Last Updated: Nov 6, 2014
LIVE IN CAREGIVER: CHALLENGES AND TESTIMONIES
by Maria Deanna P. Santos, Terry Olayta
by Maria Deanna P. Santos, Terry Olayta
ABSTRACT
The Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) is a hybrid immigration program where temporary foreign workers (live-in caregivers) are given the chance to apply for permanent resident status after fulfilling certain conditions. However, some of these conditions, such as the live-in requirement, render the caregivers extremely vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. The two-year live-in work requirement plus the processing delays force them to endure prolonged and painful family separation. Even after years of waiting, many live-in caregivers and their families may still end up being denied permanent residency due to criminal and/or medical issues, misrepresentation, unauthorized work, receipt of social assistance and other supposed contraventions of the immigration law and regulations.
Despite the changes that have been introduced to this program in the recent past, the LCP is still causing great hardships to many of its participants and their families. Thus, there is a strong need for continuing advocacy efforts that will push for more meaningful reforms that will truly alleviate the sufferings of LCP participants and lead to a more just and humane treatment of these workers.
The Live-in Caregiver Program (LCP) is a hybrid immigration program where temporary foreign workers (live-in caregivers) are given the chance to apply for permanent resident status after fulfilling certain conditions. However, some of these conditions, such as the live-in requirement, render the caregivers extremely vulnerable to abuse and exploitation. The two-year live-in work requirement plus the processing delays force them to endure prolonged and painful family separation. Even after years of waiting, many live-in caregivers and their families may still end up being denied permanent residency due to criminal and/or medical issues, misrepresentation, unauthorized work, receipt of social assistance and other supposed contraventions of the immigration law and regulations.
Despite the changes that have been introduced to this program in the recent past, the LCP is still causing great hardships to many of its participants and their families. Thus, there is a strong need for continuing advocacy efforts that will push for more meaningful reforms that will truly alleviate the sufferings of LCP participants and lead to a more just and humane treatment of these workers.
Maria Deanna P. Santos
Santos Law Office Markham, Ontario Deanna Santos is an immigration lawyer based in Markham, Ontario. Her interest and involvement in live-in caregiver issues stem from her graduate studies research on human rights and migrant domestic work. She continues to advocate for these issues while assisting caregiver clients with their immigration concerns. Website: http://www.santoslaw.ca |
Terry Olayta
Ontario First Alliance of Caregivers Canada Markham Born in the Philippines, Terry Olayta is a Graduate in Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. After coming to Canada as a domestic worker, Terry Olayta organized a group of domestic workers in response to the Canada Foreign Domestic Movement in 1989. The Student Body Organization of Osilla Health Institute helped fundraise to create a scholarship to help assist students in financial needs. Terry has developed strategic partnerships and networks with professionals, universities, researchers, churches, Gateway Centre for new Immigrants, the Catholic Community Services (York Region) and other similar agencies. She currently supports workers in the Live-In-Caregiver program transition to permanent residence and advocates for their access to health care and right to reunify with their family. |