Yesterday, on 19 October, Canada’s pilot program for the Philippines was launched. The immigration minister of Canada, Mr. Marc Miller, officially introduced CAN Work Philippines. It’s a quick work permit program for Filipinos implemented at IRCC’s visa office in Manila. 

Canada’s pilot program for the Philippines 

The pilot program aims to accelerate the work permit processing for potential employers in Canada and enable them to arrange group appointments for qualifying workers for biometrics and medical examinations. This will allow skilled workers from the Philippines to travel to Canada quickly. 

This fast-track work permit program is specifically designed for Canadian employers who are hiring skilled workers in the Philippines. The workers hiring more than 50 workers, particularly from occupations such as agri-food, construction, and healthcare, are eligible for this pilot. 

In order to recruit employees under this program, employers must show that they will adhere to the ethical and moral guidelines of the International Organization for Migration (ION). 

IRCC has allocated $200,000 to the International Organization for Migration (ION) to encourage the implementation of ethical and moral recruitment criteria in the Philippines. 

This grant will enable the IOM to collaborate with the Philippines government, execute training sessions, and encourage the adoption of the moral and ethical Recruitment Due Diligence Toolkit of IOM among organizations that are either working in or are interested in hiring skilled workers in the Philippines. 

Why Canada’s pilot program for the Philippines is significant? 

Every year, numerous qualified and skilled foreign temporary workers from across the globe immigrate to Canada and help it bridge the labor market gaps and contribute to the country’s economic growth. Among them, there are also many newcomers from the Philippines. 

According to the IRCC’s minister, Mr. Marc Miller, the introduction of Canada’s pilot program for the Philippines, i.e., the CAN Work Philippines, will be a smart and beneficial move as it will help the country in its worldwide hunt for talent while also assisting the country’s industries in overcoming the labor market shortages. 

He added that IRCC’s grant to the IOM shows their sustained commitment of devotion towards the moral and ethical hiring procedures, and it will support in guaranteeing the safety, health, and quality of life of temporary foreign workers. 

Notably, the Philippines is one of the important sources of new immigrants to Canada. This fast work permit program will assist in improving the strong social relations between both countries while also solving the employment shortages in Canada’s economy and enhancing its position as an attractive destination for skilled and talented workers from across the world.