Pilot program launches to streamline work permit processing for Canadian employers recruiting in the Philippines
The Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced on October 19, the launch of CAN Work Philippines—a pilot program at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC)’s visa office in Manila—which coincides with the first-ever Philippines–Canada Friendship Week. The pilot will streamline work permit processing for eligible Canadian employers and allow employers to schedule group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics for potential employees, so that skilled workers in the Philippines can come to Canada.
Key features of the CAN Work Philippines pilot program include:
- Streamlined Work Permit Processing: The pilot program seeks to simplify the work permit processing for eligible Canadian employers, making it easier for them to hire skilled workers from the Philippines.
- Group Appointments for Medical Examinations and Biometrics: Employers participating in the program can schedule group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics for potential employees, facilitating a more organized and efficient recruitment process.
- Eligibility Criteria: The pilot is open to Canadian employers recruiting from the Philippines, particularly those looking to hire approximately 50 or more workers or for critical occupations in sectors such as health care, construction, and agri-food.
- Commitment to Fair and Ethical Recruitment: To participate in the program, employers are required to demonstrate their commitment to fair and ethical recruitment guidelines outlined by the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
- Financial Support for Fair and Ethical Recruitment Standards: IRCC is providing $200,000 to the IOM to support the adoption of fair and ethical recruitment standards in the Philippines. This funding will enable the IOM to collaborate with the Government of the Philippines, conduct training sessions, and promote the IOM’s Fair and Ethical Recruitment Due Diligence Toolkit to relevant organizations.
- Strategic Importance: The Philippines is a significant partner in Canada’s Indo–Pacific Strategy and a major source of newcomers to Canada. The initiative aims to strengthen social ties between the two nations, address labor shortages in the Canadian economy, and reinforce Canada’s position as a premier destination for global talent.
This pilot program reflects Canada’s commitment to responsible and ethical recruitment practices while fostering economic growth through strategic international hiring initiatives.
For more information follow the link below:
https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2023/10/pilot-program-launches-to-streamline-work-permit-processing-for-canadian-employers-recruiting-in-the-philippines.html