Hundreds of individuals gathered outside Manitoba’s legislature to protest delays in the province’s immigration program, leaving more than 20,000 people in limbo as they wait to become permanent Canadian residents. The protesters, led by spokesperson Arsh Deepsingh, expressed frustration with the extended wait times under the Manitoba Provincial Nominee Program (MPNP), which have increased to up to two years. Many of these individuals have been in Canada for several years on work permits and have already established themselves in the province by buying homes or starting businesses. Despite their contributions, they are facing uncertainty about their future in Manitoba.
Deepsingh highlighted the lack of transparency from the government, noting that their attempts to reach out have gone unanswered. He emphasized that other provinces like Alberta provide more information on their immigration processes, while Manitoba seems to prioritize bringing in overseas skilled workers over recognizing the skills of those who are already in the province. He stressed that the delays are not the fault of the immigrants, as they have met all the requirements but are still waiting for a response for over two years. He stated that the individuals affected by these delays are hopeful for a resolution and are calling on the government to address their concerns.
The frustration among the protesters stems from the impact of the delays on their lives, with many needing to make difficult decisions such as moving provinces or countries due to the uncertainty of their immigration status. The lack of communication from the government has only exacerbated the situation, leaving many feeling unheard and neglected. Despite their significant contributions to Manitoba, these individuals are facing the possibility of having to leave the province after years of investment in their careers and homes. The protest aimed to draw attention to their plight and urge the government to prioritize resolving the delays in the immigration program.
In response to the protest, a provincial spokesperson acknowledged the need to increase staff in the immigration division to process Manitoba Provincial Nominee applications more efficiently. They also mentioned that efforts are being made to ensure that individuals with post-graduate work permits have the opportunity to stay in Manitoba following the federal government’s decision not to extend their permits any further. The government’s commitment to exploring all available options to address the concerns raised by the protesters indicates a recognition of the seriousness of the situation and a willingness to take action to rectify the delays in the immigration program.
Overall, the protest highlighted the challenges faced by thousands of individuals waiting for their immigration status to be resolved in Manitoba. The delays have had a significant impact on the lives of these individuals, leaving them in a state of uncertainty and frustration. The lack of transparency and communication from the government has only contributed to their sense of helplessness and abandonment. By coming together to voice their concerns, the protesters have shed light on the urgency of the situation and are calling for concrete action to address the delays and ensure that those who have invested in building a life in Manitoba are given the opportunity to stay and continue contributing to the province’s growth and development.
