On April 12, the Canadian government announced that it has welcomed over 30,000 Afghan refugees since August 2021, as part of its goal to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals by the end of 2023. The latest group of newcomers arrived in Toronto, Ontario, on a charter flight from Pakistan, and includes Afghans who supported Canada's mission in Afghanistan, family members of former Afghan interpreters, and privately sponsored refugees arriving through the humanitarian stream.
Canada's humanitarian resettlement program is focused on helping the most vulnerable Afghans, such as women leaders, human rights defenders, persecuted and religious minorities, 2SLGBTQI+ individuals, and journalists. The new arrivals will settle in various communities across Canada, including Surrey (BC), Toronto, and London (ON). So far, more than 170 communities across the country have welcomed Afghan refugees.
The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, acknowledged the significant milestone, saying, "I am proud to mark a significant milestone today in Canada's long-standing humanitarian tradition by welcoming over 30,000 vulnerable Afghans to their new home. This is an ambitious achievement as we work towards our goal of resettling at least 40,000 Afghans by the end of 2023."
The Afghanistan resettlement effort has been challenging, especially since there is no Canadian diplomatic or military presence in the country. The situation in Afghanistan is constantly evolving, and movement remains difficult and dangerous. Despite these challenges, the Canadian government remains committed to supporting vulnerable Afghans in their transition to a better life in Canada.
Collaboration with international partners has been crucial for the success of the resettlement program. The United States, the United Arab Emirates, Pakistan, and other countries in the region have all played a role in helping Afghans find safety in Canada. International organizations such as the International Organization for Migration (IOM), the United Nations Refugee Agency, Frontline Defenders, and ProtectDefenders.eu have also contributed significantly to the effort. In Canada, provincial and territorial partners, municipalities, resettlement service providers, and thousands of Canadians have made this achievement possible.
António Vitorino, Director General of the International Organization for Migration, commented on the organization's involvement, stating, "The safe and dignified resettlement of refugees globally has been a central part of IOM's work for more than 70 years, and we are proud to be part of Canada's efforts to provide a new home for tens of thousands of vulnerable Afghans. We continue to work closely with the Government of Canada and other partners to ensure Afghan refugees are given the opportunity to restart their lives in safety."
The Canadian government's commitment to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals by the end of 2023 is one of the largest programs of its kind in the world. Over half of this commitment is focused on those who assisted Canada, with 18,000 spaces designated for the Special Immigration Measures (SIMs) program for Afghan nationals and their families who closely supported the Government of Canada. Additionally, Canada is welcoming up to 5,000 extended family members of Afghan interpreters who arrived in the country as part of earlier programs.
Government-assisted refugees become permanent residents upon arrival in Canada and receive at least 12 months of income support under the Resettlement Assistance Program. They also have access to settlement services, including language training and the Interim Federal Health Program for medical coverage. The Canadian government works closely with service provider organizations to deliver services to newcomers, ensuring their successful integration into Canadian society.