Alberta to crackdown on agencies abusing temporary foreign workers

Canada, 12th March: Alberta is going to act tough on agencies involved in abusing temporary foreign workers.

This was revealed by Manmeet Bhullar, Calgary MLA and minister for Alberta Services.

Alberta to stop employment agencies abusing temporary foreign workers—As per new Alberta immigration rules announced by Bhullar, temporary foreign workers will be saved from unscrupulous employment agencies.

The changes becoming effective September 1, 2012 will help TFWs (temporary foreign workers) coming to Alberta to realized their dream of becoming Canada permanent residents. Giving details about the incidents involving abuse of TFWs by employment agencies, Bhullar said there are numerous stories revealing tales of temporary foreign workers coming to live and work here.

Many times, temporary foreign workers coming to Alberta have to shell out big bucks as recruitment fees or are compelled to services they don’t require. Some of these services include getting lessons in English language or other career services.

Additional protections will make it unlawful for firms to pressurize workers to lie to immigration officials or threaten foreigners seeking work in Alberta.

So, new Alberta immigration rules will prevent such happenings in Alberta, Bhullar affirmed.

Several loopholes in Alberta immigration rules will now be closed and will make it difficult for those wanting to misuse innocent temporary foreign workers wanting to come and live in Alberta.

Recognizing the significance of temporary foreign workers to Alberta’s growing economy, Bhullar said nearly 58,000 TFWs help fill skills shortages in this Canadian province.

Employment agencies to maintain full records—Employment agencies will now be required to maintain proper records of recruitment of TFWs. Moreover, agencies will have to get registered with Alberta government. And any employment agency found to be abusing temporary foreign workers seeking jobs in Alberta will be charged as much as $25,000. Recruitment agencies in Alberta having a questionable history will be required to post a bond, Bhullar informed.

Such norms will help in proper investigation as well as prosecution of firms guilty of exploitation of vulnerable foreigners coming to work in Alberta. Each year, Alberta attracts large number of foreigners wanting to work in Alberta due to excellent opportunities of jobs here, he stated.