On this day, the Honorable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), declared the introduction of CAN Work Philippines, a pilot program established at IRCC’s visa office in Manila.
Under this pilot program, eligible Canadian employers will experience streamlined processing for work permits. They will have the ability to schedule group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics for potential employees from the Philippines, facilitating the entry of skilled workers into Canada.
This initiative is specifically designed for Canadian employers engaged in large-scale recruitment in the Philippines, hiring around 50 or more workers, particularly in critical sectors like healthcare, construction, and agri-food.
Participation in the program requires employers to showcase their dedication to fair and ethical recruitment practices, in accordance with guidelines outlined by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
Furthermore, the Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is allocating $200,000 to the International Organization for Migration (IOM) to facilitate the adoption of fair and ethical recruitment standards in the Philippines. This funding will support the IOM in collaborating closely with the Government of the Philippines, organizing training sessions, and promoting the IOM’s Fair and Ethical Recruitment Due Diligence Toolkit. These initiatives are targeted at organizations engaged in or interested in recruiting talent from the Philippines.
The Philippines holds significant importance in Canada’s Indo-Pacific Strategy and stands as a key source of newcomers to Canada. These collaborative endeavors not only strengthen the deep social bonds between the two nations but also address crucial labor shortages within the Canadian economy. Moreover, these efforts reinforce Canada’s position as a premier destination for global talent, further solidifying its status as a top choice for skilled professionals worldwide.