Immigration news update for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
Canada: Reduction of temporary foreign workers
To enhance the government’s ongoing efforts to decrease the temporary resident population in Canada, Employment and Social Development Canada has introduced new restrictions to the Low-Wage stream of the Temporary Foreign Worker Program, effective September 26, 2024.
The changes include:
- Refusal to process Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs) in the Low-Wage stream, applicable in census metropolitan areas with an unemployment rate of 6% or higher. Exceptions will be granted for seasonal and non-seasonal jobs in food security sectors (primary agriculture, food processing and fish processing), as well as construction and healthcare, lowering to 10% the caps for low-wage employers.
- Shortening to one year the permitted employment duration for low-wage workers.
Employers in Canada have a responsibility to invest in the full range of workers available in the country, such as young people, newcomers, and persons with disabilities, who are too often an untapped economic resource in Canada. They must also invest in retraining or upskilling to ensure that those they currently employ can adapt to future needs. The Government of Canada will continue to work with business and organizations to help them find the workers they need and ensure that Canadian workers have the opportunities they deserve, by providing support for training and education.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of Canada
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
United Kingdom: New measures to strengthen border security and enforce immigration rules
The Home Secretary has released a statement outlining steps to enhance the government’s ability to enforce immigration regulations. This includes a new initiative aimed at investigating and penalizing employers who unlawfully hire workers without the right to work in the UK. Additionally, new digital tools will be introduced to monitor and keep in touch with individuals lacking immigration rights in the UK and to assist in their return. Employers who hire illegal workers will face new sanctions, such as financial fines, business closures, and potential prosecution.
This summary was prepared using information form the UK Government
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Joanna Sogeke (EMEA, Team Lead) and/or Roberta Carnaccini (Global Director of Immigration).
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