Migrant workers in Canada are enduring “shocking abuse and discrimination” under the country’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), according to a new report by Amnesty International. The program, which facilitates the hiring of migrant laborers for low-wage jobs in industries such as agriculture, construction, food processing, and hospitality, has come under intense scrutiny for its harmful practices.
In a report released Thursday, Amnesty condemned the structure of the TFWP, which includes provisions that leave migrant workers vulnerable to exploitation. One of the key concerns highlighted by the organization is the use of closed work permits. These permits tie workers to a single employer, giving employers significant control over both the workers’ immigration status and working conditions. This dependency fosters an environment where workers are at high risk of abuse and exploitation.
Amnesty conducted interviews with 44 migrant workers from 14 countries, mainly from the Global South. The testimonies reveal disturbing patterns of abuse, including unpaid wages, excessive working hours, and in some cases, no days off as stipulated in workers’ contracts. Many workers also reported unsafe and hazardous working conditions, with some suffering severe injuries or developing chronic health problems as a result.
One striking example is the story of Bénédicte, a woman from Cameroon who endured both racial and sexual abuse while working on a farm under a two-year closed work permit. After leaving the farm in 2018, her employer canceled her permit, leaving her with irregular immigration status. “I did not expect to be a slave here,” she told Amnesty.
Other workers described severe control tactics used by employers. For instance, Miguel, a Guatemalan migrant worker, was reportedly monitored and threatened by his employer, who confiscated his passport and installed cameras in his living and working spaces.
Erika Guevara-Rosas, Senior Director for Amnesty International’s research and advocacy, expressed deep concern over the situation, noting that “The abuse experienced by migrant workers in Canada is deeply troubling, especially for a country that claims to be a leader when it comes to protecting human rights.”
Additionally, the report found that many workers were subjected to substandard living conditions. Some reported that their housing lacked basic necessities, such as drinking water.
In response to the findings, Amnesty International Canada’s Ketty Nivyabandi called for immediate reforms to the TFWP, urging Canadian leaders to align the program with the country’s human rights obligations. Nivyabandi emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of migrant workers to ensure that their dignity and well-being are upheld.
While the Canadian government acknowledged the Amnesty report, it reaffirmed its commitment to protecting temporary foreign workers. A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), Nancy Caron, stated that the government takes the safety and dignity of migrant workers seriously and has implemented measures such as a tip line for reporting abuses, programs to assist with private health insurance, and “open work permits” to allow workers more flexibility in changing employers.
However, critics argue that more robust reforms are needed to address the systemic issues within the TFWP and to better protect the rights of migrant workers in Canada.
