Canada to see 5 million temporary permits expire by 2025 end
Ottawa: Concerns are growing among nearly five million temporary workers in Canada who visas are set to expire by the end of 2025.
It has come to light during a meeting of House of Commons committee on immigration when Immigration Minister Marc Miller disclosed this.
He appeared before the committee for his testimony.
Work permit holders, students and asylum claimants come under the temporary foreign worker category in Canada.
The Liberal government has been under growing pressure over the immigration levels. This year, the government has presented its new immigration targets, which are lower than previously announced targets.
Replying to a question, Marc Miller said the border law enforcement agency is implementing immigration laws and many expired visa holders will leave Canada voluntary.
As per an estimate, the number of temporary workers whose permits will expire by the next year is around five million. Of these, 766,000 are study permits. On being asked about tracking the soon-to-be-expired study permits, Miller said, “Some students will renew their permits or apply for post-graduate work permits, which will provide options for extending their stay.”
The Trudeau government has introduced policies to reduce the intake of both permanent and temporary residents over the next three years. This shift comes amid criticism over strained infrastructure and an approaching election.