From far and wide
Struggles Faced by Newcomers in the Canadian Workforce
One lawyer shares his personal experience of facing challenges in the Canadian job market due to his foreign degree. Despite holding a master’s degree in social sciences from the prestigious National University of Singapore, which is ranked among the top 10 universities globally, he found that many Canadian companies did not recognize his qualifications.
He likened the situation to a scenario where someone from a renowned institution like the University of Toronto or Harvard University would face a lack of recognition in Asia. This lack of awareness about foreign educational institutions can be a significant barrier for newcomers trying to establish themselves in Canada.
A recent survey revealed that 44% of newcomers in the workforce either remained unemployed or had to work outside their area of expertise. This highlights the struggles faced by immigrants who often find it challenging to secure employment that aligns with their skills and qualifications.
Syed Hussan, the executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, expressed concerns about the lack of training and reskilling opportunities for newcomers. He emphasized the disregard for work experience gained outside of Canada, which can lead to devaluation of immigrant professionals in the job market.
Abdullateef, a former doctor from Tehran, shared her own story of being unable to practice medicine in Canada. Despite her qualifications, she had to invest $33,000 in a two-year postgraduate certificate at Fanshawe College to pursue a different career path.
The struggles faced by Abdullateef and many other newcomers highlight the need for better integration and recognition of foreign qualifications in the Canadian workforce. Addressing these challenges can help unlock the full potential of skilled immigrants and contribute to a more diverse and inclusive job market.
