In a press release on 30 November 2022, IRCC explained how important the Indo-Pacific region strategy is to advancing Canada’s immigration future. As it relates to its relationship with the Indo-Pacific region.
Recently, the Indo-Pacific region has become a major source of immigrants to Canada, a relationship that has “strengthened over years.”
An overview of Canada’s relationship with the Indo-Pacific region in recent years
Four of the top seven countries of birth of recent immigrants to Canada (between 2016 and 2021) are located in this area, according to Canada’s 2021 census. These countries include India (1), the Philippines (2), China (3), and Pakistan (7). Although, the top three birth countries of recent Canadian immigrants made up over half (44%) of all permanent residents admitted during that period.
As a matter of fact, the Indo-Pacific region accounts for nearly 65 % of Canada’s international student population.
Let’s take a look at the Indo-Pacific strategy
New immigrants to Canada will continue to come from the Indo-Pacific region in the future. As well as one of the fastest-growing economic areas in the entire world, according to the IRCC.
Global Affairs Canada announced its Indo-Pacific Strategy on November 27. By 2027, it will promote $2.3 billion in investment.
Plans for Canada under the Indo-Pacific Strategy
“An investment of $74.6 million over five years, and $15.7 million ongoing” will enhance efforts to increase Canada’s ability to process immigration applications within Canada and in Indo-Pacific nations, according to Immigration Minister Sean Fraser in a press release issued on November 30.
As a result of this statement, the IRCC pointed out New Delhi, Chandigarh, Islamabad, and Manila, which are all located in India or the Philippines. Excluding Islamabad, the Pakistani capital. Also, these two nations ranked first and second among the reported birth countries of recent immigrants to Canada, respectively.
International students have access to more educational opportunities
Canada will strengthen its ties with a nation with the Indo-Pacific through the establishment of Canada-ASEAN scholarships and the Educational Exchange for Development program.
The program invests $14.2 over five years to encourage expertise exchange. As well as introducing new education and research opportunities.
Furthermore, through this education-focused program, international students are recognized for their “important contributions to the nation’s economy and society.” By providing funding to the Indo-Pacific Strategy, Canada hopes to increase its international student program and foster greater diversity in the region.
Furthermore, Canada hopes the support of this financing will increase access to permanent residence for overseas students and employment opportunities, which, in turn, may increase their willingness to stay in the country.
Accordingly, the IRCC claims its Indo-Pacific plan will continue to attract foreign students, “who often develop into the highly skilled workers our economy needs.”
Looking forward
According to the IRCC, the Indo-Pacific region along with its many nations will have a “deep” and a “significant” impact on Canadian immigration.
A key role for Canada is to shape the Indo-Pacific region’s future, said Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly. As a result of increased and deeper engagements in this region, we are investing in the promotion of peace and security. The generation of trade opportunities, the connecting of people, and boosting international assistance.
Whether Canada deepens its ties with the Indo-Pacific remains to be seen. However, the Immigration Office of the government appears increasingly convinced that Canada is prepared and committed to the long-term prosperity of both regions “by investing in our immigration system and fostering a strong mutual partnership.”
