Recruiters across Canada are noticing a sharp spike in applications from foreigners seeking better opportunities in these tough economic times.
“We started noticing it in 2010 [and] what was really noticeable was the number of people coming from Ireland,” said Sandra Miles, president of Miles Employment Group in Vancouver. “I have never seen so many people from other parts of the world – from all over.”
Miles and her staff have noticed a dramatic increase in applicants from other traditionally “well off” countries like Australia, New Zealand and the United Kingdom. Recent changes in Canada’s holiday visa regulations have made it easier for citizens of the commonwealth to come to the country.
The appeal of Canada, however, extends beyond the commonwealth, and even citizens of the United States have been increasingly applying for work north of the border. Visa applications from Americans have doubled in the past year.
The relatively stable economy is drawing workers who are facing bleak employment prospects in their own countries, many of which have been harder hit by the global recession.
“I saw a number of other countries offering immigration, but Canada is one of the safest countries in the world,” said Shahid Ahmad, who immigrated from Pakistan to Calgary in 2008 and now works in the energy sector. “I know Calgary is one of the most booming cities in the world due to this oil exploration and the immense resources Alberta has.”
Source: Financial Post