This Ukrainian newcomer is an Uber driver. He says only having temporary status in Canada is hurting him

In a matter of months, Fuad Vekhbe went from owning two dental clinics in Ukraine to driving Uber in Windsor — a job that he says isn't enough to support his family financially. 

Vekhbe, his wife, their two kids and a family friend arrived in Windsor from Ukraine about five months ago. Russia's invasion of Ukraine in February caused the family to flee, leaving most of their belongings behind. 

The Vekhbe family is among more than 100,000 Ukrainian citizens and Canadian permanent residents of Ukrainian origin who have come to Canada since the war began, according to the government's website. The federal government launched the Canada-Ukraine authorization for emergency travel in March.

People coming through this program are considered temporary residents, so they can work and study in Canada for three years but do not have permanent resident or refugee status. The federal government says it is looking at establishing a permanent residence program.

While Vekhbe said he's been trying to find work since arriving in Canada, the process hasn't been easy. He said when he tells employers that he has a work permit, but doesn't have refugee status, he doesn't hear back from them. 

With refugee status, he thinks that employers would consider him as more of a long-term resident.

"When they know we are in Canada and we don't have status, a clear status, there's an issue," said Vekhbe, who has a PhD in network engineering. "We need to know our status here." 

Last week, Vekhbe said they finally moved into their own home, but it's costing them $3,000 a month in rent and utilities. Before that, they had been living with family and friends, who are still helping them furnish their new home and pay some bills. 

Even though he's driving Uber, he said it's not enough. 

One day last week, Vekhbe said he worked for 12 hours and made $168 — but gas cost him $85. His wife is taking English language classes and cares for their two-year-old daughter. 

"If I want to buy anything now, I need to count everything," he said. 

"We don't have anything here. We are renting, we don't own anything, only we own that we are in safe place that's all and if we need to buy anything we need to think about it." 

Family friend, Yuliia Zymodra, who lives with Vekhbe's family, is also struggling to find work. 

She said she's taking English language classes right now and that her dream is to work in the illustration and graphics industry. In Ukraine she was working for Vekhbe as a sales manager and now, she's taking any odd job she can find in Windsor.