The Government of Quebec is tightening immigration controls by suspending two major programs that represent a pathway to citizenship starting in 2025.

Immigration Minister Jean-François Roberge announced the stance in a social media post late Wednesday, stating that the province wants to "better regulate" the arrival of newcomers to Quebec.

The government, led by Premier François Legault, will also implement a temporary freeze on two major programs that lead to a Quebec selection certificate, which allows immigrants to eventually apply for permanent Canadian residence.

The first is the regular skilled worker program, and the second is the Quebec Experience Program, which is aimed at recent graduates.

Roberge wrote on X, formerly known as Twitter: "The government will also seriously consider a scenario of reducing permanent immigration."

He added, "Our goal is clear: we want to equip ourselves with the necessary means to better manage immigration in Quebec."

This is the latest step the government has taken to limit the number of newcomers to the province.

Earlier this month, it introduced legislation that grants itself new powers to limit the number of international students.

The bill is part of a larger campaign to reduce the number of temporary residents in Quebec, which has risen to 600,000 from 300,000 in the past two years.