Labour Shortages Through Skilled Refugees
Ottawa, June 13, 2025 — In a bold and compassionate move, the Government of Canada has officially extended its Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP) until December 31, 2025, providing a continued lifeline for skilled refugees and displaced individuals who are eager to contribute to Canada’s economy.
This extension reaffirms Canada’s global leadership in refugee resettlement and labour mobility innovation by offering a unique solution to the country’s growing labour gaps—particularly in healthcare, construction, and food services—through a humanitarian lens.
What Is the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot (EMPP)?
The EMPP is a first-of-its-kind immigration initiative that merges humanitarian aid with economic strategy. Unlike traditional refugee resettlement programs that primarily focus on protection, the EMPP facilitates permanent residency for skilled refugees and displaced persons who meet Canada’s labour market needs.
Launched in 2019, this pilot aims to tap into the untapped talent pool of refugees, positioning them not only as individuals in need but also as capable professionals who can drive economic growth and fill critical job shortages across Canada.
Why the EMPP Matters Now More Than Ever
Canada is facing persistent labour shortages, with sectors such as healthcare, construction, and hospitality struggling to find qualified workers. The EMPP bridges this gap by providing employers access to experienced, skilled refugees from around the world, and offering those individuals a chance to rebuild their lives in a safe, prosperous environment.
Key Achievements So Far:
- Over 970 refugees and displaced individuals have already immigrated to Canada through the EMPP by March 2025.
- More than 30% of EMPP participants have joined the healthcare sector, directly alleviating strain on hospitals and care centres.
- Candidates have also contributed to construction projects and revitalized the food service industry in multiple provinces.
How the EMPP Works
The EMPP is designed around two primary streams:
- Job Offer Stream:
- Refugees must have a valid job offer from a Canadian employer.
- A maximum of 950 applications are accepted annually under this stream.
- No Job Offer Stream:
- Refugees without a job offer but who have skills in demand and meet Canada’s language, education, and work experience requirements.
- Capped at 150 applications per year.
Application Process:
Applicants must:
- Pass immigration admissibility checks, including medical and security screening.
- Show proof of relevant work experience and credentials.
- Employers must commit to supporting the integration of these newcomers.
The pilot also includes support services for employers and candidates, ensuring smoother settlement, mentorship, and long-term retention.
Why the Extension to December 2025 Matters
The extension of the EMPP gives Canada more time to scale and improve the program, allowing:
- More refugees to access economic immigration pathways.
- Employers to hire urgently needed talent amid ongoing shortages.
- Canada to fulfill both its humanitarian obligations and economic development goals.
By capping the annual intake for manageability, the program ensures quality over quantity while still making a significant impact.
A Model for the World
Canada’s approach is increasingly being recognized globally. Countries like Germany and Australia are exploring similar labour-mobility refugee programs inspired by the EMPP’s success. By prioritizing economic potential alongside compassion, Canada is redefining how nations can respond to global displacement challenges.
In 2024 alone, Canada resettled over 70,000 refugees across various programs. The EMPP represents a visionary extension of that legacy—one that aims to provide stability and dignity to displaced professionals while revitalizing the country’s workforce.
Challenges and Next Steps
While the EMPP has achieved meaningful results, challenges remain:
- Complex application processes, language barriers, and professional credential recognition can hinder success.
- There is a need to expand awareness among employers, especially in rural communities, where labour shortages are often most severe.
The government is already exploring:
- Increasing the cap for both EMPP streams.
- Expanding eligibility to include sectors like tech and advanced manufacturing.
- Building stronger partnerships with provinces, employers, and international NGOs to broaden the program’s reach.
Conclusion
The extension of the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot through 2025 represents a forward-thinking, inclusive strategy to solve Canada’s economic and humanitarian needs in tandem. Refugees gain security and purpose, while Canada gains valuable human capital.
With more skilled newcomers soon to arrive, the EMPP continues to prove that a diverse, skilled, and compassionate Canada is not only possible—it’s already underway.
For a consultation about Immigration options, reach out to the CAD IMMIGRATION today!
