A federal program designed to expedite the immigration process for skilled refugees with job offers in Canada is now facing significant delays, taking up to years to process applications. This lengthy processing time is causing challenges for Canadian businesses in filling crucial positions and leaving skilled refugees vulnerable to exploitation, arrest, or detention.
In 2018, the government introduced the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) to allow employers facing skill shortages to recruit from refugee populations internationally. Successful applicants are granted permanent residency and can relocate to Canada with their families. Since its launch, over 1,200 individuals have been approved to enter Canada through this program.
While initially praised for its efficiency with processing times averaging six months, recent reports indicate that applicants are now facing wait times of up to 54 months, as per a ministerial document prepared for Immigration Minister Lena Diab in May.
Dana Wagner, the managing director of TalentLift Canada, a non-profit assisting Canadian employers in hiring refugees internationally, expressed frustration over the delays. Wagner highlighted that the extended wait times are causing production cuts, project cancellations, and revenue losses for businesses seeking to utilize the EMPP.
Production cuts, lost revenue
Feedback from more than 20 businesses aiming to recruit through the EMPP reveals that the prolonged processing times are resulting in operational setbacks and financial losses. Wagner emphasized that some refugees are facing dire situations such as arrest, deportation, and financial struggles while waiting to relocate to Canada through the EMPP.
Finance Minister François-Philippe Champagne recently mentioned the government’s goal to maintain immigration at sustainable levels, acknowledging the need to attract skilled individuals while managing capacity constraints.
The EMPP positions include various skilled roles such as nurses, healthcare professionals, engineers, agricultural workers, and construction tradespeople.
The government recognizes the challenges posed by the increased processing times for the EMPP and attributes the delays to immigration targets, case complexities, and applicant responsiveness to information requests.
Changing attitudes toward immigration
Ottawa has reduced targets for both permanent and temporary residents in the coming years in response to changing attitudes toward immigration in Canada. A recent poll indicates a growing sentiment among Canadians that the country is admitting too many immigrants, impacting various sectors including housing and healthcare.
Recent polling suggests a shift in Canadian attitudes towards immigration. Insights on the findings and perspectives from former federal immigration minister Jason Kenney are discussed.