Introduction
This essay explores the migration journey of my family from Pakistan to Canada, with an interim period in Saudi Arabia, focusing on the paternal side of my ancestry. The narrative begins with the reasons for leaving Pakistan due to economic challenges, followed by a relocation to Saudi Arabia and the subsequent limitations in educational opportunities that prompted the final move to Canada in June 2022. This family history examines the push factors in the homeland, the pull factors of Canada, and the role of Canadian immigration policies in shaping our settlement experience. By contextualising these personal experiences within broader socio-economic and policy frameworks, the essay aims to provide a nuanced understanding of migration dynamics. It also addresses ongoing challenges, such as my father’s struggle to find employment commensurate with his qualifications, reflecting on how immigration policies and systemic barriers impact newcomer families.
Push Factors: Economic Instability in Pakistan
The decision to leave Pakistan was primarily driven by persistent economic instability, a well-documented issue in the country’s post-colonial history. Pakistan has faced recurring challenges such as high inflation, unemployment, and political instability, which have collectively hindered sustainable economic growth (Husain, 2010). For my family, these conditions translated into limited job opportunities for my father, whose skills and qualifications did not yield financial stability or career progression. Furthermore, the rising cost of living, coupled with inadequate social safety nets, made it increasingly difficult to envision a secure future in Pakistan. According to Zaidi (2005), economic migration from Pakistan often stems from such structural issues, pushing families to seek better prospects abroad. Indeed, my father’s decision to migrate was less a choice and more a necessity, reflecting a broader trend among Pakistani families during the late 20th and early 21st centuries who sought stability through international migration.
Interim Challenges: Educational Limitations in Saudi Arabia
After leaving Pakistan, my family relocated to Saudi Arabia, a common destination for Pakistani migrants due to its demand for labour and historical ties with Pakistan. However, despite initial economic benefits, Saudi Arabia presented significant barriers, particularly concerning educational opportunities for children. The Saudi educational system, while accessible to expatriates in some respects, often prioritises local students and imposes high costs for quality international schooling (Al-Seghayer, 2011). For my family, this meant that pursuing higher education or even accessing consistent, quality schooling was challenging. Additionally, as expatriates, long-term residency and pathways to citizenship were unattainable, further limiting future prospects. These constraints, described by De Bel-Air (2014) as systemic issues for migrant families in Gulf countries, compelled my father to seek a more permanent and inclusive solution elsewhere, ultimately leading to the decision to migrate to Canada.
Pull Factors and Canadian Immigration Policy
Canada emerged as an attractive destination due to its reputation for multiculturalism, economic stability, and accessible educational systems—factors often highlighted in Canadian immigration narratives (Li, 2003). Specifically, the pull of Canada was reinforced by the presence of family members, namely cousins in Saskatoon, who provided a support network and firsthand insights into life in Canada. The decision to migrate aligned with Canada’s immigration policies, particularly under the Express Entry system, which prioritises skilled workers and family reunification as key pathways to permanent residency (Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 2022). My father, as the main applicant, navigated this system, capitalising on his qualifications and work experience to meet the criteria for entry. However, while policies such as Express Entry facilitate migration, they do not necessarily guarantee seamless integration, a point that resonates with our family’s experience and is supported by academic critiques of settlement challenges (Reitz, 2012).
Canadian immigration policy also played a pivotal role in shaping our settlement. Upon arrival in June 2022, we benefited from initial settlement services, including language training and community orientation, often provided through federal and provincial programs. Yet, the transition was not without hurdles. The policy framework, while supportive in principle, often overlooks the nuanced barriers faced by newcomers, such as credential recognition and labour market access, which have directly impacted my father’s employment search (Reitz, 2012). This reflects a broader limitation in Canadian immigration policy—while it opens doors for entry, the path to full socio-economic integration remains complex and, arguably, under-resourced.
Settlement Challenges in Canada: Employment and Family Separation
Since arriving in Canada, my family has encountered significant challenges, particularly in terms of employment. My father, despite his qualifications and experience, has struggled to secure a job at a level commensurate with his skills. This issue aligns with research indicating that many skilled immigrants face underemployment due to systemic barriers, including non-recognition of foreign credentials and a lack of Canadian work experience (Reitz, 2012). Typically, such challenges can lead to downward occupational mobility, a phenomenon that not only affects financial stability but also impacts mental health and family dynamics. Furthermore, the temporary separation from my father, who remained in Saudi Arabia for an additional year until 2023, added emotional strain to the settlement process. This separation, while necessary for logistical and financial reasons, underscores the personal costs of migration, often overlooked in policy discussions.
Community Support and Adaptation in Saskatoon
Despite these challenges, the presence of cousins in Saskatoon has been instrumental in easing our transition. Family networks, as noted by Li (2003), often serve as critical resources for newcomers, providing emotional support, practical advice, and connections to local communities. Indeed, our relatives facilitated our initial settlement by helping us navigate housing, schools, and cultural nuances. Over time, we have begun to adapt, engaging with community organisations and accessing public services designed for immigrants. However, adaptation remains an ongoing process, shaped by both individual resilience and the broader socio-economic environment in Canada. The contrast between the welcoming policy rhetoric and the practical difficulties of integration highlights a discrepancy that many immigrant families, including ours, must navigate.
Conclusion
In summary, my family’s migration from Pakistan to Canada via Saudi Arabia encapsulates a multi-layered journey influenced by economic push factors, educational limitations, and the pull of Canadian opportunities. Economic instability in Pakistan and restricted prospects in Saudi Arabia necessitated relocation, while Canadian immigration policies, such as the Express Entry system, provided a structured pathway to permanent residency. However, settlement challenges, including employment barriers and family separation, reveal the complexities of integration beyond policy frameworks. The support of relatives in Saskatoon has mitigated some difficulties, yet the struggle for full socio-economic inclusion persists. This family history underscores the interplay between personal agency and systemic factors in migration narratives, highlighting the need for policies that address not only entry but also long-term integration. As Canada continues to position itself as a global leader in multiculturalism, addressing these gaps remains imperative for ensuring that immigrant families can fully realise the promise of a new beginning.
References
- Al-Seghayer, K. (2011) The Saudi Educational System: Challenges and Prospects. International Journal of Educational Research, 50(3), 123-135.
- De Bel-Air, F. (2014) Demography, Migration and Labour Market in Saudi Arabia. Gulf Labour Markets and Migration, 1(3), 65-89.
- Husain, I. (2010) Pakistan: The Economy of an Elitist State. Oxford University Press.
- Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada. (2022) Express Entry: How It Works. Government of Canada.
- Li, P. S. (2003) Destination Canada: Immigration Debates and Issues. Oxford University Press.
- Reitz, J. G. (2012) The Distinctiveness of Canadian Immigration Experience. Patterns of Prejudice, 46(5), 518-538.
- Zaidi, S. A. (2005) Issues in Pakistan’s Economy. Oxford University Press.
