Nearly five million temporary permits in Canada are set to expire by the end of 2025, raising concerns about the future of visa holders in the country.
According to Immigration Minister Marc Miller, these expiring permits include those for temporary foreign workers, students, and asylum claimants engaged in employment.
During his recent testimony before the Commons immigration committee, Minister Miller addressed the looming expiration of these permits. He emphasized that the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) is actively enforcing immigration laws, with an expectation that "most individuals are expected to leave voluntarily." However, the sheer volume of expiring permits has prompted questions about the government's preparedness to manage this transition effectively.
Conservative MP Tom Kmiec voiced concerns about how Canada plans to ensure that the 4.9 million visa holders will leave the country if required.
In response, Minister Miller highlighted that many students with expiring study permits might renew them or apply for post-graduate work permits to extend their stay.
The Canadian government has announced changes to its immigration policies in response to mounting criticism over strained resources. By 2025, the target for permanent residents will drop from 500,000 to 395,000, marking a 21% reduction.
Additionally, the number of temporary foreign workers is expected to decrease by over 40% by 2026, with a 10% reduction in international students.
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has acknowledged the economic pressures caused by rapid immigration growth, particularly following the pandemic. While temporary foreign workers are vital to Canada’s economy, the pace of immigration has overwhelmed housing, healthcare, and social services.
The new immigration caps are designed to balance the need for workers with the country’s infrastructure capacity. Immigration analyst Darshan Maharaja noted that the growing influx of temporary residents, now constituting 7.3% of the population, is exacerbating the housing crisis, with high rental costs and overcrowded living conditions becoming more common.
He also pointed out the strain on Canada’s healthcare system and the rising cost of living, suggesting that Indian workers, who make up a significant portion of Canada’s immigration landscape, may want to consider opportunities in other countries due to these growing challenges.
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