rewrite this title NS is placing a ‘pause’ on applications for immigration-nominated programs for the restaurant sector

Nova Scotia recently announced a temporary freeze on applications from food and accommodation sector workers seeking immigration through the Nova Scotia Nominee Program due to overwhelming demand. The program allows the province to nominate skilled workers who can settle as permanent residents of Nova Scotia. The program received 460 applications in March 2023, compared to 830 applications in March of the current year. Despite the federal government accepting 3.57 applications for the program annually, demand from the food service and lodging sectors has escalated significantly, prompting a temporary pause.

About half of all applications received from the first quarter of 2024 related to the catering and housing sector. The Restaurant Association of Nova Scotia has highlighted this surge in industry demand. However, the Center for Migrant Workers Rights Nova Scotia has expressed concern that the temporary halt to applications will make it more difficult for migrants to obtain permanent residency. Stacey Gomez, an advocate with the group, described the move as “closing the door” and emphasized that the declining opportunities for migrant workers to access permanent residency is a major issue that needs to be addressed.

Although the province is pleased that the nominee program is flourishing, it recognizes the need to create space for applications from other sectors. Jenn L’Esperance, senior executive director in the Immigration and Population Growth Division of the Department of Labor Skills and Immigration, explained that provincial immigration programs are designed for situations where employers have explored the local labor market or are unable to find the necessary workers. The province wants to reserve places for healthcare workers and construction workers who also apply through the program. No timeline has been set for the lifting of the pause on applications for the food and accommodation sector.

Overall, the move to temporarily halt applications from the food and accommodation sectors in the Nova Scotia Nominee Program is in response to the overwhelming demand the province is experiencing. The government is taking steps to assess the applications already in the office and create space for applications from other key sectors such as healthcare and construction. While this decision has raised concerns among advocacy groups about the impact on migrant workers’ ability to obtain permanent residency, the province is committed to striking a balance between meeting the needs of various industries and ensuring opportunities are available for a wide range of skilled workers seeking permanent residency. settle in Nova Scotia.