Financial fraud concerns; Ontario comprehensively overhauls foreign worker program

 

 

 

Ontario has announced major overhauls to its foreign worker program following the release of an audit report on widespread fraud in immigration programs. The province has also abolished nine immigration streams that were part of the existing Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program. Officials said the new reforms are intended to prevent visa fraud and tighten security standards by abusing this system, which nominates eligible officials and foreign workers for permanent residence.

Under the new amendments, Ontario has completely abolished nine major categories, including foreign workers, international students, in-demand skills, and masters and PhD graduates. In its place, the province will soon introduce a new, more transparent and unified system. Under the new law, employers who want to sponsor foreign workers must register with the Director of the OINP. Companies will now be allowed to offer jobs to foreign workers only after undergoing strict checks on their financial health and business background.

The province aims to take tough legal action against fake immigration agents who exploit immigrants and against employers who engage in fraudulent activities. The new amendment provides for a ban of three years to life in addition to imposing heavy fines on offenders. This sudden change in the law has caused great concern among thousands of foreign workers and international students who are currently waiting to apply. However, the Ontario Ministry of Immigration has announced that applications submitted until just before the law change will be reviewed and processed on a priority basis according to the old criteria.