The federal government is stopping employers linked to the sex trade from hiring workers from outside the country.  The prohibition applies to strippers, escorts and massage parlour workers.

Immigration minister Jason Kenney says applications for permits for temporary foreign workers won't be processed if they come from sex-related businesses. He says the government is trying to protect the workers from being exploited or abused. The measure is part of the government's plan to combat human trafficking, and is effective immediately.