Canada Cracks Down on Temporary Residents: Stricter Immigration Rules Announced

In a move that has sparked widespread criticism, the Canadian government has announced stricter immigration rules for temporary foreign workers and international students.

This change is part of broader efforts to control the influx of temporary residents, including foreign workers, as the country faces increasing political and economic pressures.

Canada to Cut Study Permits by 2025

Canada is set to reduce the number of study permits it grants to international students by 2025 as part of new measures aimed at managing temporary resident numbers.

The government plans to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, a significant drop from the 509,390 approvals in 2023, according to data from the immigration department.

Work Permit Restrictions

In addition to limiting study permits, Canada is also tightening the rules for work permits. The new regulations will affect the spouses of international students and temporary foreign workers, making it harder for them to obtain work permits.

These changes are part of the government’s strategy to reduce the number of temporary residents and prioritize the integrity of the immigration system.

Temporary Foreign Worker Program Under Scrutiny

Canada’s temporary foreign worker program has faced criticism over worker exploitation. A United Nations report labeled the program as fostering “contemporary forms of slavery,” a term rejected by the government as inflammatory.

Labor rights groups argue that reducing the number of temporary residents will not address the core issues, calling instead for equal rights and permanent residency for workers.

Also Read: Surging Demand for Temporary Foreign Workers in Canada: Key Industry Insights

Review of Visa Integrity

As the number of refugee claimants continues to rise, the government has announced plans to review measures to strengthen visa integrity. This includes reviewing visa decision-making processes to detect fraud and reduce the number of non-genuine visitors.

Criticism from Advocates and Economists

The government’s decision to tighten immigration rules has faced criticism from advocates and economists. Many argue for providing permanent status to migrants instead of simply reducing their numbers.

Syed Hussan, executive director of the Migrant Workers Alliance for Change, criticized the government for neglecting workers’ rights. He emphasized that permanent status is crucial for preventing migrant exploitation.

Economist Armine Yalnizyan also expressed disappointment, stating that the announcement lacked a plan to transition migrants to permanent status. She argued that this is vital for economic growth and should be prioritized.

Public Concerns and Political Backlash

The government’s decision to tighten immigration rules comes amid growing public concerns about the impact of immigration on Canadian society. Some people have blamed migrants for societal problems such as a lack of affordable housing and increased cost of living.

Also Read: Want to Work in Canada? These Programs Can Easily Get You a Work Permit

A Shift in Canada’s Immigration Policies

After years of increasing temporary resident numbers, Canada is now shifting its immigration policies to address public concerns. The move to reduce study permits and limit work permits for spouses is just one part of a broader strategy to manage the country’s temporary population.

However, critics continue to push for a more comprehensive approach that includes permanent residency opportunities for those who contribute to the Canadian economy.

Conclusion

The Canadian government’s decision to tighten immigration rules has sparked significant debate and criticism. While the government aims to reduce the number of temporary residents, advocates and economists argue for a more focused approach to providing permanent status to migrants and addressing their rights.

(With Inputs from Reuters)