Alleged offences include taking retaliatory action against workers, charging foreign worker fees
Three employers in Moose Jaw are facing charges under Saskatchewan’s former immigration protection legislation, marking the first time such charges have been laid in the province.
The government of Saskatchewan announced that Kartikkumar Prakashkumar Patel, Rutvik Hasmukhbhai Patel, and Piyushkumar Mafatbhai Patel have each been charged with three offences under The Foreign Worker Recruitment and Immigration Services Act, 2013 (FWRISA).
The alleged offences occurred between August 2023 and February 2024 at Guac Mexi Grill in Moose Jaw, according to a news release. The co-accused are scheduled to appear in Moose Jaw Provincial Court on November 25, 2025.
According to the Ministry of Immigration and Career Training, the three individuals are accused of violating sections 22 and 23 of FWRISA, which govern the fair treatment of foreign workers.
The alleged offences include:
- taking or threatening retaliatory action against a foreign worker for participating in a government or law enforcement investigation, contrary to section 22(f)
- taking unfair advantage of a foreign national’s trust or exploiting their fear or lack of experience, contrary to section 22(g)
- charging a foreign worker fees or expenses for employment, contrary to section 23(5).
All charges were laid under sections 40(1)(i) and 40(2) of FWRISA, which outline penalties for violations.
With some politicians suggesting that the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP) should be put to an end, Canadians are divided on the matter, according to a recent report.
New immigration protection framework
Although the alleged offences took place under FWRISA, Saskatchewan has since enacted a new and more comprehensive law. The Immigration Services Act, 2024 (ISA) came into force on July 1, 2024, replacing the older framework.
The province said the ISA is now the most robust program integrity framework in Canada, including the highest fines for violations.
The Ministry’s Program Compliance Branch is responsible for enforcing these laws and protecting immigrants and foreign workers from exploitation. Workers who believe their rights have been violated can contact the branch confidentially by email or by phone.
Provincial officials emphasized that all workers in Saskatchewan—including citizens, permanent residents, and temporary foreign workers—are protected under The Saskatchewan Employment Act. The legislation outlines employment standards and occupational health and safety provisions for all employees, ensuring fair treatment across the province.
