Immigration Minister Mark Miller said the federal government is willing to allow undocumented immigrants to remain in Canada if they work in the construction industry. The move expands a temporary policy introduced during the pandemic specifically for construction workers without legal status. To date, 1,365 such workers have received work permits, and the program will be expanded.

“This initiative will allow undocumented people who are already working in the construction industry to remain in Canada and legalize their status,” Miller said. “These workers are helping to build the homes our communities and economy need.”

The minister said the government will work with construction companies to identify the needs of the industry and develop a plan to legalize these workers.

The decision is based on data showing that there may be up to 500,000 people living in Canada without legal immigration status. Most of them entered the country legally but lost their legal status due to expired visas or student permits. Only a small portion entered illegally or became victims of human trafficking.

According to the minister, instead of deporting, the government prefers to help such migrants legalize, especially given the shortage of skilled workers in the construction industry.

Miller has not yet named the exact details and timing of the launch of the expanded program, but noted that he will work with representatives of the construction industry to assess the real needs of the labor market.

Experts believe that such a policy will have a positive impact on the economy, reduce the labor shortage and help integrate illegal migrants into Canadian society.