Interview with an Employer Who Hires Overseas Professionals for Jobs in Canada
Michael is an immigration lawyer who does immigration work for some of uniivaa’s users and discusses his experience with a particular client who employs several overseas workers. For purposes of solicitor-client confidentiality, the identity of the client cannot be revealed. The client is a small Ontario-based company that offers web design and software services to its clients.
Uniivaa: Hi Michael. Thanks for joining us
Michael: thanks for having me
Uniivaa: how many overseas workers does your client currently employ and how long have they been employing overseas workers in their business?
Michael: they currently have 6 overseas workers and have been employing overseas workers for about 5 years. Of the 6 overseas workers, they have three graphic artists, two programmers, and one sales person.
Uniivaa: which countries are the employees from?
Michael: two are from India, one from Spain, one from the Philippines, one from the United States, and one I think is originally from the Middle East, Jordan I think .
Uniivaa: how have their experiences working with overseas professionals been?
Michael: on the whole fantastic. They have found that overseas workers are usually more determined and driven. They have been trained well and are able to transition into their new roles quickly and with only a few minor hiccups.
Uniivaa: do you think that there any disadvantages of hiring overseas workers? For example, are the any language barriers which make communication difficult?
Michael: Language and communication have not been problem. Part of my job and that the client relies on me for is to check language skills. This is also something that immigration looks at so these workers are pre-screened for language abilities.
Uniivaa: do you think that employers have a bias against hiring overseas professionals?
Michael: to be honest I think the opposite is actually the case. I have lots of friends and colleagues who own various types of companies in Quebec and Ontario and they usually prefer overseas workers because they often very determined to succeed. They are also able to cope with difficulties. They are often loyal employees, possibly because they depend entirely on that one employer who hired them.
Uniivaa: what advice would you offer to overseas workers who are thinking of coming to work in Canada but are a bit intimidated by the idea of actually finding a job in Canada?
Michael: well, I would tell them not to be intimidated because there really isn’t a reason for them to be intimidated. Employers here in Canada like overseas workers. There are a lot of jobs in Canada for overseas workers. If you don’t believe me then just look at the number of companies that get LMOs each year and the number of overseas workers who come to Canada. There are a few hundred thousand overseas workers in Canada. You guys at uniivaa are doing a great job giving exposure to the overseas workers. This gives employers a better idea about who these overseas people are and a greater comfort level with hiring these workers. The reality is that Canadian businesses face a shortage of various types of professionals and overseas workers are a great way to fill that shortage.
Uniivaa: that’s great advice. Thanks for your time and they wish you the best of luck with your work.
Michael: thanks for having me.