Saturday November 30, 2024
Canada's PM Justin Trudeau rises during Question Period in Ottawa, Tuesday, Oct 22, 2024 (Adrian Wyld/ The Canadian Press via AP)
OTTAWA, Canada (HOL) — Canada has announced a temporary suspension of new applications for its 'Group Five' and Community Sponsorship refugee programs, two vital pathways for private refugee resettlement. The pause, effective November 29, 2024, aims to tackle growing backlogs and lengthy processing times, according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC).
"For over 40 years, the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program, a model for other countries around the world, has brought hope and opportunity to hundreds of thousands of refugees," the IRCC stated. "This success has also led to a large application inventory and growing processing times."
The suspension, which affects only new applications, will remain in place until December 31, 2025. Applications already submitted will not be affected, and processing for those will continue as planned.
The decision has raised concerns among refugee communities, particularly Somali applicants in camps across Kenya, Uganda, and other countries. Many had hoped to use these programs to reunite with family members in Canada. While the suspension does not impact applications already in the system, it creates uncertainty for those yet to apply.
"The suspension is part of an ongoing trend," said Somali-Canadian lawyer Mohamed Doli. "Canada has already reduced international student admissions and refugee intake. This one-year pause will allow the government to reassess its priorities while addressing resource constraints."
Doli noted that Canada's housing shortages, public sentiment and and economic pressures are likely influencing the decision. "The government is taking this step to prepare for future resettlement efforts while managing domestic challenges like housing shortages," he added.
Canada's Private Sponsorship of Refugees Program has been a global benchmark, providing resettlement opportunities for hundreds of thousands of refugees. Despite the pause on new applications, the government reaffirmed its commitment to welcoming 23,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2025, consistent with its immigration levels plan.
The IRCC acknowledged the disruption this suspension may cause to sponsors and refugees, stating: "We will work closely with partners and stakeholders as they adjust to these changes while also continuing to engage with them on longer-term improvements to the program, including future intake measures."