Foreign workers in P.E.I. to protest immigration policy changes

Foreign workers in Prince Edward Island (P.E.I.) are gearing up for a day-long protest on May 13 to oppose the province's recent immigration policy adjustments, which aim to decrease the intake of permanent residents by 25%. The changes, announced in February, have stirred concerns among a significant number of Punjabi students in the province, many of whom are employed either on work permits or as international students. The alterations were motivated by the strain placed on the healthcare and housing sectors, prompting officials to shift focus towards nominating workers in essential fields such as healthcare, childcare, and construction trades.

Manpreet Kaur Longowal, a volunteer with the Montreal Youth Students Organisation (MYSO), expressed dismay over the policy changes, particularly for foreign workers in the retail and services sector. Longowal highlighted the challenges faced by these workers, emphasizing the uncertainty surrounding the renewal of their work permits and the limited benefits available if they transition to sectors prioritized under the new policy. MYSO has thrown its support behind the protesting workers and organized rallies in Charlottetown to amplify their grievances.

The upcoming protest, scheduled to take place outside the provincial nominee program office in Charlottetown, aims to draw attention to the adverse impact of the policy changes on foreign workers in P.E.I. Longowal underscored the predicament faced by workers in the retail and services sector, noting the closure of the provincial nominee program and the Atlantic immigration program in these fields, which has fueled anxiety among foreign workers hoping to apply for permanent residence.

P.E.I., known for its sparse population, often relies on international students and foreign workers to fulfill its labor needs, with many individuals eventually obtaining permanent residence after meeting specific residency requirements. However, the recent adjustments to the provincial nominee program have raised the bar for obtaining permanent residence, creating significant challenges for foreign workers. Varun Khanna, another MYSO volunteer, criticized the provincial government's approach, arguing that existing foreign workers who have contributed to the province's economy should not be subject to the new stringent policies.

In addition to opposing the policy changes, protesters are calling for fairness in the application of the provincial nominee program across all sectors and advocating for the extension of postgraduate work permits for all workers. Khushpal Grewal, another MYSO volunteer, urged foreign workers to unite in solidarity to address these pressing issues and ensure their voices are heard.

Overall, the protest represents a grassroots effort to challenge the recent immigration policy changes in P.E.I. and advocate for the rights of foreign workers, particularly those employed in sectors impacted by the new regulations. As the demonstration unfolds, organizers hope to raise awareness about the challenges faced by foreign workers and push for more equitable immigration policies that consider the contributions and aspirations of all individuals residing in the province.