International students face sexual exploitation, admits Brampton mayor

This is the first formal recognition of the problem by any government level, despite years of warnings from student advocacy groups and social services. Service providers in Brampton have warned that international students, particularly young women, are being exploited by landlords, employers, and romantic partners. These perpetrators often lure students with job offers or reduced rent before coercing them into the sex trade, using threats of violence or deportation to maintain control.

Brampton’s city council adopted a motion to combat human trafficking on Wednesday. Councillor Rowena Santos, who introduced the motion, called on federal and provincial governments to step in, noting that Brampton alone cannot address the problem. The federal government controls the number of study permits issued, while provinces oversee post-secondary institutions that rely heavily on international student tuition.

Recent investigations have linked the increasing number of international students to a rise in exploitative recruitment practices. The federal government has faced criticism for allowing the student population to grow while local municipalities struggle to provide adequate housing and services. According to Global News, by the end of 2023, over a million international students were in Canada, with more than half residing in Ontario. Many of these students live in Brampton, a significant number hailing from India.

Last year, Sunder Singh, executive director of the Elspeth Heyworth Centre for Women, highlighted the financial pressures driving female students into the sex trade. Speaking to The PIE News, she pointed out that the high cost of living in Canada forces many to take desperate measures to cover rent and tuition. Some landlords and employers exploit this vulnerability, offering reduced rent in exchange for sexual favours.

Singh said that while Canada’s intention of attracting young international students was admirable, the government failed to anticipate the issues that would arise when these students arrived without adequate support systems. Many are left vulnerable to exploitation.

The Elspeth Heyworth Centre has been working with local banks and students to address cases where young women have been financially manipulated by supposed romantic partners, who often gain control of their bank accounts. Singh shared one case in which an Indian student was financially exploited, subjected to domestic abuse, and coerced into unwanted pregnancies.

According to Singh, male students are also exploited, with many being coerced into transporting drugs under the guise of truck-driving jobs. Social media platforms are increasingly used by traffickers to target vulnerable students seeking companionship.