September 24th, 2024 at 10:28 am
Canada recently unveiled several strict restrictions aimed at international students and temporary workers in an attempt to address persistent concerns about immigration and labor market dynamics. The nation’s changing approach to overseeing its immigration system is reflected in these new regulations, which seek to balance strong control and economic demands.
The most recent adjustments indicate a substantial change in the way temporary work permits and student visas are handled as Canada continues to improve its immigration laws, potentially changing the environment for foreign people looking for possibilities in the nation.
Introduction
To reduce the number of temporary residents in the nation, Canada is tightening eligibility for work permits and further reducing the number of study permits it will issue to international students, according to the government. The statement coincides with the liberal administration of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau falling behind in popularity polls and following a significant defeat in a by-election.
This aims to lower the number of foreign workers and international students who are temporarily residing in the nation. One of the most divisive issues in Canadian politics, the federal election is scheduled for October 2025 at the latest. The modifications announced will result in 437,000 fewer international study permits being granted by 2025.
Based on data from the immigration department, Canada approved 9,390 applications in 2023 and 175,00 in the first seven months of 2024. The modifications would also restrict some students’ wives and temporary foreign workers’ eligibility for work permits.
New Government Measures
According to the government, in response to an increase in refugee claims, Canada is “reviewing visa decision-making so that our highly trained officers have the right tools to detect fraud and reduce the number of non-genuine visitors.” The review will focus on strengthening visa integrity measures.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated in a statement, “The reality is that not everyone who wants to come to Canada will be able to—just like not everyone who wants to stay in Canada will be able to.” The administration has already committed to cut the proportion of temporary immigrants to 5% of the overall population. In April, it was 6.8%.
The United Nations described Canada’s temporary foreign worker program as “a breeding ground for contemporary forms of slavery,” a charge Miller deemed “inflammatory.” As a result, the program has faced criticism.
The executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, Syed Hussan, released a statement saying, “The Ministers made no mention, not even once, about workers’ rights, instead continuing to obsess about numbers and cuts.”
“Giving migrants equal rights and the ability to exercise those rights will stop their exploitation; reducing the number of migrants will not accomplish that, and that can only be achieved through permanent resident status for all.”
Armine Yalnizyan, an economist and Atkinson Fellow on the Future of Workers expressed disappointment that the announcement made on Wednesday did not contain a strategy for converting temporary immigrants to permanent residents.
“These aren’t contract positions. She questioned, “Why aren’t we helping these folks achieve permanence? “Without more immigrants, our economy will not expand. Therefore, we must be quite clear about our future course.”
Even when post-pandemic inflation dropped to the Bank of Canada’s target of 2% yearly in August, migrants have been held accountable for societal issues such as a shortage of accessible housing and an increased cost of living.
Further Details
Proponents of immigration and certain economists contend that it is oversimplistic to attribute economic woes to migrants alone and that vulnerable new arrivals cannot be held accountable for intricate economic issues.
According to polls, an increasing portion of the public believes that Canada is accepting too many immigrants, and the country—which was previously known for its open immigration policy—is witnessing an increase in anti-immigrant rhetoric and violence. However, Canada’s federal government is looking to reduce the number of temporary residents following years of growth.
International student approvals were capped by the government in January and are expected to drop by nearly half this year.
The government withdrew 2022 enhancements to the temporary foreign worker program earlier this month. It decreased the maximum percentage of any employer’s workforce that can be made up of temporary, low-wage foreign workers in certain sectors. Additionally, it put a stop to low-wage temporary foreign workers in some sectors of towns with high unemployment rates.
Final Thoughts
Over time, the effects on temporary workers and overseas students will become more apparent as Canada negotiates these new regulatory waters. The country’s determination to ensure that its immigration policies are in line with its larger economic and social goals is demonstrated by the tightening of regulations.
It will be essential for those impacted to remain aware of these changes and comprehend their ramifications to adjust to the changing immigration landscape.
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