The COVID-19 pandemic has disrupted operations across the world. Immigrants across the borders have their own struggles and insecurities to face with governments of different countries coming out with their changes in the immigration policies. Considering the current crisis the federal government of Canada recently decided to streamline the processes for changing jobs in Canada for temporary foreign workers.
Albeit this change is temporary it is sure to offer a big relief to the workers who are unable to get new jobs quickly. These workers with a temporary work permit are tied to exclusive permits that make them mandatory to work at specific workplaces. Such workers are facing work issues as there is a close down due to COVID-19 and their regular working places are not functional yet.
Change Will Help Workers Get New Jobs Quickly
At present to get a new work permit, the workers have to make a reapplication and then wait for approval so that they can start a new job. It is taking a lot of time and with no means of earning things are getting bad for such migrants. That is why the federal Canadian government has decided to allow temporary foreign workers who meet the parameters of qualifications and experience to start their new employment soonest possible while they are awaiting approval for the new work permit.
It will cut down the time span from 10 weeks to 10 days or even less for joining new work for the workers. According to the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s latest press release this change will enable the workers to start working in agri-food and greenhouse sectors and fill up the spaces. It will also be helpful to those workers who want to go back home but cannot do so due to travel restrictions.
Is It Safe For Workers?
Most of the immigration experts have appreciated this move by the federal authorities. However, they have also asked the government bodies to make sure that the workers stay safe and healthy. The immigration lawyers want the government to take care of these workers not only during the quarantine period of 14 days but even when they ultimately begin their new job.
Speaking on this issue, the science and government relations manager for the Ontario Greenhouse Vegetable Growers, Justine Taylor said, “Farmers are very committed to adhering to local health and safety measures. So that’s their number one priority is keeping their workforce safe.”
Who Is Eligible?
Temporary foreign workers who fulfill the following conditions will be eligible for this change in work permit:
- Have a valid immigration status
- Already have a work permit exemption or an employer-specific work permit
- Workers with a valid offer of job who have made an application for obtaining a new work permit under the International Mobility Program or the Temporary Foreign Worker Program
To register for the new work permit, the workers will have to submit an application to the IRCC. The authorities will review it in 10 days and send notification about the new job via email.