Massive unemployment concerns rise in Canada as viral video shows 3,000 students line up for restaurant jobs

A video showing Indian students waiting in a long queue to work as waiters in Canada is being widely shared on social media amidst the debate about the benefits and drawbacks of the nation's foreign work visa system.

The Justin Trudeau government's modifications to Canada's federal policy regarding immigrants workers last month caused a great deal of controversy.

The video shot outside the Tandoori Flame restaurant in Canada, shows difficulties Indian students are facing in finding employment.

One of the Indian students applying for the position, Agamvir Singh, revealed that he learned about the position from an internet ad and that, upon submitting his application, he was invited to an interview.

Another student spoke about his observations of the chaotic scene outside the restaurant, highlighting the unemployment in the country.

“It’s so bad; it’s like everyone is looking for a job, and no one is getting a job properly. So many of my friends don’t have a job right now, and they have been here for 2-3 years,” the student said.

Sharing the video, X handle @MeghUpdates wrote, “Scary scenes from Canada as 3000 students (mostly Indian) line up for a waiter and servant job after an advertisement by a new restaurant opening in Brampton. Massive unemployment in Trudeau’s Canada? Students leaving India for Canada with rosy dreams need serious introspection!”

With several comments, the post received around two million views.

A user wrote, “Alarming if true. Canada is facing massive unemployment. Didn’t see this number of youths lined up for a job at new restaurants even in India.”

Another user commented, “It’s alarming to see 3,000 students, mainly from India, lining up for waiter and servant jobs in Brampton. This reflects the harsh reality of unemployment in Trudeau’s Canada. Those leaving India for dreams need a serious reality check!”

A user commented on the post, revealing that “I live in Brampton, and this tandoori flame is 1.7 km away from where I live. They do this every year for publicity.”

“Indian kids never bothered helping with serving, let alone cooking or doing dishes at home, are now scampering to clean up for strangers in a foreign land,” a user commented sarcastically.

Amid the ongoing controversy over Tim Horton's hiring procedures, the video has surfaced. A Canadian lady recently said that she was let go from a global cafe and coffee shop because she objected to the management's recruiting of solely Indian candidates.

Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said on Sep 18 that the country would reduce international student permits by 35% this year, with an additional 10% reduction next year, a move that will significantly impact several Indian students.

Canada is among the most sought-after destinations for Indian students for higher studies. At least 13.35 lakh Indian students are studying abroad, with about 4.27 lakh in Canada, according to the Indian government's data released in August.

Eligibility for work permits has been restricted to the spouses of master's degree students enrolled in programs lasting at least 16 months, spouses of foreign workers in management or professional roles, and those in sectors experiencing labor shortages.