- Reversing some of its 2022 plans, Canada is bringing in tens of thousands fewer temporary foreign workers. The program for temporary foreign workers, which was created to address labor shortages, has expanded significantly and drawn criticism for undermining pay and leaving workers susceptible to mistreatment.
- It was described as “a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery” by a UN special rapporteur. In order to bring down the number of temporary residents to 5% of Canada’s total population within three years, the government has committed to further steps.
- The length of a low-wage temporary foreign worker permit would be reduced from two years to one year, and changes announced on Monday would eliminate low-wage temporary foreign workers in areas where unemployment is 6% or higher and limit the percentage of employers’ workforces that can consist of such workers to 10%. A few industries are excluded from the reforms, including construction, food processing, agriculture, and healthcare.
- When combined with the reforms made earlier in the year, the measures should result in a about 65,000 reductions in the number of temporary foreign workers. In order to maintain Canada as a welcoming destination for immigrants while also fostering integration and providing opportunities for success for all newcomers, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is also contemplating reducing the number of permanent residence streams.
- This autumn, the government will unveil a more comprehensive immigration policy.
Source:
Reuters
