Canada is set to limits on the number of temporary immigrants residents it lets in by September, this is it’s first of it’s kind in canadian history.
On Thursday, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced plans to decrease immigration numbers over the next three years, starting with a cap set in September.
This reduction will affect international students, foreign workers, and asylum seekers.
Minister Miller has highlighted the need to revise immigration targets amidst concerns about affordability and housing.
He stated that Canada aims to lower the proportion of temporary residents to 5% of the population, down from the current 6.2%.
He added that the move is to ensure “sustainable” growth in the number of temporary residents coming into Canada.
Mr. Miller noted a significant rise in temporary residents admitted to Canada in recent years.
As of 2024, the total number stands at 2.5 million, a stark increase from nearly one million in 2021, according to Statistics Canada.
While acknowledging Canada’s reliance on temporary foreign workers to address labor shortages, Mr. Miller emphasized the necessity for efficiency improvements within the system.
Additionally, he highlighted Canada’s international obligations to provide refuge to those fleeing war and political persecution.
“To be clear, these are important global commitments to Canadians,” Mr Miller said. “At the same time, there should be an honest conversation about what the rise of international migration means for Canada as we plan ahead.”
As part of the new policy, officials said some Canadian businesses will have to reduce the number of temporary foreign workers they rely on by 1 May, and will have a shorter window to prove that these jobs could not be filled by a permanent resident or a Canadian citizen.
Two exceptions to the rule will be workers in the construction and healthcare sectors – both of which are facing labour shortages in Canada.
These workers will be allowed to enter the country at current levels until at least 31 August.
According to Statistics Canada, the majority of temporary residents – around 40% – in 2021 had a work permit. Students represented 22% of temporary residents, and asylum claimants accounted for 18%.
Also Read:
Tolstoy vows Russia will kill French soldiers deployed to Ukraine
Earlier this year, Mr Miller also set a limit on the number of international students admitted to Canada for the next two years, resulting in a planned decrease of 35% in approved study permits.
Over 800,000 foreign students were in Canada in 2022,
up from 214,000 a decade earlier.
