We are migrant workers in Canada. The current migrant worker system, including employer-restricted work permits, employer-controlled housing, lack of permanent resident status, and insufficient labour protections, creates a breeding ground for our exploitation. The Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers, intended to offer some protection, has failed to provide adequate changes and support to migrant workers facing abuse.
While we fight for permanent status for all and regularization for all undocumented migrants, we urgently call on the federal government to implement the following changes to protect us and address the systemic inequities within the current regime:
- Permits should be granted for at least 4 years and be renewable
- OWPVW applications must be processed within 5 business days
- Migrants who have lost status or left the country should be able to apply
- IRCC’s rules for processing applications should be made public, and the same rules must apply across Canada
- Approvals must include support to secure housing and employment, as well as access to permanent residency
- Family members of workers with OWPVW must be able to get work and study permits
- Bosses of workers who get OWPVW must be investigated by federal and provincial governments and must be able to prove that no abuse has occurred
- No closed, tied, or sectoral work permits
- Permanent resident status for all migrants must be granted on arrival