the CanadaVisa Team - 22 July, 2015
On Friday, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minster Jason Kenney announced proposed changes to the Live-in Caregiver program that will helpprotect foreign workers in Canada employed as live-in caregivers.
“These important changes help fulfill Canada’s duty to those who care for our young, our disabled and our elderly. The Government of Canada is takingaction to protect foreign workers from potential abuse and exploitation,” said Kenney.
An important proposed change is that live-in caregivers will not have to undergo a second medical examination at the time that they apply for Canadianpermanent residence, as they will have undergone one prior to their arrival in Canada.
One of the most significant proposed changes to the program is that the number of hours caregivers have worked will be counted towards their qualificationfor Canadian permanent residence, as opposed to number of days. This will ensure that caregivers who work overtime hours will be able to qualify for apermanent resident visa sooner than before.
In addition, caregivers would have four years to complete these work requirements instead of three.
The other significant changes Kenney is proposing involve the Canadian employers of live-in caregivers. Canadian employers will be responsible for thecosts of travel to Canada, for medical and workplace safety insurance, as well as for any recruitment fees involved in bringing their live-in caregivers toCanada. Employment contracts will also have to be more explicit in terms of job duties, hours, benefits and holidays and sick leave.
