Trapped Between Abuse and Unemployment: The Reality Facing Vulnerable Foreign Workers in Canada

Canada relies heavily on foreign workers to sustain key industries such as caregiving, agriculture, food service, hospitality, and manufacturing. While many employers comply with the law and treat workers fairly, the structure of Canada’s temporary foreign worker programs can leave some workers in extremely vulnerable situations.

Most foreign workers arrive in Canada with employer-specific work permits, meaning they are legally allowed to work only for the employer named on their permit. Their right to stay and work in Canada depends entirely on that employer.

When the Workplace Becomes Abusive

Problems arise when an employer becomes abusive or exploitative. Workers commonly report:

• unpaid wages or illegal deductions

• excessive working hours without overtime pay

• unsafe working conditions

• threats of termination or deportation

• verbal or psychological abuse

• sexual harassment or exploitation

• confiscation of documents or intimidation

In many cases, workers endure abuse silently.

Why?

Because leaving the employer often means losing their job, income, housing, and immigration status. Many workers also support families back home and cannot afford unemployment. Fear of retaliation or deportation keeps them trapped.

The Vulnerable Open Work Permit Option

To address these situations, Canada introduced the Open Work Permit for Vulnerable Workers. Workers experiencing abuse or risk of abuse can apply for this permit, which allows them to leave their employer and work for almost any employer in Canada.

If approved, the worker is typically issued an open work permit valid for one year.

On paper, this provides freedom and protection. In reality, the challenges often continue.

The Hidden Struggle After Leaving Abuse

Once workers leave an abusive employer, many face a new obstacle: finding another job quickly enough to survive in Canada.

Workers often report that:

• Former employers give negative references.

• Recruiters and industry networks informally blacklist workers seen as “troublemakers.”

• Employers hesitate to hire workers who previously filed complaints.

• Workers lack Canadian work networks or references.

• Time pressure forces them to accept lower-paying or unstable jobs.

The result is painful: workers who bravely report abuse may still struggle financially and emotionally after escaping exploitation.

A System That Needs Improvement

Canada’s protections are improving, but gaps remain. Real protection should mean that workers can leave abusive workplaces without risking their livelihood or future employment.

Stronger protections could include:

• Faster processing of vulnerable worker permits

• Protection against employer retaliation and blacklisting

• Better job matching or transition support for affected workers

• Stronger enforcement against abusive employers

• Education so workers know their rights before problems arise

Know Your Rights

Foreign workers in Canada have rights, including:

• the right to be paid for all work performed

• the right to safe working conditions

• protection against harassment and abuse

• the right to keep personal documents

• the right to seek help without retaliation

Workers do not have to suffer in silence.

How Apuntar Legal Services Can Help Vulnerable Foreign Workers

Navigating employment rights and immigration options can be confusing, especially when someone is already under stress. Legal guidance can help workers understand their options, gather evidence, and safely transition out of abusive workplaces.

No worker should have to choose between enduring abuse and losing their future.