EMPP alumnus, Mohamed Ismail, working as a healthcare professional at Hogarth Riverview Manor in Thunder Bay, Ontario. © Talent Beyond Boundaries
OTTAWA – A recent UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, study shows that an innovative Canadian pilot program offers a life-changing opportunity for refugees while helping meet critical labour needs across Canada.
Launched in 2018 by the Government of Canada, the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) enables skilled refugees and other displaced individuals to immigrate to Canada through existing economic programs, while also helping employers address labour shortages by connecting them with qualified, underutilized talent. By the end of 2024, more than 750 people had come to Canada through the program.
“EMPP was a life-changing program for me, and I’m grateful for anyone who took part for this program to succeed,” said one alumnus in the study.
UNHCR surveyed 68 EMPP alumni in late 2024 and conducted separate focus group discussions with alumni working in Nova Scotia’s healthcare sector. The study found 94 per cent of participants would recommend the program to others.
A safe and dignified alternative
Participants emphasized how EMPP provided a secure, dignified pathway to Canada, allowing them to avoid the dangerous journeys many refugees face. Several alumni reflected on the importance of having legal migration options that prevent people from resorting to smugglers or irregular routes.
Like many Canadians, alumni face challenges related to cost of living and housing. However, they expressed deep gratitude for the opportunity and hope for the future. Most respondents revealed goals including applying for Canadian citizenship and obtaining additional education or training to advance their careers.
“EMPP is like being given a clean slate to start over again. So, coming here and being able to work and integrate into the community, it’s a huge chance. And I really hope it continues because more people have skills back home and they don’t have the opportunity to showcase them,” said one participant.
Contributing while facing barriers
Many alumni are helping address Canada’s critical labour shortages, particularly in healthcare, where some are working multiple jobs due to high demand. One focus group included internationally educated nurses who had completed a bridging program and were now working as registered nurses. They expressed pride in contributing to the healthcare system at their full capacity, helping to mitigate local workforce shortages and reduce hospital wait times.
However, credential recognition remains a major barrier for many alumni. “It is frustrating to continue working as a [personal support worker] PSW when someone was a nurse back in his or her host country,” one healthcare worker noted.
Alumni emphasized the need for earlier access to credential recognition processes and better support navigating them. Some suggested starting the process while still in countries of origin to save time and reduce documentation challenges.
‘Opportunity’ defines life in Canada
Focus group participants consistently used the word “opportunity” to describe their new lives in Canada. Beyond workplace success, alumni highlighted broader freedoms including access to healthcare services, pathways to citizenship, and the psychological relief of leaving their refugee identity behind.
“Here in Canada, people are so friendly. All people are equal. There is diversity… So proud to be in Canada,” shared one alumnus.
The survey found that close to 90 per cent of respondents described feeling well or very well integrated in their workplace, compared to about 75 per cent who felt similarly integrated into the broader community. Alumni reported that their experience at work improved over time, with wage increases and promotions highest among those who had been in Canada the longest.
UNHCR conducted the study as part of ongoing efforts to understand how employment-based pathways can provide meaningful solutions for refugees while benefiting host countries.
For media inquiries, please contact:
- In Ottawa, Levon Sevunts, sevunts@unhcr.org, +1-613-286-6975.
