News Release
December 18, 2006
Advanced Education and Employment - 911
GOVERNMENT SIGNS IMMIGRATION AGREEMENT WITH THE PHILIPPINES TO BRING MORE SKILLED WORKERS HERE
Saskatchewan will benefit from an increase in skilled workers from the Philippines. Today, the Government of Saskatchewan signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of the Philippines to facilitate increased recruitment of Filipino workers to Saskatchewan under the Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program (SINP). This agreement will help facilitate the Government's ambitious goal of attracting 5,000 newcomers annually by 2008. Immigrants from the Philippines are already making significant contributions to our society and economy, and the number of Filipino immigrants coming to the province is increasing dramatically. The Philippines is the number one source country of applicants to the SINP. "Skilled workers from the Philippines will give Saskatchewan business owners another means of filling their jobs, which will foster the continued growth of our province," Minister responsible for Immigration Pat Atkinson said. "Opening our doors and helping people from around the world choose Saskatchewan will build our economy and make life better today for everyone, including new immigrants and build a strong future here for our young people." Initially, this initiative will focus on meeting critical labour market needs in occupations such as welding, metal fabrication, long-haul trucking and health care. Saskatchewan employers will gain access to a large pool of skilled workers who intend to settle in the province. Before arriving, applicants will have received some employment and English language training, in addition to an orientation to Saskatchewan culture, which will help prepare them to be full participants in the province's society and economy. The Saskatchewan Immigrant Nominee Program operates under an agreement with the federal government. It allows Saskatchewan to nominate applicants, who qualify under criteria established by the province, to the federal government for landed immigrant status.-30-
For More Information, Contact:
| Jill Tzupa Advance Education and Employment Regina Phone: 306-787-1331 Email: jtzupa@sasked.gov.sk.ca |