The Challenges Encountered by Immigrant-Serving Agencies in Addressing the Health of Temporary Foreign Workers

Soc Work Public Health. 2016 Nov-Dec;31(7):599-606. doi: 10.1080/19371918.2016.1160347. Epub 2016 Jun 21.

Abstract

This study sought to examine the challenges encountered by immigrant-serving agencies in meeting the health needs of temporary foreign workers and their families in one Canadian province. The authors interviewed 11 representatives of immigrant-serving agencies and two policy makers. Some of the challenges that agencies face in delivering programs and services for temporary foreign workers and their families include the time required to build trust with this population, temporary foreign workers' reluctance to use services due to fear that it will affect their immigration status, and the emotional labor associated with working with temporary foreign workers.

Keywords: Canada; immigrant health; migrant workers; migration; temporary foreign workers; transients.

MeSH terms

  • Canada
  • Health Services / statistics & numerical data
  • Health Status*
  • Humans
  • Interviews as Topic
  • Pilot Projects
  • Qualitative Research
  • Social Work*
  • Transients and Migrants*
  • Trust