In pursuit of a new life in Canada with his family, Dattaray Avhad invested over $24,000 with a lawyer to secure a cooking job in Newfoundland and Labrador and permanent residency.
However, over a year later, he finds himself on a work permit for vulnerable workers, working as a cab driver, and uncertain about his path to permanent residency.
Avhad is still in the process of seeking a refund for the amount paid to his lawyer, Amardeep Singh, who advertises immigration services on social media promising kitchen job opportunities and expedited immigration to Canada.
Singh’s combined services of legal representation for migrants and job recruitment have drawn criticism from immigration experts who deem it unethical and exploitative.
Avhad, who relocated from Mumbai, recounted Singh’s assurances of securing a job and facilitating his family’s move to Canada.
Despite initially landing a kitchen job at Shenanigans Bar & Grill, Avhad faced discrepancies in his pay compared to the contract terms, which specified $16 per hour but reflected $15.60 per hour on his pay stub.
Avhad’s employment at Shenanigans Bar & Grill abruptly ended after a month, with Singh requesting an additional $10,000 to secure a new job opportunity, leaving Avhad distraught.
Singh, when contacted, cited a complaint filed by Avhad with the Ontario Law Society and invoked lawyer-client privilege to refrain from discussing the case.
Shenanigans Bar & Grill’s owner, Luc Viau, defended Avhad’s termination, alleging misrepresentation and a lack of culinary expertise.
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