diff --git a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr_parser.cpp b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr_parser.cpp
index 9f2ea24317..c635339367 100644
--- a/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr_parser.cpp
+++ b/pcbnew/pcb_io/kicad_sexpr/pcb_io_kicad_sexpr_parser.cpp
@@ -1152,6 +1152,8 @@ BOARD* PCB_IO_KICAD_SEXPR_PARSER::parseBOARD_unchecked()
                 THROW_IO_ERROR( wxT( "CANCEL" ) );
             }
 
+            // Make sure the destination layer is enabled, even if not in the file
+            m_board->SetEnabledLayers( m_board->GetEnabledLayers().set( destLayer ) );
 
             const auto visitItem = [&]( BOARD_ITEM& curr_item )
             {