Ministerial Instructions protecting vulnerable foreign workers from the risk of abuse and exploitation in sex trade related businesses
Effective July 14, 2012, ministerial instructions will direct immigration officers not to process any work permit applications from foreign nationals seeking employment in businesses that are in sectors where there are reasonable grounds to suspect a risk of sexual exploitation – namely strip clubs, escort services and massage parlours. In addition, effective July 28, 2012, foreign nationals issued new open work permits will be restricted from working in these sex trade-related businesses through a condition placed on their work permits.