Montreal migrant workers urge Ottawa to scrap "closed" work permits after allegations against recruitment agency
Latest news on WhatsApp أجدد الأخبار على واتسابA group of former migrant workers in Montreal is calling on Ottawa to end employer-specific, or "closed," work permits that tie workers to a single employer, after alleging unpaid wages, illegal recruitment fees and systemic mistreatment by a private staffing agency.
According to a CityNews Montreal report, former workers linked to Quebec-based recruitment firm IRIS held a Friday news conference with advocates, who said the workers are pursuing lengthy cases before Quebec labour standards body CNESST to recover more than C$100,000 in wages and fees.
Advocates alleged the agency "leased" workers holding closed permits to other companies, which they said is illegal. Speakers used pseudonyms, citing fear of reprisal, the report said.
CityNews reported that the allegations also include confiscation of documents, misinformation about immigration status, and assignments to worksites not authorized under their permits.
Citing CNESST information obtained by CityNews, the outlet said IRIS’s recruitment permit was suspended in April 2025 and revoked in July 2025. CityNews also reported that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said the firm was found non-compliant with labour standards and was fined C$53,750 last year.
On immigration status, CityNews said some workers entered Canada as visitors before being moved onto closed permits through the agency. Advocates said some later obtained the open work permit for vulnerable workers, but prolonged CNESST timelines are leaving workers worried their permits could expire before cases are decided.
CityNews reported that 11 former workers have applied for Temporary Resident Permits (TRPs) to remain in Canada while their labour claims proceed. IRCC declined to comment, according to the outlet.
