Temporary foreign workers in Vancouver and their advocates are speaking out against recruitment fees that are levied as a condition for employment.

"TFWs provide care for families and they help the economy grow," West Coast Domestic Workers Association spokesperson Resochita Arma said in a news release. "Yet many are routinely charged exorbitant fees for jobs in B.C. that sometimes do not exist. The fees violate the Employment Standards Act and to pay them, TFWs and their families often incur debts with high interest rates from money lenders." .

A campaign, "Rising Up Against Recruitment", is trying to raise awareness about this issue and is urging the B.C. government to take action.

According to Arma, the province's "inadequate oversight and enforcement", along with a six-month limitation period for filing complaints, makes it impossible for many temporary foreign workers to recover these fees. 

In the same news release, lawyer Kirby Smith said that the Employment Standards Branch's "complaint-driven model does not empower active investigation of suspect recruiters and employers".

NDP MLA Mable Elmore (Vancouver-Kensington) has been a vocal advocate for temporary foreign workers for several years.

"For too long, Premier Christy Clark and the B.C. Liberal government have failed to take action on this issue," Elmore said. "And their inaction has allowed for the continuation of this unjust practice. TFWs are often bound to their employers and are vulnerable to exploitation.  Most provinces have already enacted legislation to address this issue."

Sunday (December 18) is World Migrants Day, which will be celebrated after 3:30 p.m. that day at Gordon Neighbourhood House in Vancouver's West End. One of the highlights will be the release of a report by the Vancouver-based Migrant Workers’ Dignity Association.