The Canadian government has announced the immediate termination of a policy that allowed Nigerians and other holders of Canadian Visitor Visas to apply for work permits within the country.
This decision, disclosed by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) on August 29, 2024, marks a pivotal change in Canada's immigration landscape.
The now-revoked policy was initially introduced in August 2020 as a temporary measure to assist visitors who were unable to return home due to COVID-19 related border closures.
It enabled visitors to apply for work permits without having to leave Canada. However, the IRCC stated that the policy had been exploited by "bad actors" who misled foreign nationals into working in Canada without proper authorization.
"While the temporary policy was set to expire on February 28, 2025, IRCC is ending the policy as part of our overall efforts to recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system," the statement read.
This move is part of broader efforts by the Canadian government to tighten its immigration policies.
Recent reforms have already sparked protests, particularly among international students. Earlier this week, several international students took to the streets across Canada to protest against new immigration policies that could potentially lead to the deportation of about 70,000 students.
As of 2023, international students constituted 37 percent of study visa holders in Canada. However, the recent limitations on student visas are expected to reduce the intake of foreign students by 35 percent.
The government argues that these changes are necessary to alleviate pressures on housing, unemployment, and public services.
Adding to the string of regulatory changes, the Canadian government also announced that foreign nationals would no longer be able to apply for a Post-Graduation Work Permit (PGWP) at the border.
Комментарии