Saskatchewan has made history with its first conviction under the Saskatchewan Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act (FWRISA), signaling a major shift in how the province addresses foreign worker abuse. The landmark case, decided on August 11 in Moose Jaw Provincial Court, resulted in Dhyan Jeny Enterprises Ltd. pleading guilty to charging a foreign worker for employment—a practice that exploits vulnerable newcomers seeking better opportunities in Canada.
This conviction represents more than just a legal victory. For the Latin community in Canada and all immigrants navigating the complex employment landscape, it sends a clear message: Saskatchewan is taking foreign worker exploitation seriously. The case also highlights broader concerns about bad actors who abuse immigration programs designed to help workers build new lives in this country.
Historic Conviction: What Happened in Moose Jaw
The investigation by Saskatchewan Immigration and Career Training uncovered a troubling scheme. A foreign worker was required to pay $12,000 simply to obtain employment—a direct violation of provincial law. Such fees place enormous financial burdens on workers who often arrive with limited resources and maximum hope.
The court’s response was decisive. Dhyan Jeny Enterprises Ltd. received orders to pay $12,000 in restitution directly to the victim, plus a $5,000 fine and a $2,000 victim fine surcharge. The total penalties of $19,000 demonstrate that Saskatchewan courts take these violations seriously.
“There is a significant number right now of, you know, where people are inappropriately using our immigration program or committing fraud anywhere where there’s money available, people bad actors get involved.”
More Charges Pending Against Swift Current Employer
The Moose Jaw case is not an isolated incident. In Swift Current, another employer faces serious allegations. Husky Travel Centre / Husky Energy is currently facing multiple charges related to foreign worker exploitation.
The charges against this employer include imposing employment fees on two foreign nationals. Additionally, there is a charge of exploiting a worker’s lack of knowledge about the FWRISA. These cases reveal a pattern where employers take advantage of newcomers unfamiliar with Canadian labor laws and their rights.
Deputy Minister Greg Tuer emphasized that while not every employer engages in such practices, the ministry remains committed to addressing violations. He acknowledged the challenging position foreign workers find themselves in when encountering bad actors.
“When they’re working for a bad actor who’s either not fully paying them for the job they’re doing or withholding their documents or making them pay for the job, I think that’s a tough position for someone to be in.”
Strengthened Enforcement: What Changed in 2024
A significant legislative update in 2024 transformed how Saskatchewan handles foreign worker abuse cases. The transition from the Saskatchewan Foreign Worker Recruitment Act to the Immigration Services Act expanded enforcement capabilities considerably.
The ministry built a larger compliance team following this legislative change. This expanded capacity allows for more investigations and ultimately more charges against violators. The results speak for themselves: this year alone, the ministry has canceled certificates of registration for more than 10 businesses, stripping their ability to employ foreign workers.
These enforcement improvements matter greatly for the Latin community and other immigrant groups in Saskatchewan. Stronger oversight means greater protection against employers who might exploit newcomers’ unfamiliarity with Canadian laws and customs.
Impact on Canada’s Immigration System
Saskatoon immigration lawyer Oluwadamilola Asuni offers a sobering perspective on how these cases affect the broader immigration landscape. The exploitation extends beyond individual victims to damage the entire system’s integrity.
“It is seriously eroding the confidence people have in the Canadian immigration system when they now have to pay to get a job. It confers undue advantage on those people who have paid in the competitive immigration process.”
Asuni also noted that the frequency of these exploitative practices far exceeds what the occasional convictions might suggest. The one or two convictions seen publicly represent just a fraction of the actual problem affecting foreign workers across the province.
For legitimate applicants following proper channels, this exploitation creates an uneven playing field. Those willing to pay illegal fees gain unfair advantages in an already competitive immigration process.
Connections to Human Trafficking Cases
The problem of foreign worker exploitation in Saskatchewan extends into even darker territory. Earlier in August 2026, Saskatoon Provincial Court heard a case that revealed the most extreme consequences of employment exploitation.
Two employers, Sohel Hadiar and Muhammad Masum, were found guilty of human trafficking. Their case involved allegedly exploiting a foreign national’s attempt to find employment. This conviction demonstrates how worker exploitation can escalate to serious criminal offenses.
Additionally, Saskatoon resident Balvir Singh pleaded guilty to advising foreign nationals to misrepresent employment information on their applications. These cases collectively paint a picture of a multi-layered problem requiring comprehensive enforcement.
Read more: Official Guide to Working in Canada
The connection between employment fraud and human trafficking highlights why authorities are taking such a strong stance. What begins as charging fees for jobs can evolve into far more serious exploitation of vulnerable people.
How Foreign Workers Can Protect Themselves
Understanding your rights as a foreign worker in Canada is essential for avoiding exploitation. Saskatchewan’s crackdown provides valuable lessons for anyone navigating the employment system.
- Never pay for a job offer or employment opportunity—this is illegal in Saskatchewan
- Keep all your documents, including your passport and work permits, in your own possession
- Document everything related to your employment, including hours worked and wages received
- Report suspicious activity to Saskatchewan Immigration and Career Training
- Seek legal advice if you believe you’re being exploited by an employer
The FWRISA exists specifically to protect workers from these abuses. Knowing that enforcement is active and convictions are being secured should encourage victims to come forward.
Foreign workers should also understand that Canadian laws and customs differ significantly from many home countries. What might seem normal in some employment markets is illegal here. Employers cannot charge you for a job, withhold your documents, or underpay you for work performed.
If you’re a member of the Latin community in Canada or any newcomer facing employment exploitation, resources are available. Legal aid organizations, immigrant services agencies, and provincial authorities can all provide assistance and guidance.
What fees can employers legally charge foreign workers in Saskatchewan?
Employers in Saskatchewan cannot legally charge foreign workers any fees for employment. The FWRISA prohibits employment fees, and violations can result in fines, restitution orders, and loss of the employer’s certificate of registration to hire foreign workers.
What should I do if an employer asks me to pay for a job?
Report the request immediately to Saskatchewan Immigration and Career Training. Document all communications and do not pay any fees. This practice is illegal under provincial law, and authorities are actively investigating and prosecuting such cases.
What penalties do employers face for exploiting foreign workers?
Penalties can include restitution payments to victims, fines, victim fine surcharges, and cancellation of their certificate of registration. In the recent Moose Jaw case, the employer paid $19,000 in total penalties. Severe cases may result in human trafficking charges.
How has enforcement changed since 2024?
The 2024 legislative changes from the Saskatchewan Foreign Worker Recruitment Act to the Immigration Services Act expanded enforcement capabilities. The ministry built a larger compliance team, enabling more investigations. This year alone, more than 10 businesses lost their certificates of registration.
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