No.
Foreign workers are protected at both the federal and provincial levels. For example, Ontario has specific employment protections for foreign workers. The Employment Protection for Foreign Nationals Act (“EPFNA”) outlines specific protections that are in place for foreign workers.
Under EPFNA, an employer is prohibited from directly or indirectly recovering or attempting to recover any costs incurred by the employer while arranging to become or attempting to become an employer of the foreign worker.
This may include protection of recovery for costs related to:
- Recruitment or headhunting fees
- Legal or consulting fees for obtaining a Labour Market Impact Assessment
- Relocation costs
- Government of Canada fees associated with applying for a visa and/or work permit, or an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
If your employer is attempting to recover fees associated with your work permit or relocation to Canada, or you feel that you are otherwise experiencing unfair or discriminatory treatment, contact Toronto immigration and employment lawyers, Sultan Lawyers at (416) 214-5111 or via email at mlahert@sultanlawyers.com.