WES Weekly Roundup May 8, 2024

_{World Education Services (WES) is a non-profit social enterprise dedicated to helping international students, immigrants, and refugees achieve their educational and career goals in the United States and Canada. The weekly roundup includes research, stories, and events of interest to the Canadian immigration and settlement community. This content has been created by WES and is reproduced here with their permission, in partnership.}

World Migration Report – 2024 (International Organization of Migration)

The latest installment of the World Migration Report follows up on the latest trends in global migration their implications since 2021. Primarily, issues of geo-political unrest and climate related crises have been key drivers of mass displacement and elevated levels of migration, both domestically and internationally. Key migration data at a glance indicates that as of 2020, there are 281 million international migrants globally, representing 3.6 percent of the world’s population – with 117 million people living displaced by the end of 2022. In 2022, over 114,000 refugees were admitted for resettlement globally, double the number in 2021 (57,5000), returning to pre-pandemic levels. The report explores the increasing role of technology and AI, climate change, and diverse policy responses in shaping the future of global migration. However, due to strained economic conditions globally, experts warn against the increased risk of anti-immigrant sentiment being on the rise. Many countries, Canada and the United States included, continue to leverage immigration to address demographic challenges such as aging workforces and lower birth rates and to stimulate economic growth. While both Canada and the US have experienced tremendous expansion in resettlement programming, Canada is highlighted throughout the report as a leader in inclusive immigration policy, prioritizing family reunification, refugee protection and skilled economic migration.

Canada is scaling back temporary foreign workers. Critics say the program needs an overhaul (Radio-Canada)

Canada plans to reduce the number of temporary resident approvals by 2027 for most sectors. Foremost low-wage sectors, companies will be able to hire foreign workers at up to 20 percent of their workforces. However, for areas such as healthcare and construction, intake levels will remain at 30 percent. For seasonal industries such as agriculture, fishing, and tourism, the cap will be lifted during peak seasons. Employment and Social Development Canada, note that the changes will only impact people applying to work in Canada as of May 1. Some advocates argue that this could signal fewer opportunities for individuals already working in Canada – while changes miss addressing pressing issues with the program. Such issues include closed work permits which tie migrant workers to a single employer and may cause workers to accept precarious and unhealthy working conditions. Advocates also challenge that this may inadvertently punish migrant workers themselves, a choice that may have economic costs, as workers are proving they are essential. IRCC argues that it is continuing to explore and develop policies to accommodate workers who are at risk.

Setting the record straight on refugee claims by international students (The Conversation)

Amid Canada’s recent policies to cap international student admittances, refugee claims by international students have steadily increased from 2018 to 2023, raising concerns about students potentially exploiting the immigration system. In further exploring the issue, experts cite that refugee “claims” do not indicate refugee “approvals” and caution that current coverage of the phenomena might lead to alarmism around immigration in Canada. In 2018, international students made up three percent of new refugee claims, by 2023, this figure increased to only eight percent. Yet, Canada appears to be losing its competitive edge in retaining newcomers. Research from statistics Canada indicates that more than 15 percent of immigrants are deciding to leave Canada within 20 years of immigrating, while less than half of permanent residents are deciding to become citizens. There is a similar trend with international students, with many contemplating leaving Canada because of declining affordability and housings shortages. Further, legal experts explain that it can be misleading to imply that this is “unacceptable” as seeking asylum is a right that is protected by international and Canadian law. While the number of international students making refugee claims is worth examining, the increases may be taken out of context and or exaggerated.