Sukhbir Badal Urges Centre to Raise Canada PGWP Issue, Assures Support to Punjab Students

August 2, 2026

Punjab: Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) president Sukhbir Singh Badal has urged External Affairs Minister Dr S. Jaishankar to immediately take up the issue of the reported rejection of Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) applications with the Canadian government, saying the development has left hundreds of Indian students, particularly from Punjab, facing uncertainty.

 

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In a statement shared on social media, Badal said Punjab has one of the largest student communities in Canada and that behind every student is a family that has invested its life’s savings and made significant sacrifices to provide better opportunities for their children.

‘Families Have Invested Their Life’s Savings’

Expressing concern over the reported PGWP rejections, Badal said many students are now facing distress as the rules have allegedly changed after they had already planned their education and future in Canada.

He appealed to the Union External Affairs Minister to intervene and raise the matter with the Canadian government at the earliest to protect the interests of affected Indian students.

SAD to Reach Out to Punjabi MPs in Canada

Badal also announced that he would personally raise the issue with Punjabi Members of Parliament in Canada.

He said Shiromani Akali Dal units based abroad have already been directed to assist the affected students in every possible way and provide support during the ongoing uncertainty.

Calls for Fair Resolution

Emphasising the need for a balanced solution, Badal said the future of honest and hardworking students should not suffer due to changing policies or political circumstances.

He expressed hope that all stakeholders would work together to find a fair resolution so that the academic and career aspirations of affected students are protected.