Why 're companies so reluctant to provide EP?

[bewildered]

Is it true that some companies are reluctant to provide EP to job applicants? Even though the job applicant has so-to-say passed the interview.

[Yutenji]

Is it true that some companies are reluctant to provide EP to job applicants? Even though the job applicant has so-to-say passed the interview.

Hi, never heard of such a case. If they want you to take the job (maybe that's a big 'if' ), it's in their interests to support your application.
Good luck

[Strong Eagle]

Because the company has to justify hiring you over a citizen or a PR. Unless you have skills and experience that are difficult to come by locally, that is hard to do. Also, any company that brings on EP's must maintain the proper ratio of EP's to locals. So, it is simply more of a hassle for the company, and it is easier to hire locals.