Tue Oct 15 04:02:25 UTC 2024: ## Punjab’s Travel and IELTS Industry Crumbles as Canada Dream Fades

**Ludhiana, Punjab:** The once-booming travel and IELTS coaching industry in Ludhiana is facing a devastating slump, with businesses shutting down and agents left struggling to make ends meet. This decline is largely attributed to the changing visa policies and tightening immigration rules in Canada, which have dampened the enthusiasm of Punjabis seeking a life abroad.

The demand for IELTS coaching had reached a fever pitch just a year ago, with coaching centers teeming with students. Now, these centers are struggling to fill their classrooms, with some reporting a mere 10-15 students enrolling, most of whom drop out midway through the course.

The tightening of visa regulations, coupled with increasing visa rejections and the soaring cost of education and living in Canada, have made the Canadian dream seem out of reach for many. The cost of migrating has shot up from ₹22-23 lakhs to ₹37 lakhs in the last few months, making the prospect of studying abroad financially unviable for many.

This has resulted in a dramatic decline in the travel and IELTS coaching industries. Industry insiders estimate that the IELTS coaching volume has dropped by approximately 80% in recent months, while demand for visa processing services has fallen by 60-70%. It is estimated that around 35% of visa immigration centers in Punjab have closed down since December 2023.

The rising unemployment in Canada, coupled with reports of illegal immigration attempts through the “donkey route,” has further fueled the pessimism surrounding Canada’s allure. This situation has left many Punjabis in a “wait-and-watch” mode, with even top travel agents struggling to pay salaries and keep their businesses afloat.

The Canadian bubble, it seems, has burst, leaving behind a trail of economic hardship and shattered dreams. The future remains uncertain for the travel and IELTS coaching industry, with many predicting further closures in the coming months if the current trend continues.

Read More