‘State should urgently look into lack of quality employment opportunities’

In conversation with Neha Saini, educator and immigration expert Rajwinder Pal Singh shares his perspective on evolving landscape of global education and mounting unemployment crisis.

Educator and immigration expert Rajwinder Pal Singh shares his perspective on the evolving landscape of global education and the mounting employment crisis in Punjab.

The global education and immigration landscape is undergoing a dramatic transformation, driven by policy shifts in major study destinations, rising costs and increasing competition. Countries like Canada, Australia, the USA and the UK, once the top choices for Indian students, are now imposing stricter visa regulations, prioritising skilled professionals and reducing post-study work opportunities.

For decades, Indian students, particularly from Punjab, have pursued higher education abroad as a pathway to better career prospects and permanent residency (PR). However, with new policies restricting these opportunities, students and their families are now facing uncertainty about their future. Their biggest concern is the growing challenges in pursuit of their foreign dreams.

Another significant issue is the rising costs and inflation in developed nations. Tuition fees, accommodation and living expenses have skyrocketed, making studying abroad a financial burden for many families. Students are struggling to balance rising costs with part-time work, making it difficult to sustain their education. The increased competition for limited seats and visas has also reduced the chances for many students.

Then, there is the disruptive role of AI in the immigration industry. Automated visa applications, university selection tools and language training platforms are transforming the sector.

A recent wave of US deportations, many involving students from Punjab, has sparked concerns about immigration fraud and compliance issues. These factors have forced thousands of students to enrol in local universities and colleges, putting immense pressure on Punjab’s already weak employment infrastructure.

The bigger crisis is Punjab’s lack of employment opportunities. With the rise of marginal jobs and more students staying in Punjab due to financial barriers and visa restrictions, the biggest question remains: What will be their future in a state with limited job opportunities?

Punjab has long relied on overseas education and migration as a solution to youth unemployment. Now, with restricted global mobility, the state must urgently address its lack of quality employment opportunities. Without proper infrastructure, industry investment and large-scale job creation, Punjab risks an economic and social crisis. One of the most alarming consequences of this shift is the rise of marginal jobs-low-wage, insecure and temporary employment with little to no career growth. Many students are now forced into unstable jobs that offer no long-term stability, limited benefits and poor wages, leaving Punjab’s youth in a cycle of underemployment and financial struggle. If the state does not act now, Punjab’s educated workforce may find itself trapped in marginal employment or remain completely jobless.

Punjab