Homeless Pinoys in Canada

Abroad, we are known to be hardworking and caring. Many overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in the low-income bracket struggle with two jobs, even three at times, in order to have enough savings that they can regularly send to their loved ones. The modern-day diaspora of Filipino migrant workers is described both as heroic – and heart-braking.

I have watched the videos on YouTube of Filipinos who are homeless, jobless and probably hopeless in the great cities of Canada. Surely, they were amongst the many jobseekers from our country who dared to have an adventure in trying their luck in other parts of the globe. Unfortunately for them, they were not able to achieve their dream of finding stability in the challenging work environment even in rich economies such as Canada. According to reports, there are at least 35,000 homeless individuals in 10 cities of Canada such as Calgary, Winnipeg, Victoria, Montreal, Vancouver and Toronto.

Strategic changes in immigration are being rolled out. Recently, the otherwise immigrant-friendly country has promulgated new stricter policies on foreign workers, particularly those who are in low-income jobs. If they have not yet secured their permanent residency this year, they are in danger of facing deportation. Many were caught by surprise, including those who have used the expensive study program option for permanent residency, where a supposed international student must spend around $25,000 for tuition fees.

The government of Canada, according to the news, unveiled a new immigration plan for 2025-2027 that intends to systematically reduce the number of immigrants who will be granted permanent residency from 500,000 to only 395,000 to pursue the delicate balance between population growth and economic development where quality work will be guaranteed. This target will be further cut to 385,000 by 2026 and down to 365,000 in 2027. These target cuts will be coupled with stricter qualifications and eligibility requirements, especially for temporary foreign workers and international students. Though on the brighter side, 40 percent of the current temporary residents will be given their permanent residency.

Lost golden opportunities. I have friends who have already returned to the Philippines because of these changes. They regret that they have not fully acquired their permanent residency and therefore lost the chance to continuously avail of the much better working conditions, social and health benefits from this North American giant. The average salary there is $72,800 or P4.29 million annually. This is roughly P357,000 monthly for the typical mid-level to managerial jobs.

For the low-income workers, the average yearly income is around $38,500 which is P2.27 million or almost P200,000 monthly. By our local standards, these salaries are high and would enable a disciplined earner to save much for their families as long as they can maintain a modest standard of living. And for many low-income workers, as I mentioned earlier, they take another job to allow them to have bigger capability to take care of their families either in Canada or in the Philippines.

Along with the higher income levels, Canada has been envied for its robust health services and social support from the government. We can read the news that criticizes their government. But compared to what we have here in our country, the comparison is simply lopsided.

Economic and immigration challenges in the air. Confronting the vulnerable communities and immigrants are the new immigration programs and policies. Those in the tents and temporary shelters have bleak prospects and are at risk during the harsh winter season. As I saw the pathetic conditions of Filipinos who have not survived the challenges, the reasons why they had to travel amid risk abroad flash to my mind.

The lack of available quality jobs here definitely compelled them to leave and try to have a good break in foreign lands. We have more than 10 million overseas Filipinos. At least 2.3 million are OFWs and are currently toiling and enduring their situation. I’m sure, a good number of them are satisfied in spite of being separated from their loved ones. But there are many, especially the domestic helpers, who have suffered the cruelty of foreign modern-day slave owners who have the least regard for human dignity and empathy.

More than 950,000 Filipinos reside in Canada. They comprise around 2.6 percent of the entire Canadian population. Definitely, majority of them have already been successfully assimilated by the original population along with the other races. Though some are unlucky, such as the ones whom I’ve seen being interviewed who, despite their desperate situation, still naturally speak with respect and humility. It’s truly heartbreaking to see them in the streets of this wealthy first world nation. To survive, they scavenge for food from the garbage. Another one admitted that his parents definitely don’t have the slightest clue that their son is homeless and barely survives.

I hope to see the day when there will be many less Filipinos who need to migrate for work. That’s not in the near future definitely.