
On the Foreign Scene
A report by the Voice of America has revealed that foreign students, including Nigerians, are struggling to find part-time jobs in Canada, leading to challenging living conditions.
Since Canada introduced employment pathways for foreign students, many from Nigeria and beyond have migrated, only to face a scarcity of suitable job opportunities.
VOA’s report highlights photos circulating online showing long queues of hopefuls seeking basic cashier positions, amplifying the frustration among international students.
According to report, Dhvani Malik, a 400-level international relations student at the University of British Columbia, expressed the financial strain, stating that the present affordability crisis in Vancouver, along with the declining job opportunities, is becoming very stressful.
Statistics Canada reveals a staggering 12.6% unemployment rate among young people as of March, indicating a potential struggle for Canada to accommodate its rapidly growing immigrant population.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau acknowledged the issue during a speech in Nova Scotia, admitting the need to address the influx of temporary immigrants, including international students.
However, curtailing international student numbers could pose a dilemma for Canadian institutions, heavily reliant on the tuition fees paid by these students.