Punjabis should choose the right path by recognizing the stance of Western countries.
The desire to migrate has increased among Punjabis to such an extent that it is like a gardener or owner seeing trees laden with fruits on the lawn. When someone shakes a tree laden with fruits, all the ripe and unripe ones fall off.
Similarly, Western countries have started to discourage the migration of Punjabis. This has started a period of doubts and worries. Punjabis started going to foreign countries in 1950 itself. At that time, the thought also came to mind that what was the use of the sacrifices made for the country’s independence, if they had to run after the British. For the last two and a half to three decades, Punjabis have been becoming migrants in droves. The biggest reason for this is unemployment, whose rate was 8.2 percent in 2019. Apart from this, job insecurity and lack of skills also became the reason for migration. The ITIs, on the lines on which they were, were meant to create skills and provide employment. These institutions also could not give good results. The Punjab government opened skill centers, but they could not adopt any approach either. The situation remained the same. The youth started becoming unstable and helpless. Awakening after the passage of time is unsuccessful. Now the Punjabi youth are looking for progress and the elders are looking for the glory of homes.
The youth who are running ahead of each other for migration have lost themselves. This phenomenon has played a negative role in forgetting culture, education and Punjabiyat. The Punjabi love and affection with these lines written by Vidhata Singh Tir is no more today,
I ask God for my desires every day, my heart’s desire is fulfilled,
I was born and brought up in this homeland, my fatherland is fulfilled.
The then Vice Chancellor of Punjabi University Patiala, Mr. Joginder Singh Pawar, had long ago advised to create an employment guarantee to stop the foreign trend of Punjabis. This advice was well received or was ignored. The surprise increases when the figure comes that every year 20 thousand Punjabis migrate illegally. 25 lakh Punjabi population is settled abroad. 1.3% of the population of Canada is Punjabi. Many Punjabis live in America, Canada, Australia and England. Similarly, Punjabis live in other European countries too. The migration of Punjabis to foreign countries continues at the same pace. Punjabis are leaving their country, language, region and profession through self-exile.
According to the report of Punjab Agricultural University Ludhiana, Punjabis have incurred a debt of 14342 crores in the race to go abroad. Danger to girls and robbery by agents are also part of this chain. In 2024, 1335678 Indian students went to study abroad. The highest number of students went to Canada, 42700. 37763 students went to America. Similarly, they went to other countries as well. Punjabis become dangerous players even by breaking the rules. This phenomenon has forced those countries to think about immigration.
It seems as if Western countries have shaken the immigrants. What happens next, time will tell. The Trump card has been played again in America. They consider immigration to be bad in America. Australia has also become very strict. New Zealand is also late and getting by. In England and Germany, they cannot do without marriage. These countries are also making rules about taking parents.
Talking about Canada, the Trudeau factor is also at stake there. Relations between India and Canada have deteriorated. Canada is making new immigration policies for its country. Today, millions of students and refugees are waiting for their turn in Western countries. Their future is uncertain. Behind the turmoil faced by Punjabis are also their own habits. Drugs, visa misuse, incidents and loopholes also became the reason for the turmoil. Mark Miller’s statements are haunting here and there. Canada has made several amendments to its immigration policies, which will affect Punjabis. Multiple visas have been limited. Strict rules have been formulated for permanent residence. Canada will give priority to its citizens in skills. Spouses with short courses will not be able to get visas. IELTS has been made a condition before work permits. GIC has been increased from $10,000 to $20,675. All this has created more difficulties for Punjabis. The Indian government needs to wake up immediately and seize the opportunity so that Western countries can be asked for lenient treatment through diplomatic relations. By recognizing the stance of Western countries, Punjabis should also choose the right path so that they can get rid of future worries.
