How to report abuse of temporary foreign workers

Your rights are protected

All workers in Canada are protected under Canadian law.

Canada takes the abuse of temporary foreign workers (TFW) and the TFW Program (TFWP) very seriously. Employers who abuse workers or the TFWP could face a penalty or be banned from the program. If you or someone you know has experienced abuse, you can report it to Service Canada.

Examples of abuse:

• someone is threatening, bullying or abusing you
• someone is threatening your status in Canada
• you’re not allowed to leave your work site or where you live
• someone is keeping your passport or documents from you
• you’re not receiving your correct pay or time off
• you’re not doing the work you agreed to or what the Labour Market Impact Assessment (LMIA) says

For more information, visit Your rights are protected.

Ways to report abuse

The fastest and easiest ways to report abuse are online or by phone.

Things to know when making a report

• It’s important that you tell us as much about the problem or abuse as you can
• The information you share is protected by Canada’s privacy laws
• We’ll never tell your employer or anyone at your workplace who made the report
• You do not have to give your name, phone number or LMIA/work permit number to make a report, but these do help us
• We won’t contact you or share your information without your permission
• For privacy reasons, we cannot tell you what happens after you make your report

Anyone can report abuse, including:

• a worker
• a co-worker
• an employer
• a member of the public
• a foreign consulate
• an advocacy group

Information you need to make a report

• The name, address and phone number of the business or organization
• The names or positions of the people involved
• The type of abuse