Introduction: A Transition in Immigration Guidelines
In an important step for immigrants, especially from India, Canada’s Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has highlighted important modifications to visa rules and how the hiring of foreign workers operates. These improvements that are underway result from developing worries about the exploitation of existing programs and work to tighten the rules concerning the use of temporary foreign workers.
Recognizing the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP)
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) requires Canadian firms to prove that there are no qualified local workers available before they can hire foreign labor. Nevertheless, the Trudeau administration has come to understand that this program has been exploited, causing a rise in reliance on foreign labor instead of cultivating local talent.
New rules have recently come into force.
The new regulations have started enforcing on September 26, 2024. Under these developments, it is necessary for companies to conduct a Labor Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) prior to hiring foreign workers.
This operation asks employers to show that there are no qualified Canadian citizens who could fill the position at hand. In addition, LMIA approval will not be permitted if the unemployment rate in urban areas is more than 6%.
Impact on Employment Sectors
Various sectors, such as agriculture, food processing, construction, and healthcare, will still be in a position to conduct the LMIA process for jobs that are both seasonal and non-seasonal. Still, employers will not be able to employ foreign workers for more than 10% of their complete workforce. Also, the maximum timeframe for foreign workers under the program has contracted from two years to only one year.
Problems for Indian Immigrants
Indian workers face great challenges due to these regulatory changes, especially those who are from Punjab, Haryana, and other locales for entry-level jobs. In sectors like agriculture, a lot of these workers depended on the TFWP for employment possibilities. The new regulations are expected to make finding employment in Canada increasingly hard for them.
New Regulations for Students Studying Abroad
Alongside the modifications affecting foreign workers, the Trudeau government has also updated the rules for international students. We will witness a 35% reduction in student visas issued this year, followed by a further decrease of 10% in the next year. While underlining the vital need for action to stop misuse of the immigration system, Trudeau recognized its critical importance for Canada’s economy.
