Temporary Foreign Workers will have more protection because the ESDC and IRCC declared the new modifications to the Immigration and Refugees Protection Regulations. There are approximately 13 amendments to protect Temporary Foreign Workers and to improve the TFWP. Employment and Social Development Canada claims that these new amendments will prevent TFWs from ill-treatment or abuse in Canada.
The following measures will protect the workers:
- The employers will need to provide clarity to the TFWs about their Canadian rights.
- They will not have permission to retaliate against the employees if they bring forth any complaints.
- Employers can’t ask the employees to pay any hiring fee to them. They will also have to justify any such acts committed by the recruiter.
Temporary Foreign Workers- additional measures by ESDC
Employers will also require to provide proper healthcare services to the employees. They must also offer private health insurance to individuals.
Apart from the above regulations, the ESDC and stakeholders also met and discussed the various improvements required for the Temporary Foreign Worker Program. However, the meetings will continue for further improvements concerning the Temporary Foreign Workers.
According to the department, these measures will prevent malicious people from misusing this program. These improvements will also enhance the program’s potential for the inspection of the workplace and bring forth the regulations for those who tend to disobey the rules of the TFWP.
Consequently, the new LMIAs could also undergo a cancellation. Suspending this document implies the department’s suspicion regarding an employer not providing the appropriate safety and security to the worker. An LMIA further proves that hiring a foreign worker will not negatively impact Canada’s economy and the labor force. Any foreign worker must demonstrate their copy to obtain a Canadian work permit.
Additionally, there are some more measures introduced by ESDC; they’re as follows:
- Improving the time and quality of the inspection through enhanced inspection tools and compulsory training.
- Introducing a tip line service consisting of live agents. Also, providing the workers with the facility to report any misuse or abuse of the TFWP. They can complain confidentially.
- Increasing partnership with provinces, local authorities, and consulates so that the ESDC can look into matters that need immediate action and is of deep concern.
TFW and their rights
Temporary Foreign Workers hold the same rights as Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Employers have to ensure that they offer a stress-free and harassment-free environment to their employees. Additionally, no employer will have the authority to refuse an employee from receiving their payment. A signed agreement will clearly state the payment, and all employees must keep a signed copy of this agreement.
Fraser had publicly stated that the rights of all workers align with the law. Therefore, these rights are well protected. The International Mobility Program has several conditions for recruiting the TFW. Additionally, Canada issues Open Work Permits to employees who get stuck in a stressful and unfair workplace. Doing this helps the workers obtain new jobs under new employers.
The Canadian government works with the objective of enhancing the security of Temporary Foreign Workers so that they don’t have to face any kind of ill-treatment or abuse during their tenure.
Knowing the TFWP
The Temporary Foreign Worker Program is an attempt to bridge the gap in the Canadian labor market. It allows employers in Canada to recruit workers from abroad. However, Canadian employers must present LMIA proof to showcase that they genuinely require a foreign worker. Suppose they can’t show the LMIA; they will have to hire only permanent residents and citizens in Canada. This program doesn’t have any limitations on hiring TFWs compared to other immigration programs.
