Filipiniana News – June 2019 by Maria Deanna P. Santos Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen announced earlier this month some significant changes to Canada’s immigration policy that are meant to protect vulnerable workers and abused spouses, as well as to allow reunification with previously-barred dependents. Open work permits for vulnerable workers The first policy change which took effect on 4 June 2019, provided for the urgent issuance of open work permits (OWP) to abused workers who still have valid status in Canada (i.e. on valid employer-specific work permits or on implied status because they are waiting for the decision on renewal applications). To qualify for an OWP under the policy, the applicant must provide evidence of “reasonable grounds to believe that they are victims of physical, psychological, sexual or financial abuse from their employers,” according to the press release from Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). The applicant