Quebec Suspends Important Immigration Programs For 7 Months
Quebec has announced two program suspensions to manage immigration numbers for 2025. These include the suspension of applications under the Quebec Graduate stream of the Quebec Experience Program and invitations under the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP), set to transition to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) on November 29, 2024.
Both measures will remain in effect until June 30, 2025, according to Immigration Minister Jean-Francois Roberge, who presented Quebec’s Immigration Levels Plan for the coming year.
Quebec Graduate Program
While Quebec Graduate stream applications are suspended, applications already submitted will still be processed. Selected applicants can continue their immigration process and may add family members to their applications.
Applications through the Temporary Foreign Worker stream of the Quebec Experience Program will proceed as usual. This change is expected to reduce Quebec Graduate admissions in 2025 to between 13,500 and 15,000, down from 15,000 to 19,000.
Regular Skilled Worker Program
Although RSWP invitations, soon to be rebranded as SWSP, are suspended, applicants already selected can submit applications within a 60-day timeframe. Existing applications will also be processed as normal.
Quebec Program Suspensions: FAQ
What immigration programs are affected by Quebec’s new measures for 2025?
Quebec has suspended applications under the Quebec Graduate stream of the Quebec Experience Program and invitations for the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP), which will transition to the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) on November 29, 2024. These measures aim to regulate immigration numbers.
How long will these suspensions be in place?
Both suspensions will remain effective until June 30, 2025. This temporary pause allows Quebec to manage its immigration levels, as part of its 2025 Immigration Levels Plan, in line with the province’s integration and labor market goals.
What will happen to Quebec Graduate applications already submitted?
Applications already submitted under the Quebec Graduate stream will be processed as normal. Applicants already selected through the program can also continue the immigration process and are allowed to add family members to their applications.
Are there exceptions for Temporary Foreign Workers?
Yes, applications under the Temporary Foreign Worker stream of the Quebec Experience Program will continue to be accepted as usual. The suspension applies only to the Quebec Graduate stream within the Quebec Experience Program, allowing Quebec to maintain flexibility in meeting labor market needs.
What changes are expected in the Regular Skilled Worker Program (RSWP)?
The RSWP will be rebranded as the Skilled Worker Selection Program (SWSP) on November 29, 2024. While new invitations are suspended, applications already submitted or from those selected before the suspension can still proceed, with applicants given a 60-day window to complete their submission.
Quebec’s Immigration Levels
According to the new levels plan, Quebec aims to welcome between 48,500 and 51,500 newcomers in 2025, matching the 2024 target as the province maintains immigration levels in line with its capacity.
This plan aligns with the recent federal Immigration Levels Plan, which outlines reduced newcomer targets over the next three years.
Quebec Immigration Plan 2025
202220232024 (estimated)2025 (planned)MinMaxMinMaxEconomic45,54734,20330,31033,25031,00032,900· Skilled Workers40,06529,82629,00031,90030,60032,350· Business5,2014,3001,3001,300400500· Other economic281771050050Family12,90710,29210,60011,00010,20010,600Refugees7,8095,4356,7007,3006,6007,200Others2,459896700800700800TOTAL68,72250,82648,31052,35048,50051,500
No Temporary Immigration Targets
In a change from 2024, Quebec refrained from issuing temporary immigration targets in the new plan. However, it did indicate that new multi-year immigration levels would be in place by June 30, 2025. It is likely that temporary immigration targets will be part of this plan.
Recent Changes
The latest changes follow a recent move by Roberge to announce a 25 percent cap on the number of foreign nationals from any single country invited to apply under the Regular Skilled Worker Program.
The policy is effective from October 9, 2024, to October 9, 2025.
The minister said the move was intended to diversify immigration sources while maintaining the province’s cultural and linguistic integrity, especially its Francophone character.
News
Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum