July 11th, 2024 at 03:08 pm
Canada to END Closed Work Permits for Foreign Workers | Canada Work Permit 2024
Restrictive work permits should be discontinued, according to a recent study by the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science, and Technology (IRCC). This suggestion has the potential to drastically alter the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP).
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
When neither Canadians nor permanent residents were available to fill urgent job openings, the TFWP was established in 1973 to assist Canadian enterprises. Originally intended as a last resort, it is now a need for Canada’s job market.
The TFWP’s Operation
The TFWP is a popular avenue for immigrants to obtain work experience in Canada, which is beneficial when submitting an application for permanent residence via Express Entry and the Canadian Experience Class.
To hire people under the TFWP, employers must get a positive or neutral Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) from Employment and Social Development Canada (ESDC). Hiring a foreign worker won’t have a detrimental effect on Canada’s labor market, according to this LMIA.
Requirements for LMIA
Before submitting an LMIA application, employers need to:
- Publicize the position for a limited time.
- Provide evidence that no permanent or Canadian resident has applied for or is qualified for the position.
- A prospective employee can apply for a work visa with the IRCC after receiving a valid LMIA from their employer. Employers are required to give their workers a defined salary, housing, healthcare, and a safe workplace.
Closed Work Permits
Closed work permits, which bind employees to a single employer, are issued by the TFWP. The employee’s immigration status is revoked if they quit. Instances of mistreatment by employers are an exception.
Remarks and Suggested Enhancements
Employers and workers alike have expressed discontent with the TFWP. Employees’ rights are obstructed and exposed to exploitation by the employer-specific work permit. Due to the sporadic nature of the labor supply, employers encounter difficulties in planning and training their personnel, which is particularly problematic when dealing with seasonal workers.
Suggestions for Alteration
To lessen the vulnerability of temporary foreign workers, the Standing Senate Committee on Social Affairs, Science, and Technology has suggested eliminating employer-specific work permits over the next three years. The Cooper Institute agrees and recommends giving all migrant workers permanent residency status.
Work Permits Specific to a Sector or Region
As an alternative, the paper recommends looking into work licenses suited to a certain industry or area. This would enable businesses to split the overhead costs associated with housing, transportation, and healthcare provision.
Enhancing Interaction
Poor communication between the departments administering the TFWP has been noted as a significant problem. Effective communication of workers’ rights is not always present, and some businesses make short-term improvements to comply with inspection requirements. Measuring program results is especially challenging in the absence of data structure.
Establishing a Commission on Migrant Work
To defend the rights of temporary foreign workers (TFWs) and serve as a single point of contact for complaints of abuse and maltreatment, the paper suggests establishing a Migrant Work Commission. The commission would plan annual conferences and create a research project to collect and disseminate data regarding the experiences of migrant laborers in Canada.
Extra Suggestions
Enhancing workplace inspections, increasing the Provincial Nominee Program (PNP) to enable more migrant and temporary workers to become permanent residents, and boosting pre-arrival information for TFWs are some more proposals.
Government Reaction
According to Senate legislation, the administration has 150 days from the report’s date to either reply or present an explanation for not responding at all.
Conclusion
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Important Data in Table Format
Key Aspect | Current Situation | Proposed Changes |
TFWP Start Year | 1973 | – |
LMIA Requirement | Positive or neutral LMIA | – |
Work Permit Type | Closed (employer-specific) | Open or sector/region-specific |
Employer Responsibilities | Wage, housing, healthcare | Shared with the regional authority |
Employee Vulnerability | High due to tied work permit | Reduced with open permits |
Communication Issues | Poor inter-departmental comms | Improved with Migrant Work Commission |
Government Response Time | 150 days | – |
Summary
To allay business worries and enhance circumstances for temporary foreign workers, the study makes substantial modifications to the TFWP. Crucial first steps toward a more equitable and effective system include removing closed work permits and enhancing communication.
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