Amendments Proposed in International Student Work Permits in Canada
12 June 2024
Learning French: Your Goldenticket to Canada & career success
10 August 2024Canada is Coming up with Changes in the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Temporary Foreign Worker Program
Canada is one of the top destinations for the immigrants. Recently, the Canadian government has been thinking about making changes to the (TFWP). This is due to recognizing its importance in filling labour gaps. And also the need to address shortcomings that affect immigrant workers. If you don’t know about the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). Let us discuss the (TFWP). A Temporary Work Visa for Canada combines a Temporary Resident Visa with a Work Permit. It permits you to stay in Canada for 6 months or less, whereas the Work Permit for Canada allows you to work.
This Canadian work visa is not permanent and will expire in a few months or years, depending on the kind. This implies that you have two options: request to have your Canadian work visa or leave the country. The most amount of time you can work in Canada is four years, including any extensions. TWFP introduced as a temporary solution, became more stable in the labour market. It provides a pathway for many immigrants. They are eligible for PR and contribute to the Canadian economy and society.
Understanding the Current Challenges
It operates under a system of closed work permits in Canada. Which means tying migrant workers to a specific employer. This was to ensure that foreign workers were fulfilling the roles for which they were hired. It has created significant vulnerabilities:
- Worker Vulnerability:
Closed work permits can lead to a precarious situation for foreign workers. They may feel compelled to work in poor conditions or mistreatment out of fear of losing their job. And the fear of their legal status in Canada. This imbalance makes them an easy target for exploitation. It also limits their ability to advocate for better working conditions.
- Limited Job Mobility:
This restriction hampers immigrants’ ability to seek better opportunities. And also limits their ability to switch jobs within their field or region. This lack of mobility can hinder career progression and economic advancement.
- Unequal Rights and Protections:
Workers under this do not have the same rights and protections as Canadian citizens or permanent residents. This disparity can extend to access to healthcare, social services, and labour rights. Which also contributes to their marginalization within the workforce.
Proposed Reforms for a Fairer System
To cope with these challenges, the SCSAST has come up with some recommendations. Further, it helps in improving the situation of immigrants in Canada. Also, this will reduce the worker’s vulnerability and increase job mobility.
- Phasing Out Closed Work Permits:
The SCSAST proposes phasing out closed work permits within the next three years. Instead, they suggest implementing sector-specific or region-specific work permits. This will allow migrant workers more flexibility to change employers. Immigrants can shift within their sector or area without the risk of losing their status.
- Granting Permanent Residency:
One of the proposals is to grant permanent residency to all migrant workers. This will provide a stable pathway for immigrants to settle permanently in Canada. So that they have equal rights and opportunities as Canadian citizens.
- Improving Rights and Protections:
This will give immigrants better access to labour rights, healthcare, and social services. It promotes a fairer and inclusive workplace. Further, this ensures respect and dignity for all workers. This aligns with Canada’s commitment to human rights and fair labour practices. Hence, it will enhance its reputation in progressive immigration policy.
Benefits for Immigrants:
- Pathway to Permanent Residency:
This will provide a clear and easy pathway for immigrants aiming for permanent residency in Canada. Because this offers stability and access to social benefits. Further, the opportunity to integrate into Canadian society.
- Improved Rights and Protections:
After the implication of this immigrants would enjoy enhanced rights and protections. This includes labour rights, healthcare access, and social services. Which will ensure they will get fair and equal treatment in the workplace and society.
- Increased Job Mobility:
These changes will promote sector-specific or region-specific permits. It will allow workers to shift jobs within their sector or area without any constraints. This flexibility promotes career advancement, job security, and economic mobility. - Reduced Vulnerability:
There will be a worker vulnerability reduction. After the applicability of these reforms, one can seek better opportunities. Further, they can report violations without fear of losing their legal status. Hence, they are less likely trapped in abusive working conditions.
- Better Integration:
It would become easy for Canadian immigrants to integrate into society. This will lead to improved communication, support services, and pathways to permanent residency. This includes access to services, language training, and cultural integration programs. Further, this will ease their transition and success in Canada.
Conclusion
The recommended changes to Canada’s TFWP aim to phase out closed work permits. It will provide migrant workers with better rights and protections. It includes the introduction of sector-specific or region-specific permits. So, workers will gain more jobs and access to benefits like health and social services. This will create a fairer and more inclusive workplace. Thus, it will reduce exploitation. Further, it aligns with Canada’s commitment to human rights and progressive immigration policies. As the government considers these recommendations, the goal is to enhance the well-being and integration of migrant workers. Also to strengthen Canada’s labour market and its reputation for fairness.
Source: CIC NEWS
Written by: Kashish Nagpal (Content Writer)
