Federal government to remove incentive for foreign workers to reduce fraud in immigration system
The Canadian government has made a significant change to its immigration policy, announcing that it will no longer be granting additional points towards permanent residence for temporary foreign workers in certain positions supported by a Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA). This decision comes in the wake of an undercover investigation by CBC News and the Investigative Journalism Foundation (IJF) that uncovered a black market for LMIA-supported jobs being sold online.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Marc Miller made the announcement on Tuesday, stating that applicants to the Express Entry program will no longer receive 50 or 200 additional points for working in LMIA-supported positions. This move is intended to “remove the incentive for candidates to purchase an LMIA” and enhance fairness and integrity in the immigration system.
Labour Market Impact Assessments are documents issued to employers by the federal government, allowing them to hire foreign workers when qualified Canadians are not available. These positions were initially introduced as a temporary solution to address acute labor shortages. However, the additional points awarded to foreign nationals working in LMIA-supported positions have been exploited, leading to fraudulent practices in the system.
While some, like Calgary immigration lawyer Jatin Shory, view this change as drastic but necessary to combat fraud, others have welcomed the decision. The youth migrant advocacy group Naujawan Support Network sees it as a victory in the fight for a fair pathway to permanent residency and a means to reduce the exploitation of migrants.
The issue of exploitation in the temporary foreign worker program has long been a concern. Labour lawyer John No advocates for the abolition of the program, suggesting that granting newcomers permanent residence upon arrival in Canada would provide stability and status from the outset, eliminating the potential for exploitation.
In a separate investigation, CBC/IJF uncovered a thriving black market for LMIA-supported jobs, with online accounts openly selling these positions for exorbitant sums. The investigation revealed fraudulent practices, including offering fake jobs with falsified documentation to support applications for permanent residency. These illegal schemes not only exploit vulnerable individuals but also violate Canadian immigration laws.
Moving forward, effective communication of the policy change to prospective immigrants will be crucial in combating fraud. Shory emphasizes the importance of educating newcomers about the revised immigration rules to prevent them from falling victim to unscrupulous agents and fraudulent practices.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies, it is clear that measures are being taken to address fraud and exploitation within the system. By eliminating the incentive for purchasing LMIA-supported jobs, the government aims to uphold the integrity of the immigration process and ensure a fair and transparent pathway to permanent residency.
