Canada, a dream paradise for every aspirant. However, there are lots of myths about immigration to Canada. Today we will be looking forward to these myths and the reality behind them.
Myth 1: Immigrants increase the burden on the Canadian economy
Most immigrants in Canada are well known in diverse fields like medicine, technology, law, and others. They bring diverse languages and experiences from all over the world to this great country. Attractive immigration policies set by Canada attract more skilled workers than any other class of migrants resulting in improvement of the economy. Usually, migrants are an invaluable resource that gives nations an edge in the highly competitive global market.
In fact, there is a 1% increase in exports to every 10% increase in migration. In 2014, only 7% of non-immigrant-owned businesses in comparison to 12% of all immigrant-owned businesses exported goods and services beyond the United States. Further, the fastest-growing small-medium enterprises in Canada are majorly owned by recent immigrants.
Myth 2: Immigrants steal jobs from Canadians
Canadians protest against immigrants entering a country during economic hardships, uncertainties, job shortages, or high unemployment rates. On the contrary, immigrants face a dire disadvantage when competing with locals for the same jobs since they lack experience living in Canada.
At the same time, significant work credentials in their native or home countries might not translate over to their Canadian equivalents and these migrants could end up with less prestigious jobs.
Immigrants living in Canada for 10 years or less had higher rates of over-qualifications in contrast to their Canadian counterparts, according to a study conducted between the years 1993 and 2001. Many highly qualified immigrants do not get their due recognition as equivalent to the qualifications of their fellow Canadian-born workers in the same field. Unfortunately, such competent immigrants cannot compete for jobs with Canadians possessing the same levels of qualification.
Myth 3: Immigrants contribute to crime in Canada
Did you know many Canadian natives believe immigrants bring crime to Canada? This stigma is absolutely untrue and they should take inspiration from fellow welcoming Canadians. As per the statement from The International Centre for Criminal Law Reform and Criminal Justice Policy, immigrants are way less involved in criminal activities in comparison to those born in Canada. On the other hand, migrants pose little risk to Canada’s security, institutions, and sovereignty.
Usually, when new migrants arrive in Canada, they are looking for utmost security for themselves and their families. Many of them shift to protect themselves from atrocities, hardships, and other negative incidences in their homeland. Hence, such perceptions regarding their participation in crime are unfounded and non-evidential.
Myth 4: Internationally trained professionals are less qualified than Canadian professionals
Around 40% of professionals with training in a particular field are working in the same one after immigrating to Canada. Indeed, these professionals undergo intense training and rigorous accreditation before working in their chosen field in Canada. Sometimes, workers even undergo strict testing and extra training to make sure they are at par with fellow Canadian professionals.
Accredited Canadian assessment bodies review credentials of foreign-trained professionals before they are able to apply for jobs and gain employment. Did you know that around 26% of all practicing physicians in 2011 in the city of Ontario were getting their training from foreign?
Myth 5: Illegal immigrants do not pay taxes
In retrospect, illegal immigrants cannot pay taxes as they do not work legitimately. Yet, they possibly pay property and applicable sales tax. Even though they do not avail and are ineligible for services and benefits from these taxes.
Non-status immigrants may contribute to the CPP, pay HST or property taxes. Additionally, they do not have any social insurance numbers. Permanent residents, refugee claimants, and temporary foreign workers pay all the taxes and still do not avail of any tax benefits or services due to their status.
We hope this article helps in debunking myths regarding immigration to Canada! Canada is a beautiful multicultural hub welcoming all new citizens. All Canadians should support immigration as it is beneficial for both the people and the country.
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