Canada increases ‘economic immigration’ quota

The Canadian government says it will allow 300,000 immigrants into the country in 2017, the Business Standard reports.

The country’s economic growth advisory council had recommended 450,000 people to be allowed into the country over the next five years to make up for ageing population.

The number of immigrants admitted under the economic category will increase to 172,500 in 2017 — from 160,600 this year.

But the number of refugees will decrease to 40,000 from 55,800.

Most Nigerians who relocate to Canada do so as students and economic migrants.

John McCallum, minister of immigration, refugees and citizenship, explained that increased immigration would fill the labour needs of the country.

The minister presented the proposal in parliament on Monday, saying: “The 2017 levels plan will put Canada in a strong position for the future and support our overall economic and social development as a country.”

Subsequently, a statement from the government said it was a thoughtful consideration to Canada’s labour needs.

“A thoughtful, responsible approach that takes into consideration Canada’s need for more immigrants while balancing our fiscal responsibilities,” it said.

The 2017 plan would see an increase from about 160,600 to 172,500 business people in the economic plan.

However, there has been debate in Canada over plans to hike the immigration quota at a time the country was witnessing high unemployment rates.