What Is Canada’s Bill C-12? Deportation Fears Loom Over Thousands of Indians

Toranto: The Canadian government has implemented Bill C-12, making its immigration system stricter, after which clouds of uncertainty are looming over the future of thousands of foreign citizens, especially students and refugees. Under this new law, notices have been issued to a large number of people and in many cases, visa or asylum applications are feared to be cancelled. According to reports, about 30 thousand people have been affected, out of which a large number are said to be Indians.

What is Bill C-12 and why was this law brought?

Bill C-12 has been brought to strengthen Canada's immigration and border security system. This law came into force on 26 March 2026 and is said to be aimed at speeding up the asylum process, tightening the rules and controlling the increasing pressure on the system.

Have the asylum rules become more stringent now?

Under this law, a major change has been made in the rules for seeking asylum. Now if a person does not apply for asylum within a year of entering Canada, his or her claim may be rejected. Also, in some cases such claims will not be accepted for direct hearing.

Can visas and applications also be cancelled?

The government has got extensive powers under Bill C-12. Now it can cancel, postpone or alter visa, permit and immigration applications on a large scale in the name of public interest. This may have a direct impact on students, work permit holders and other applicants.

Are thousands of people at risk of deportation?

According to reports, notices have been issued to around 30 thousand people and they have been asked to reply within 21 days. If the answer is not satisfactory they may be asked to leave the country. This has increased concern especially among Indian students and refugees.

Is there any controversy regarding this law?

Human rights organizations and experts have criticized this law. They say this could limit the right to seek asylum and many people could be deported without a full hearing. Some organizations have called it a threat to the rights of migrants.

Will it have much impact on Indians?

There are a large number of Indian students and workers in Canada. In such a situation, the new rules can also directly impact the Indian community, especially those whose documents are incomplete or whose immigration status is unclear.

Is anxiety increasing among students and work permit holders?

After the new rules, there is confusion between students studying in Canada and people working. Many people are gathering information about their status and taking advice from immigration experts. Especially those people whose cases are already pending or whose documents are not complete are more worried. At present the situation is not completely clear, but everyone will keep an eye on the next action of the government in the coming days.

Now what can happen next?

Experts believe that Canada's immigration system may become more strict in the coming times. How the government uses the new powers will decide how much the number of affected people will increase and in which direction the situation will go.