Immigrant families are leaving N.L., citing better opportunities elsewhere

Many Syrian immigrant families in Newfoundland and Labrador are packing their bags and heading for greener pastures a result of lack of opportunity within the province doubled by the squeeze on the job market caused by the ongoing pandemic, says a leader of the community.

At least 10 Syrian familieshave left in the last two months, with many morealso considering the move, according to Khaled Alsharif, who hasa familyof 17. Hehas been in the province since late 2015 and spoke to CBC News through a translator on Friday.

Alsharifestimates about 10 peoplemake up each family that has left.

Originally from Lebanon and now a Canadian citizen, Alsharifsaid he plans to leave for Torontowithin the next year. He said he hasn't been able to find a steady job in St. John's and prefers to contribute to the community rather than rely on social assistance. He also wants more opportunity for his growing family, now with grandchildren.

"His profession, there's a lot of work for him there. ... [There are]more opportunities, more diversity there," saidYamenShahwan, Alsharif's translator.

"Since the beginning, he didn'twant to leave here because he feels like he's bringing diversity into Newfoundland society. Before him moving here not a lot of people knew about Arab traditions and the way they have their gatherings and stuff. So he feels like it would be a big loss."

Syed Pirzada, president of the Muslim Association of Newfoundland and Labrador, told CBC News he has seen a revolving door of immigrants come through the province over the last few decades.

Many, like Alsharif, tend to look at larger job markets outside of the province after staying for only a short period of time, he said.

"I came 22 years, and the first thing I was asked was the same thing. 'When are you leaving?," Pirzada said.

"I feel that if anybody comes to Newfoundland, if they stay here for four-to-five years, they will definitely stay. But if in the first five years they cannot find their footing, they will probably start planning to leave because everybody has to live their life and everybody has to bring their family and put food on the table."

Pirzadasaid many who immigrate to Newfoundland and Labrador are already skilled workers, but the difficult challengeis having their skills recognized ahead of applying for a job.

"I think when they go to [the] mainland, even if their job skills are not recognized they do find jobs. Maybe there are jobs [here], but still there are still much more opportunities for them [there.]"

The outmigration of immigrant families from Newfoundland and Labrador comes despitePremier Andrew Furey's pledge to attract new families and also keep them here long-term to balance the province's aging population and what will become a vacant labour market.

Furey's cabinet consists of a newly minted Department of Immigration.

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