In a recent report from Statistics Canada, Saskatchewan has been spotlighted for its significant population growth, primarily fueled by international migration. Last year, the province announced its largest one-year population increase in over a century, with 93.5% of this growth attributed to international migration. However, this initial surge masks a deeper challenge: retaining newcomers. A stark contrast is evident in the retention rates from 2012 to 2016, revealing Saskatchewan’s struggle to keep its immigrant population.
Statistics Canada’s latest reports delve into the retention of immigrants across provinces, highlighting Saskatchewan’s notable decline. The province saw 42.1% of its 2016 newcomers leave within five years, a significant increase from the 27.8% departure rate of the 2012 cohort. This trend raises questions about the factors influencing these decisions to leave.
The Path to Permanent Residency
Omer Khayyam, an immigration lawyer in Saskatoon, suggests that the initial population boost may be attributed to the relative ease of obtaining permanent residency in Saskatchewan. The province’s nominee program, known for its leniency and favorable evaluation, awards additional points to applicants with family ties within the province. However, despite these incentives, many choose to leave, seeking stronger community connections or better opportunities elsewhere.
For many immigrants, the decision to stay or leave hinges on community ties and professional opportunities. Aakash Shah, who moved to Regina from India in 2022, cites the lack of social life and better career prospects in other provinces as reasons for his relocation to Calgary. Similarly, Maliha Jabeen Khan’s family faced underemployment challenges upon their arrival from India, highlighting the local job market’s undervaluing of immigrant credentials and experience.
Addressing Underemployment and Discrimination
The job market in Saskatchewan presents unique challenges for newcomers, with the Regina Economic Development Agency reporting unemployment rates nearly three times the national average for job vacancies. Efforts to recognize foreign credentials more efficiently and provide targeted training could enhance job retention and economic integration for immigrants. Yet, the experience of facing workplace discrimination, as Khan reports, underscores the need for broader societal acceptance and support.
In response to these challenges, Saskatchewan’s government is exploring programs to stabilize employment for newcomers and streamline credential recognition processes. The province advocates for greater autonomy in immigration matters, aiming to improve settlement services for immigrants. This approach reflects a growing recognition of the need to not only attract but also retain skilled workers and their families.
Saskatchewan’s immigration narrative is one of contrasts. While international migration has significantly boosted its population, retaining these newcomers poses a significant challenge. Addressing the underlying issues of community integration, professional opportunities, and societal acceptance is crucial for turning temporary residents into long-term contributors to the province’s growth and diversity.
