The Canadian government has announced that it will no longer allow sex trade-related businesses from hiring temporary foreign workers.
The federal Citizenship and Immigration Department will after July 14 no longer process any new work permit applications from temporary foreign workers intending to work at strip clubs, escort services or massage parlours, reported Xinhua.
"Our government is committed to protecting all workers from abuse, exploitation and demeaning work," said Human Resources and Skills Development Minister Diane Finley, whose department manages a labour market opinion assessment that determines whether employment offers to foreign workers would affect Canadian jobs.
Foreign nationals brought to Canada to work in sex trade related businesses are particularly at risk of being exploited or abused. Denying these businesses access to temporary foreign workers will help protect vulnerable individuals by keeping them out of these types of situations, officials said.
In early June, the Canadian government launched a four-year, 25 million Canadian dollar National Action Plan that involves 18 federal departments to Combat Human Trafficking.
As of last month, the Royal Canadian Mounted Police - the country's national police service - reported that there were 23 cases in Canada in which 42 people were convicted of human trafficking and other related offences involving 56 victims.