In a move that may impact many Nigerians seeking opportunities abroad, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has terminated a temporary policy that allowed visitors to apply for work permits while in Canada.
The policy, introduced in August 2020 as a response to COVID-19 travel restrictions, permitted visitors to seek work authorization without leaving Canada. It also enabled foreign nationals who had held a work permit in the previous year to apply for legal work while awaiting decisions on new permit applications.
Although originally set to expire in February 2025, the Canadian government has decided to end the policy earlier. In a statement released on Wednesday, the IRCC cited efforts to "recalibrate the number of temporary residents in Canada and preserve the integrity of the immigration system" as reasons for the change.
The Canadian authorities also noted concerns about "bad actors" exploiting the policy to mislead foreign nationals into unauthorized work in Canada.
This development is expected to significantly affect potential Nigerian migrants who might have considered this route to extend their stay in Canada. It comes at a time when Canada has become an increasingly popular destination for Nigerians seeking better educational and professional opportunities, particularly amidst the ongoing 'Japa' trend.
The news follows recent tensions in Canada, where thousands of international students, potentially including Nigerians, protested against new immigration policies that could lead to the deportation of about 70,000 students.
While applications submitted before August 28, 2024, will still be processed under the old policy, this change represents a significant shift in Canada's immigration landscape that Nigerians planning to visit or study in Canada should be aware of.
As the situation develops, Nigerian citizens with plans to visit or work in Canada are advised to stay informed about these policy changes and seek guidance from official sources or qualified immigration consultants.
Content from Punch newspaper
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