Conference Agenda

This session explores social justice dimensions in the context of temporary migration. Taking a comparative focus, the session will provide reflexions on Canada and Switzerland. Temporary migration programmes in both countries play a critical role in addressing labour market needs, particularly in low-wage sectors such as agriculture, caregiving, and hospitality. However, these programmes often raise concerns about equality rights, and long-term integration. In Switzerland, there seems to be a re-birth of temporary labour migration programmes in the last years in spite of lessons learned from the “guestworker” period. Canada’s temporary foreign worker programmes, while similarly criticized for exploitation and lack of mobility, often provide more structured pathways toward permanent residency and integration for particular group of workers, reflecting a more inclusion-oriented approach. But is this always the case?

This session examines the tensions between economic utility and labour rights, showing how temporary migrants are valued for their labour but often excluded from full participation in society. The session calls for a re-evaluation of temporary migration policies through a social justice lens that prioritizes fair treatment, robust legal protections, and long-term opportunities for migrants.