The Immigration Services Act
Saskatchewan has officially enacted The Immigration Services Act, enhancing the province’s ability to manage and monitor its immigration system while safeguarding foreign workers from exploitation. This legislation, which took effect on July 1, replaces The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act.
Key Provisions of the Immigration Services Act
- Licensing Requirement: Immigration recruiters and consultants must now be licensed by the Saskatchewan government. They are also required to post financial security to compensate victims of violations and sign transparent contracts with employers and foreign workers.
- Employer Registration: Employers must register with the Saskatchewan government except when hiring foreign nationals with open work permits or when the employer is an agency of a foreign government.
- Prohibition of Fees: The act forbids any recruitment fees or costs from being charged to foreign workers. It also outlaws unethical conduct against immigrants, such as withholding documents, threatening deportation, or providing false information.
Penalties for Non-Compliance
Under this new legislation, recruiters may face severe penalties including:
- Loss of practice rights in Saskatchewan for immigration consultants or recruiters
- Revocation of an employer’s ability to hire foreign workers
- Fines up to $750,000 for individuals and $1,250,000 for corporations
Responsibilities of Employers
Employers are responsible for:
- Registering with the Government of Saskatchewan’s Program Compliance Branch
- Covering all costs associated with hiring foreign workers
- Ensuring their recruited immigration consultants and recruiters are licensed
Significance to Saskatchewan’s Economy
Jeremy Harrison, Minister of Immigration and Career Training stated, “Saskatchewan continues to attract newcomers from all over the world, who are essential to growing the economy and filling our province’s labour market needs. This strengthened legislation will enhance Saskatchewan’s ability to protect foreign workers as they arrive in the province, streamline processing for employers, and set a new standard for program integrity in Canada.”
