Canada Tightens Foreign Workers Rules As Nigerians, Others Risk Deportation
Canada has introduced stricter rules in its Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), raising concerns among skilled foreign workers, including many Nigerians, who now face greater risks of deportation due to tighter hiring conditions.
Under the new regulations, employers must raise wages for high-skilled foreign hires to at least 20% above the regional median wage.
Companies can now only fill a maximum of 10% of low-wage roles with foreign workers.
These reforms, which took effect between September and November 2024, are designed to prioritise Canadian citizens for available jobs.
The government has also reclassified an estimated 34,000 positions from the high-wage to the low-wage stream, exposing more foreign workers to stricter oversight, fewer benefits, and increased job insecurity.
Many employers, particularly in sectors like hospitality, construction, and agriculture, said the changes are forcing them to scale back foreign hires or avoid renewing contracts due to rising labour costs.