The Government of Canada has announced very strict sanctions on companies and employers who employ Nigerian foreigners and other foreign nationals in temporary jobs.
Shortening the time for those with temporary work permits
The Canadian government also confirmed that it will also shorten the time for foreigners holding temporary work permits to six months, effective May 1, 2024.
The Canadian government revealed that it will give priority for employment to Canadians and asylum seekers who have valid work permits.
Temporary Foreign Worker Program TFW
The country's Minister of Employment, Workforce Development and Official Languages, Randy Boissonnault, also announced the suspension of some time-limited measures under the Workforce Solutions Roadmap for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFW).
The procedures are scheduled to end earlier than planned this year to 6 months, reducing the time frame for foreigners to apply for LMIA from 1 May 2024, and the validity period of the Work Impact Assessment for obtaining work permits will be reduced.
Reducing the maximum limit for foreign workers in Canada
It is noteworthy that the Canadian government has announced a reduction in the maximum limit for low-wage temporary foreign workers in some sectors from 30% to 20%.
Employers must exhaust all options, such as hiring asylum seekers with valid work permits before applying for an LMIA.
Canada's Immigration Minister also emphasized that workers are essential to address short-term labor shortages and skills gaps, contribute to the country's competitiveness and provide work experience to foreigners.
The Canadian government also said that effective January 1, 2024, employers must reassess the wages of temporary foreign workers to bring them into line with prevailing wage rates for their specific occupation and area of work.
Canada gives priority to employing citizens
Canada also confirmed that it will continue to prioritize job opportunities for Canadians while protecting the rights of temporary foreign workers.
Through these measures, the government also seeks to reduce Canada's dependence on temporary foreign workers and facilitate the fulfillment of job vacancies by supporting Canadian workers.
It also operates without restrictions on the number of work permits required or issued annually because TFWP reports that Canada's Temporary Foreign Worker Program responds to requests for temporary skills.
Types of Canadian work permit
You must know at the beginning that a work permit in Canada allows you to stay in the region and pursue jobs for a specific period. These permits differ from visas because the latter enables you to enter the country, while the work permit allows you to work there.
Immigrants may need a job offer from Canada to pursue a work permit application, and a job offer is only necessary in some cases. You can choose an employer-specific work permit or an open work permit.
First: The employer’s work permit
When a recognized company in Canada needs an overseas professional to fill in the gaps due to a shortage of suitably qualified workers in Canada, while applying for a work permit the candidate will need a job offer from the potential employer and other documents.
Second: Open work permit
The applicant is authorized to perform jobs in the country for a specified period without disclosing the employer in advance. If you are pursuing studies, you can work in Canada while your permit is being processed. Contact the best Canadian immigration consultants in Kuwait to find out which Canadian work permit suits you best.