The Trudeau government is receiving criticism for taking in too many Syrian refugees many who, it is argued, will be hard pressed to find jobs in Canada. An initial target of 25,000 was quickly reached in February and the latest immigration levels call for close to 40,000 more displaced persons, mostly from Syria, to be admitted in 2016. A much simpler discussion ought to be how to welcome and permanently retain foreign students. Not only do their fees help subsidize institutions of higher learning and broaden classroom debate, they can also add to the human capital of its host country. Most go home after graduating with valuable contacts which make them more likely in later life to conduct business with the country where they studied. Those who are permitted to remain and become part of our labour market, use what they learned to fill skill gaps and earn a good living in many professions and skilled trades' occupations.
A locally educated foreign graduate is likely to be well-qualified, fluent in the local language and at ease with its customs. Countries where English is the spoken language, benefit the most from the added human capital created by foreign gradates. Welcoming foreign students is a policy that has low cost in the short term and brings significant rewards in the long term.
Canada ranks fourth as a global destination for international students after the United States, Britain and Australia. After natural resources, education is now Australia's biggest export. In recent years, the country has become an attractive destination for foreign students thanks to a weak Australian dollar, relaxed visa rules and easier access to permanent residence.
In 2014 Canada set a goal of doubling from about 200,000, the number of foreign students admitted each year, by 2022. In an effort to reach this goal, student visa applications were streamlined and international students were given the right to stay and work for up to three years after graduating. Those who wanted to make Canada their home had a good chance of being granted permanent residence with only one year of work experience.
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The content of this article reflects the personal insight of Attorney Colin Singer and needs no disclaimer
