Ontario to Crack Down on Immigration Scams: New Legislation to Protect Newcomers

November 20, 2024 Amritpal Kaur

Ontario is stepping up efforts to protect newcomers from fraud and exploitation with the introduction of new legislation aimed at cracking down on immigration scams. The legislation, announced on November 20, 2024, will introduce stricter rules for immigration representatives and create new safeguards to protect immigrants as they navigate the Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP).

What’s the Problem?

According to CBC News, Ontario’s Immigration Minister David Piccini said that bad actors posing as immigration consultants are exploiting vulnerable newcomers, scamming them out of their life savings, and even coercing them into illegal activities like forging documents. These scammers often promise a quick and easy path to permanent residency, preying on newcomers desperate to secure a future in Canada.

"We know there are people taking advantage of newcomers—lying to them, giving them fake job acceptance letters, and even packing them into unsafe living conditions," Piccini said. "It’s time to crack down on these scumbags and put an end to this exploitation."

What Will the Legislation Do?

If passed, the legislation will set new standards for immigration representatives. The key measures include:

• Immigration representatives will be required to provide written contracts with their clients (OINP applicants) and prove their registration or licence.

• Newcomers will be able to access their own OINP files, ensuring transparency in their applications.

• Representatives who fail to meet these standards could face fines and even multi-year bans. Those involved in serious crimes like human trafficking or withholding passports could face a lifetime ban.

In a bid to hold offenders accountable, Ontario will also publish the names of convicted representatives online, ensuring they can't hide their actions.

Why Is This Legislation So Important?

The proposed legislation comes after many heartbreaking reports of immigrants being scammed by fraudulent representatives. Sara Asalya, executive director of Newcomer Women’s Services Toronto, spoke out about the harm these scams cause, especially among international students who have already invested heavily in their education.

"It’s heartbreaking to hear about students losing their savings and facing uncertainty about their future in Canada," Asalya said.

With this new legislation, Ontario hopes to restore trust in the immigration process and ensure that newcomers have a fair chance at success, without falling victim to scams.

How Will This Affect the OINP?

The Ontario Immigration Nominee Program (OINP) is a popular immigration stream that helps skilled workers and students with in-demand skills get permanent residency. However, it has also become a prime target for scammers offering fast-tracked applications in exchange for payment.

Minister Piccini emphasized that these bad actors create an illusion of a dream—promising fast routes to residency that don’t exist. The new rules aim to protect applicants by making the process more transparent and accountable.

Federal Support Needed for Full Protection

While Ontario takes action, there’s also a call for more federal support to help newcomers integrate and thrive. Graham McGregor, Conservative MPP for Brampton North, pointed out that the federal government has been negligent in managing the immigration system, leaving newcomers vulnerable to exploitation.

There are also calls for the federal government to increase funding for settlement and employment services to ensure that newcomers can fully integrate into Canada’s economy and society.

What’s Next?

The Ontario government plans to introduce this legislation as early as next week, and if passed, it could change the way immigration representatives operate in the province. These changes are expected to make the immigration process safer and more transparent, helping to protect the integrity of Ontario’s immigration system.

Canada's immigration process is becoming more challenging, whether you're looking to come to Canada or stay here. If you have questions or need help navigating these changes, our team of immigration experts is here for you.

Give us a call at 647-222-6795 or email us at info@zandbimmigration.ca, or amritpal@zandbimmigration.ca. You can also book an appointment directly on our website www.zandbimmigration.ca.

We’re here to help make the immigration process easier for you.