Canada recognizes that immigration plays a big role in filling labour gaps in different regions across Canada, international students contribute strongly towards the Canadian economy, and bring a positive impact in societies across Canada.
A recent story came to light when +1 News interviewed a Post graduate work Permit Holder. Mahendra Reddy, a former International student who works as a server in a food restaurant in Etobicoke, adds during his interview:
’Covid-19 had just started when I received my work permit, I was expected to receive a promotion but due to the impact of Covid-19 on our sales, my promotion was delayed for another 6 months. Throughout the Pandemic I worked on the front lines serving Canadians. The IRCC stopped Express Entry system for over 10 months and nobody was invited to apply for PR, this also created a huge backlog.”
Mahendra further adds, ”I would have received an Invitation to apply for PR only if IRCC hadn’t stopped the Draws. I am expected to leave Canada in a few weeks unless government gives me an extension. I risked my health serving Canadians and there is no sign of relief from the IRCC.’
A federal court recently urged Ottawa to consider the ’Moral debt’ owed to the Pandemic workers during immigration decision making. But according to Mahendra, the’Moral debt’ is not being considered at all.
Thousands of International workers were recently excluded from the Public Policy allowing workers with expiring status in 2022 to Extend their stay in Canada for up to an additional 18 months and gain more Valuable Canadian work experience, further helping businesses combat labour shortages.
Among those who were excluded from this public policy are Healthcare workers, essential workers who represented a big number of Labour force during that unprecedented time of need.
As a result of the pandemic and backlogs, majority of these International workers were impacted and not given a fair chance at transitioning to Permanent residency. Honorable Minister of Immigration, Refugees, Citizenship Canada Sean Fraser had promised these workers that new pathways will be brought forward to help these workers transition to Permanent Residency to retain international talent.
Experts, and applicants are speculating if Canada will pay the ’Moral Debt’ to these Pandemic workers as a big number of these workers were excluded from the public policy that allowed many international workers to extend their stay in Canada for up to an additional 18 months.
So far, no communications or announcements have come out directly from IRCC forcing thousands of these workers to live in a constant distress and uncertain about their future in Canada.
