COVID crisis: IRCC’s ‘open work permit’ for abused immigrants rescue many

Considering the situation immigrant labourers or dependents sometimes land themselves in, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) had long made amendments in its immigration policies. June 4, 2019 onwards, migrant labourers who had employee-specific work permit could apply for a fresh open permit if they were being abused or harassed at work. This permit could allow them to leave their abusive employers, seeking for other opportunities in Canada.

This changed the debated state of immigrant workers to the country who often feared losing their residential status on lodging a complaint against their employers. Canada has always propagated its equal opportunity working environment for its immigrants and stood by it even during trying times.

Harassed immigrants take to the renewed permission

The impending economic downturn at the end of the COVID crisis is likely to create unfavourable situations at workplace. With over 1 lakh people already laid off, the rest of the working class-skilled or unskilled- are unsure of their employment status. Some organizations or employers are leveraging this situation and imposing unrealistic targets and regulations for their existing employees, who suffer in silence. The government of Canada’s offer to review the status of such immigrants has since been the solace for many.

Reiterating his presentation at the Canadian Bar Association, Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen said, “No worker should fear losing their job when they are being mistreated in their place of work. No partner should be more fearful of losing their immigration status instead of escaping abuse. Today, we say, fear no more.”

TRV application fee waived for victims of family violence due to onset of Covid19

Since the lockdown was imposed in Canada at the onset of COVID, cases of domestic violence and abuse especially in immigrant families have increased. The renewed TRV application fee comes to the rescue of immigrant partners who are victims of abuse at home. This would allow these individuals to obtain legal immigration status in Canada so that they can get a work permit and health care.

The above-mentioned measures though long-standing, have helped millions in distress during the COVID crisis.

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Pallavi Sen Gupta

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