students into the country.
The Canadian government, alarmed by a housing crisis attributed to a substantial increase in immigrants, is considering this measure, as reported by CTV, a Canadian media outlet.
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During an interview, Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller conveyed the government’s intention to implement the cap within the next two quarters of the year.
Miller expressed concern about the overwhelming volume of international students in Canada, describing it as a system that has spiraled out of control. The housing crisis is purportedly exacerbated by both permanent and temporary immigrants, particularly international students and migrant workers.
The Canadian government’s data disclosed that over 300,000 temporary immigrants arrived in Canada during the third quarter of the previous year. The notion of introducing the cap was conceived in August 2023 but was not enforced initially. However, Minister Miller now emphasizes that it is crucial to address the issue promptly.
Miller stressed the need for a serious conversation about the impact of immigration volumes on certain areas, stating, “And now it’s time for us to have a conversation about volumes and the impact that that is having in certain areas.”
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Despite proposing a cap on international students, Minister Miller hinted at additional measures, highlighting that such a cap would not serve as a universal solution to housing shortages across Canada.
Canada has increasingly become a favored destination for Kenyan immigrants, with a rising number of Kenyan students enrolling in Canadian institutions. According to data from ICEF Monitor, Canadian institutions enrolled 2,310 Kenyans in 2022, marking a 12% increase compared to 2019, a trend that continued into 2023.
In light of the potential cap, Kenyan students, particularly those who received their KCSE results in January 2024, may need to reassess their options for studying in Canada.
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Kenyan Students Await Clarity as Canada Mulls Cap on International Students
