Hundreds gathered outside Manitoba’s legislature to protest delays in the provincial immigration program, with over 20,000 people waiting for the next step in immigrating to Manitoba. Many of these individuals are on work permits that are running out, causing uncertainty and frustration. Protest spokesperson Arsh Deepsingh, who has been in Canada for five years, highlighted the extended wait times under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), which can now take up to two years for an invitation to stay in the province. This prolonged process has forced some immigrants to consider moving provinces or even countries, despite having made significant contributions and investments in Manitoba.
Deepsingh expressed frustration with the lack of communication and transparency from the government regarding the MPNP process. He mentioned that numerous attempts to contact the government have gone unanswered, leaving immigrants feeling neglected and ignored. Comparing Manitoba to other provinces like Alberta, which provide more information on their website, he criticized the government’s apparent focus on bringing in overseas skilled workers while neglecting the skilled workers already in the province. Deepsingh stressed that newcomers have met all the requirements and are simply waiting for a decision, emphasizing that the delays are not their fault.
The advocate emphasized the impact of the delays on immigrants who are hopeful of receiving a positive outcome after waiting for more than two years. He noted that many immigrants have built their lives in Manitoba, with some holding management positions, owning businesses, and owning homes in the province. Despite their contributions and investments, they are still facing the possibility of being asked to leave, which Deepsingh described as a failure of the government to address the immigration backlog. He highlighted the frustration and uncertainty that immigrants are experiencing as they await a resolution to their immigration status.
In response to the protest, a provincial spokesperson stated that budget 2024 would increase the number of staff in the immigration division to process Manitoba Provincial Nominee applications more efficiently. The government is also exploring options to ensure that individuals holding post-graduate work permits have the opportunity to stay in Manitoba, following the federal government’s decision not to extend their permits further. These efforts are aimed at addressing the concerns raised by the protesters and improving the immigration process for individuals waiting to become permanent Canadian residents in Manitoba.
Overall, the protest outside Manitoba’s legislature highlighted the challenges and frustrations faced by thousands of individuals waiting for their immigration status to be resolved. The extended wait times, lack of communication from the government, and uncertainty regarding their future in Manitoba have left many immigrants feeling neglected and frustrated. The government’s commitment to increasing staff and exploring options to address the backlog is a step towards alleviating some of these concerns and ensuring that skilled workers already in Manitoba are not overlooked in favor of overseas individuals. The ongoing efforts to improve the immigration process will be crucial in providing clarity and stability to individuals seeking permanent residence in Manitoba.
