Ontario is shifting ahead with new laws aimed toward defending immigrants from fraud and making certain the integrity of its immigration system.
The provincial authorities is focusing on fraudulent immigration consultants who exploit newcomers, aiming to carry them accountable with powerful penalties.
In line with Immigration Information Canada(INC), the proposed adjustments deal with stricter laws for people helping with functions to the Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP).
If handed, the legislation would implement clear requirements for immigration representatives and impose extreme penalties on those that break the foundations. These penalties embrace lifetime bans and hefty fines.
In line with INC, Ontario’s Minister of Labour, Immigration, Coaching, and Abilities Growth, David Piccini, burdened the significance of defending newcomers from unethical practices. “Immigrants come to this province to work laborious, help their households, and contribute to a stronger Ontario,” Piccini stated. “Many put their belief in immigration representatives—most of whom are diligent and sincere—however a couple of dangerous actors exploit susceptible newcomers, jeopardizing their immigration standing and scamming them out of tens of 1000’s of {dollars}.”
The brand new laws would require immigration representatives to satisfy greater requirements, together with proving their credentials, offering written contracts, and giving candidates entry to their information.
The Ontario authorities’s new measures, a part of the Ontario Immigration Act, 2015, would introduce the next provisions:
Moreover, the province would enhance the penalty for dishonest representatives from $2,000 to $10,000, signaling a zero-tolerance strategy to fraud.
This laws builds on Ontario’s ongoing efforts to enhance protections for staff and immigrants. Since 2021, the province has launched measures just like the Working for Employees Acts, which embrace insurance policies to handle labour shortages and promote equity.
Notably, Ontario was the primary province to ban discriminatory Canadian work expertise necessities for regulated professions. In 2023, Ontario nominated 2,045 healthcare staff, together with internationally skilled nurses and medical doctors, for everlasting residency by the OINP.
INC states that between Might 2019 and April 2024, the Canada Border Companies Company (CBSA) charged 153 people with immigration consultant-related fraud. These fraudulent practices go away immigrants financially susceptible and liable to dropping their immigration standing. With the proposed laws, Ontario goals to remove dangerous actors and restore belief within the immigration system.
Along with addressing fraud, the Ontario authorities is investing $100 million in 2024-2025 to help newcomers.
This funding will assist immigrants settle in Ontario, study English or French, entry job coaching, and safe significant employment. Analysis means that absolutely integrating internationally skilled professionals into their fields may contribute an extra $100 billion to the province’s financial system over 5 years.
The Ontario Immigrant Nominee Program (OINP) nominates people for everlasting residency, with the federal authorities granting closing approval.
With these measures, the provincial authorities goals to fight fraud and keep the integrity of the immigration system.
