How the Refugee System Works in Canada
Refugees are individuals who have fled their countries out of a well-founded fear of persecution and are unable to return. They have often experienced or witnessed numerous hardships. It is important to distinguish refugees from immigrants, as immigrants choose to settle permanently in another country, while refugees are compelled to escape.
The Canadian refugee system consists of two main components:
- Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program: This program is for individuals seeking protection from outside Canada. Refugees who come to Canada have typically left their homes and, in many cases, have had to live in refugee camps for extended periods. The United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR) and private sponsors are involved in identifying refugees for resettlement. Individuals cannot apply directly to Canada for resettlement. Private sponsors, such as Sponsorship Agreement Holders, work with the government to support refugees and facilitate their resettlement in Canada.
- In-Canada Asylum Program: This program is for individuals making refugee protection claims from within Canada. The asylum program aims to provide refugee protection to individuals who have a well-founded fear of persecution or who are at risk of torture or cruel and unusual punishment in their home countries. Not everyone is eligible to seek asylum, and there are certain criteria that must be met. For instance, individuals who have been convicted of serious criminal offenses or have had previous refugee claims denied by Canada are not eligible to make a claim.
Settlement services are essential in helping refugees adjust to their new lives in Canada. The Government of Canada collaborates with various partners and stakeholders to provide settlement services that support refugees during their resettlement journey. These services are offered to both resettled refugees from abroad and those who are granted protection in Canada.
Under the Resettlement Assistance Program, the government provides basic services and income support to government-assisted refugees once they arrive in Canada. This financial assistance is given for up to one year, or until the individual can support themselves, whichever comes first. The Resettlement Assistance Program also includes services such as airport reception, assistance in finding temporary and permanent housing, needs assessments, orientation to Canada, and referrals to other government and provincial programs and settlement services.
Private sponsors, on the other hand, are responsible for providing financial and emotional support to the refugees they support. They assist with housing, clothing, and food for the duration of the sponsorship period, or until the refugee becomes self-sufficient. Most sponsorships last for one year, although some may extend up to three years depending on the circumstances.
Additionally, there are settlement programs funded by the government that benefit all newcomers, including refugees. These programs help newcomers identify their settlement needs, access services in their communities, gain a better understanding of life in Canada, receive language training, find employment, build social networks, and access various support services such as childcare, transportation, interpretation services, resources for people with disabilities, and short-term/emergency counseling if needed.
By providing these comprehensive services and support, Canada aims to ensure a successful integration process for refugees, enabling them to thrive and contribute to their new communities.