Unemployment crisis deepens in Canada, thousands of Punjabis line up for waiter jobs

Toronto: The unemployment crisis in Canada is worsening, with Indian students bearing the brunt of the situation. A recent video from Brampton, Ontario, has raised concerns, showing thousands of students—mostly Indians—lining up for a waiter’s job interview.

The video, widely shared on X (formerly Twitter), reveals that a restaurant in Brampton advertised for waiter positions, drawing an estimated 3,000 applicants. Many of these students had come from India, particularly Punjab, seeking work to cover living expenses and tuition fees.

Agamvir Singh, a student from Punjab, shared his struggles, noting that despite applying for 70 jobs in two weeks, he only received three interview calls. Another student expressed concern about the sacrifices made by his parents to fund his education, stating he felt unable to share his hardships with them.

Canada has long been a popular destination for Indian students due to its accessible pathways to permanent residency and citizenship. However, the recent surge in unemployment is leading to growing anxiety among those who had pinned their hopes on a better future in the country.