Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Marc Miller, has unveiled plans to impose restrictions on Temporary Foreign Workers (TFWs) starting January 2024, aiming to manage population growth and tackle the ongoing housing crisis. This move is part of broader reforms set to be introduced in early 2024, with potential implications for international students and workers.
Minister Miller expressed concerns about the current unchecked system, emphasizing the need for a more controlled and balanced approach. Temporary Foreign Workers, encompassing skilled professionals, agricultural workers, and seasonal employees, often hold limited-period work permits and face challenges in obtaining permanent residency.
The impending reforms address the substantial increase in temporary foreign workers and international students entering Canada, with Minister Miller drawing a connection between this influx and the housing crisis.
Despite the focus on systemic reforms, Miller clarified that the intention is not to target specific groups but to address the broader consequences of an overstretched system.
Canada witnessed a record population increase of over 430,000 in Q3 2023, primarily fueled by immigration. Earlier in December 2023, Minister Miller announced changes to the foreign student program, requiring applicants to demonstrate increased financial sustainability. He also signaled a willingness to revoke study permits and collaborate with provinces to regulate substandard colleges and control international student numbers.
The planned reforms mark a significant shift in Canada’s approach to TFWs and international students, prompting debates on immigration policies in the upcoming year. As the specifics of the reforms are anticipated in 2024, Canada faces a critical juncture in balancing its need for skilled workers while addressing concerns about an overloaded system and its impact on housing and other sectors.
