The Indo-Pacific region strategy is the primary factor in advancing the Canadian immigration future.
IRCC recently held a press release on November 30, reinstating the value attached to the country’s relationships with the Indo-Pacific regions. This is because of its connection with the future of Canadian immigration.
Interestingly, the Indo-Pacific region is the main birthplace of Canadian immigrants. It is a place with deep-rooted connections between generations.
Indo-Pacific region and its relationship with Canada
According to Canada’s 2021 Census, four birth countries include India, the Philippines, Pakistan, and China, out of the top seven birth countries. Also, the maximum number of recent Canadian immigrants was in these specific geographical areas between 2016 and 2021. Additionally, the top-three birth countries related to the list of recent Canadian immigrants comprise 44 percent of all permanent residents admitted in the duration of five years.
The international student population of Canada also relied strongly on the Indo-Pacific Region. Overall, 65 percent of Canada’s international students belong to this region only.
The Indo-Pacific region strategy- an overview
IRCC states that Indo-Pacific will play a substantial role in the strategy of Canadian immigration, implying that it will further invite new immigrants to Canada.
Global Affairs Canada introduced the Indo-Pacific strategy on November 27 to cater to investments and initiatives of $2.3 billion by 2027.
Canada’s plans for the Indo-Pacific strategy
Sean Fraser discussed the investments, both previous and current ones. He further revealed that investment worth $74.6 million in the previous five years and the $15.7 million current investment would solidify the processing capacity of immigration applications. Efforts have been doing the rounds on a domestic level and in Indo-Pacific countries.
Furthermore, IRCC specifically mentioned New Delhi, Islamabad, Chandigarh, and Manila. Three of them, except Islamabad (Pakistan), located in India and the Philippines, ranked first and second among birth nations for recent immigrants in Canada.
International students can access more opportunities
Canada is set to strengthen its relationship with Indo-Pacific countries as part of its direct investment strategy. The first one will introduce Canada-ASEAN Scholarships and t; the second is the Educational Exchanges for Development Program.
These programs will provide $14.2 million for funds in the following five years. These have been designed to motivate more valuable exchanges, spread expertise, and bring forth research and education in joint fields of interest.
This program focuses on education and helps international students with their endless economic and social contributions to Canada. The Indo-Pacific strategy will induce more funds and encourage Canada’s International Student Program. Moreover, it will promote massive diversity in the region for those pursuing studies in Canada.
Canada aims to utilize this funding to provide more access to international students for permanent residence and employment opportunities. The Canadian government is hopeful of encouraging more students to reside in Canada.
Therefore, IRCC shares its view that this strategy will only entice a significant number of international students. Also, these international students often transform into skilled workers contributing to the Canadian economy.
Future Plans
IRCC clearly acknowledges the impact of the Indo-Pacific and the various countries on Canadian immigration’s future.
Additionally, the Foreign Affairs Minister even stated that the Indo-Pacific is the future of Canada because the country plays a vital role in strengthening its future.
They’re taking the following initiatives:
- Enhancing peace and security within the region.
- Developing more trade opportunities.
- Connecting more people.
- Solidifying international support.
- Protecting human rights.
- Engaging deeply with the region.
However, the truth of the intensity of the bond between Canada and the Indo-Pacific region will only appear gradually.
The Canadian immigration department believes in investing greatly in the immigration system and creating a stronger connection with the Indo-Pacific region. Overall, Canada looks forward to dedicating itself to bringing prosperity and growth to both regions.
