In-person citizenship ceremonies have also been suspended since March, though virtual ceremonies are being offered.
It's illegal to charge for a job under Canadian immigration laws. But those who work in the immigration space say it's no secret that it does happen — often for tens of thousands of dollars — due to a poorly structured system, a lack of enforcement and desperation.With Alberta's population growing at a record pace, those who work in the immigration field fear a long-standing scam targeting temporary foreign workers will become more common.
But those who work in the immigration field say it's no secret that it does happen due to a poorly structured system, a lack of enforcement and desperation."The temporary foreign workers — they don't often know better," said Umar. "Alberta is quickly becoming the No. 1 destination . So with that, we're also going to have the growing pains of that. We're also going to have these issues come in a lot more, unfortunately."
Calgary-based immigration lawyer Jatin Shory — who has worked with clients who've been charged fees up to $75,000 — calls extreme cases of this scam "a form of pseudo slavery." "I don't believe there's been much effectiveness in any of the anti-fraud measures that have been introduced," said Conservative MP Tom Kmiec. "I would like the ministers to come in and explain themselves."
Sheikh has since filed a civil claim against the employer and the consultants, without using a lawyer, in a bid to get her money back. Sheikh's former employer told CBC News it isn't affiliated with any immigration consultants and her work duties aligned with her job description.The Alberta government is paying attention to the issue.
The province said human trafficking involves "the recruitment … direction or influence over the movements of a person in order to exploit that person, typically through sexual exploitation or forced labour." The province includes migrant workers in its list of groups at risk of human trafficking. What they can charge applicants for is immigration services, like helping them submit a work permit. While applicants can submit work permits on their own, many ask for help to navigate the complicated process.
"The problem, though, is because it does offer that permanent residency benefit, that it's somehow baked into the cost. The value of PR and the value of status in Canada means a lot to people and they're willing to pay for it," he said. A spokesperson for the College of Immigration and Citizenship Consultants says it's recently shut down approximately 1,500 websites and social media pages advertising unauthorized practitioners . It also has a
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