Dattaray Avhad faced anxious nights after losing his job at Shenanigans Bar & Grill in Conception Bay South. Eager to build a new life in Canada with his family, he paid over $24,000 to a lawyer for assistance in securing a cook position in Newfoundland and Labrador and obtaining permanent residency.
However, more than a year later, Avhad finds himself working as a cab driver on a vulnerable worker permit, with no clear route to permanent residency and still struggling to recover his funds. The lawyer, Amardeep Singh, who promoted immigration services on social media with enticing promises of job opportunities and quick immigration to Canada, is under scrutiny by immigration experts for what they consider unethical and exploitative practices.
Avhad, who hails from Mumbai, recounted how Singh assured him of a job and bringing his family to Canada. Despite accepting a kitchen job offer at Shenanigans Bar & Grill, Avhad encountered discrepancies in his pay compared to what was stipulated in his contract. The situation escalated when Singh allegedly demanded an additional $10,000 for finding another job after Avhad was abruptly let go by his employer.
Avhad’s plight caught the attention of CBC News, prompting inquiries to Singh and the bar owner, Luc Viau. Singh cited ongoing legal proceedings as the reason for not commenting, while Viau claimed Avhad’s dismissal was due to incompetence in his role as a cook. Avhad also faced eviction from the apartment owned by Viau, with conflicting accounts of unpaid rent.
Struggling with an expired permit and looming uncertainties, Avhad sought assistance for an extension on humanitarian grounds to avoid returning to Mumbai without his refund. Legal perspectives provided by immigration lawyer Meghan Felt highlighted irregularities in Singh’s handling of Avhad’s case and the lack of transparency in the permanent residency process.
Public records revealed Singh’s involvement in various entities related to immigration services and job recruitment, raising concerns about potential ethical violations. The Migrant Workers Alliance for Change emphasized the need for government intervention to address Avhad’s exploitation and secure his permanent resident status.
The case underscores the vulnerabilities faced by migrant workers like Avhad, who are often subjected to exploitative practices and legal ambiguities. Efforts to protect individuals in similar situations necessitate coordinated actions across government levels to uphold labor standards and safeguard migrant rights.
