Canada tightens access to low-wage jobs
By the AFREEQUE newsroom, based on Kenyans.co.ke
Canada is extending the validity of foreign worker recruitment authorisations to two years and will restrict some low-wage jobs from 1 March 2027. In cities with more than 250,000 inhabitants where unemployment is below 6%, employers will have to target occupations facing labour shortages, according to the Canadian government.
Canada has changed the rules of its Temporary Foreign Worker Programme, including recruitment authorisations that can now cover up to two years, compared with one year previously. The measure was announced on Friday 6 November by the Canadian government. These authorisations, known as Labour Market Impact Assessments (LMIAs), are generally required by employers before recruiting foreign workers and serve to establish that no Canadian can fill the vacant position.
From 1 March 2027, employers in Canadian cities with more than 250,000 inhabitants where unemployment is below 6% will only be able to recruit low-wage foreign workers for occupations facing labour shortages. Similar restrictions will apply to some metropolitan areas with between 100,000 and 250,000 inhabitants and rural areas located within large metropolitan regions, according to the Canadian government.
The government also plans to raise, in some cities, the maximum share of foreign workers in eligible employers' workforces from 10% to 15%. Priority sectors, including healthcare, construction and food processing, will retain a 20% limit, according to Canadian Minister of Employment and Family Patty Hajdu.
Patty Hajdu said the reforms should enable businesses to address genuine labour shortages while giving priority to Canadians for available jobs.
