Canadians first: Trudeau says fewer foreign temporary workers will be allowed

Justin Trudeau's announcement on a cut in immigration numbers came a month after his government announced a further cut in the number of study permits for international students.

In Short

• Number of immigrants in Canada to go down to around 300,000 in 2025
• Canada to see 395,000 permanent residents from present 485,000 next year
• Canada earlier announced cut in international student permits by 35% in 2024

A month after limiting the number of study permits for international students in Canada, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said his government will cut immigration numbers beginning 2025, and announce strict rules for companies to give a reason why they would not be able to hire locals.

"We're going to have fewer temporary foreign workers in Canada. We're bringing in stricter rules for companies to prove why they can’t hire Canadian workers first," he tweeted on Wednesday. The move will make it more difficult for immigrants to get a job and settle in the country.

A Canadian government source said the country will see 395,000 new permanent residents in 2025, 380,000 in 2026 and 365,000 in 2027, down from 485,000 this year, news agency Reuters reported.

The number of immigrants will go down by about 30,000 to around 300,000 in 2025, the source said.

Canada has welcomed immigrants in the past to boost its economy, but in recent years, the Trudeau government has faced pressure from Canadians due to rising housing prices with more immigrants settling in.

Several Canadians are reeling under a housing crisis due to rising interest rates that began two years ago. Further compounding the problem is the influx of immigrants that has pushed the country's population to record levels, further boosting housing demand and prices, Reuters reported.

According to polls, a growing share of the population believes that Canada has too many immigrants and the issue is expected to remain in the limelight in the run-up to a federal election due before October 2025.

Trudeau's announcement on a cut in immigration numbers came a month after his government announced a further cut in the number of study permits for international students. Trudeau said his government would grant 35 per cent fewer international student permits this year, and vowed to crack down on "bad actors" if they "abuse the immigration system and take advantage of students".

Trudeau also said the number of international student permits would be reduced by an additional 10 per cent in 2025.

As per the government, Canada plans to issue 437,000 study permits in 2025, which is down 10 per cent from the 485,000 permits issued in 2024. This number will remain the same in 2026. In 2023, the nation approved 509,390, and 175,920 in the first seven months of 2024.

Earlier in January, the government had announced a cap on the increase of international student numbers for the next two years, leading to a predicted 35 per cent reduction in student intake in 2024 compared to 2023.

In recent months, Trudeau's Liberal Party has witnessed a drop in public opinion polls as the Canadian leader is under immense pressure over unchecked immigration, which is straining the nation's housing and social services.

A majority of opinion polls have suggested that Trudeau will lose power to opposition leader and Conservative Party's Pierre Poilievre.

(with inputs from Reuters)