Manitoba to Extend Work Permits for Thousands of Newcomers

Thousands of newcomers in Manitoba whose federal work permits were set to expire this year will have their permits extended for at least another two years. The province's labour and immigration minister, Malaya Marcelino, received confirmation from federal Immigration Minister Marc Miller regarding the extension request on Tuesday.

Marcelino expressed her gratitude for the approval, stating that it was excellent news for the province, the affected workers, their families, and employers across Manitoba. She highlighted the challenges faced by these individuals and employers due to the uncertainty surrounding the expiring permits.

The decision comes after Ottawa announced in December that it would no longer offer 18-month extensions to post-graduate work permits, a measure initially implemented in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. This policy change raised concerns among temporary foreign workers, who protested alongside other policy adjustments affecting Manitoba's provincial nominee program (PNP).

Under the PNP, which matches foreign workers with specific labor needs in Manitoba, applicants face a selection process based on a ranking scale. Recent draws prioritized skilled workers with existing family ties to the province, aiming to retain newcomers who often leave Manitoba after obtaining permanent residency.

Marcelino's reassurance regarding the extension aligns with the province's efforts to address concerns raised by temporary foreign workers and promote immigrant retention. The federal government's decision to extend permits reflects a collaborative approach between federal and provincial authorities to support Manitoba's workforce and economy.

The extended permits provide a sense of relief for individuals like Tianyu Xie, whose post-graduate work permit was set to expire. Xie, who works in the social services sector in Winnipeg, expressed gratitude for the policy change, noting that it offers hope for his family's reunion and his continued stay in Manitoba.

The announcement also received positive feedback from Yatin Joshi, chair of the International Students and Skilled Workers Union in Manitoba, who highlighted the emotional impact of the news on affected individuals. The extension offers a lifeline to those facing uncertainty and anxiety about their future in the province.

Marcelino emphasized the importance of immigration to Manitoba's economic growth and reiterated her commitment to ensuring that the extended permit holders contribute to the province's workforce. While details regarding eligibility requirements and conditions are forthcoming, Marcelino remains optimistic about the permit holders' integration into Manitoba's labor market.

The decision reflects ongoing collaboration between federal and provincial authorities to address workforce challenges and support economic recovery in Manitoba. It underscores the significance of immigrant retention strategies in sustaining Manitoba's labor force and fostering long-term economic prosperity.