Canadian Refugee Protection Programs
Protection Programs for Refugees and Asylum Seekers
Canada’s political, economic and social conditions present a favourable destination for foreigners; namely civilian populations who fear war and persecution in their home countries. Whether for reasons related to religion, race, politics or their membership to a specific social group, this fear is usually well-founded. As they become caught in the crossfire of violent military operations, these individuals are often forced to flee their home countries and become refugees. Luckily, as a result of its involvement in the Geneva Conventions, Canada grants safety, protection and permanent residency status to approximately 25,000 refugees every year!
The Geneva Conventions
The Geneva Conventions for the Protection of War Victims took place on August 12th, 1949. This body of international humanitarian law seeks to protect and provide care for victims of armed conflict. It was signed and ratified by various nations around the world, including Canada, of course.
Applying for Refugee Protection In and Outside of Canada
The Canadian refugee protection program is comprised of two major components.
The Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program
This program is administered to those seeking protection from outside of Canada. The United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) is the agency that identifies refugees and processes their resettlement. Once they are identified, each refugee resettlement case must go through a screening process. This is performed in order to ensure they do not pose any threats to national security, health and safety. Next, the Blended Visa Office-Referred (BVOR) Program will match the refugees identified and approved by the UNHCR with either a private or community sponsor.
The In-Canada Asylum Program
This program is for individuals making refugee protection claims from within Canada. There are certain factors that limit eligibility for asylum seekers. In other words, there are conditions that determine whether an individual qualifies for asylum.
For example, refugee protection is provided to people in Canada if they:
- have a well-founded fear of persecution; OR
- are at risk of cruel or unusual punishment in their home countries.
Conversely, individuals are not eligible for refugee protection if they have:
- been convicted of serious criminal offences; OR
- had previous refugee claims denied by the Canadian government.
Resettlement and Integration
The Government of Canada or Province of Quebec offers various integration services to resettled refugees. The Resettlement Assistance Program is designed to enable refugees to adjust to and establish themselves within Canadian society.
Income Support
Income support is provided to those who are unable to afford basic necessities, such as food and shelter. This social assistance is provided for up to one year, or until the refugee is able to support themselves financially — whichever comes first.
Other Services
Aside from financial support, there are a number of other services offered by the Resettlement Assistance Program. For the first four to six weeks upon entry, clients are provided with:
- a welcoming at their port of entry;
- assistance with finding a temporary/permanent place to live;
- an assessment of their needs;
- information about and assistance with getting to know Canada; and
- referrals to other federal/provincial programs and settlement services.
