A recent report by Amnesty International highlights alarming levels of abuse and discrimination faced by immigrants working under Canada’s Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP). The program primarily employs individuals in low-wage sectors such as agriculture and hospitality. Amnesty’s findings, based on interviews with 44 workers from 14 predominantly Global South countries, reveal issues such as unpaid wages, excessive working hours, and poor living conditions. Many workers, like Bénédicte from Cameroon, described extreme mistreatment, including racial and sexual abuse, while others reported having their passports confiscated and being closely monitored by employers.
Amnesty argues that the TFWP creates a vulnerable environment due to its restrictive provisions, which link workers to a single employer, enabling exploitative practices. The organization urges Canada to reform the program in line with human rights standards. In response, a Canadian government spokesperson acknowledged the report and emphasized that foreign workers have the same rights as Canadian citizens, claiming ongoing efforts to improve the TFWP and enhance protections for workers.
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