(VOVworld) – Canada has announced a significant shift in the government’s immigration policy as it plans to welcome 300,000 migrants, the highest number of projected immigrant admissions put forth by Canadian government in modern times.

Syrian migrants waiting to get to Greece (Photo: VNA)

Ottawa plans to welcome between 280,000 and 305,000 permanent residents by the end of 2016, a 7.4 per cent increase from the 2015 admission target. Approximately 160,000 of them, including high-skilled workers and caregivers, are expected to arrive in Canada this year. Under the family immigration system, Ottawa aims to welcome 60,000 sponsored spouses, parents and children, as well as 20,000 parents and grandparents by the end of the year. Most of the received migrants are Syrian refugees, which is in line with the government’s commitment.