What Employers Should Know About Repatriation Benefits for Their Foreign Workers
In May 2021, Efren Reyes, a 35-year-old temporary foreign worker from the Philippines, tragically died at an agricultural site in Lacombe County, Alberta. Reyes was struck by a Bobcat machine while working, leading to fatal injuries. His family back in the Philippines were left devastated and were at risk of taking on the cost of sending Efren’s body back to the Philippines. Fortunately, he had insurance coverage that allowed his remains to be repatriated to his family in the Philippines, and received any worker compensation benefits that they were entitled. It eased their financial burden during a time of grief (CBC).
Not all foreign workers in Canada are as fortunate. Many lack repatriation benefits, leaving their families to face costs—often over $10,000—to return their loved ones home. This gap in coverage highlights the urgent need for employers to ensure their foreign workers are properly protected, both for the workers’ peace of mind and their families' security.
Why Repatriation Coverage Is Important
Repatriation coverage is an important part of foreign worker insurance, yet it’s often overlooked by employers when selecting coverage plans for their foreign workers. It helps cover costs such as medical evacuation, transportation of remains, and financial support for families. This ensures workers have peace of mind at work and their families receive the support they need during difficult times.
Foreign workers are becoming increasingly important to Canada’s economy, especially in industries like agriculture and hospitality. In 2021, Canada issued over 550,000 temporary foreign worker permits. As the labour shortage grows, the demand for foreign workers is expected to rise. A report from the Conference Board of Canada predicts that by 2025, there will be 113,800 unfilled jobs in the country (The Canadian Encyclopedia). With this ongoing need, it’s more important than ever for employers to prioritize providing repatriation coverage, alongside other insurance benefits, to protect their foreign workers.
What Repatriation Benefits Typically Cover:
Medical Evacuation: Covers emergency transport to the worker’s home country in cases of critical illness or injury.
Body Repatriation: Handles the transportation of remains, ensuring the family is not burdened with logistical and financial challenges during a time of grief.
Family Assistance: Offers financial and logistical support to families, helping them navigate the aftermath of an unexpected tragedy.
These benefits prevent families from facing debilitating costs while navigating emotional turmoil, making them a key component of foreign worker insurance.
Employer Responsibilities
In Canada, the Temporary Foreign Worker Program requires employers to adhere to specific health and safety standards, but repatriation benefits and comprehensive health coverage are not mandated. Even though it isn’t a requirement, employers should take a moral approach and ensure these benefits are included in their insurance packages to protect their workers.
The Human Impact: Building Trust and Peace of Mind
For foreign workers far from home, knowing they are protected brings immeasurable peace of mind. This trust can translate into improved job satisfaction, loyalty, and productivity. Neglecting such protections can lead to morale issues and damage of an employers reputation.
Consider the cases of other foreign workers in Canada who have faced tragedies without coverage. Their families living in third world countries struggle with the costs and bureaucratic hurdles, sometimes resorting to setting up a GoFundMe page to raise the money, or acquiring loans to repatriate remains of their loved ones. As an employer you need to make moral decisions that are best for your workers and their families.
A Call to Action for Employers
For employers, repatriation benefits ensure dignity in tragedy, provide financial relief, and reflect an employer’s commitment to ethical practices. By integrating these benefits into your insurance offerings, you can protect your workforce and build a reputation as a responsible and compassionate employer.
So, as a Canadian employer, how are you ensuring that your foreign workers and their families are protected in times of need?
Looking to provide your foreign workers with the necessary healthcare coverage?
Click through the video below to learn about the FWCHP.
