Canada to admit 25,000 refugees this year

NEW DELHI: Canada, unlike neighbouring USA under the new administration and notwithstanding recent attack in Quebec mosque, has set a target of admitting 25,000 refugees this year, one of highest intake in recent years amid rising number of fleeing people from war zones.

“In 2017, Canada will welcome 25,000 refugees from overseas. This is one of the highest numbers of refugees in Canadian history — double those established for 2015 and in preceding years. We welcome those fleeing persecution, terror and war and those who would like to add their skills to our economy. Canada also plans to admit 15,000 protected persons and their dependents in Canada,” a senior official in the Canadian Immigration Department told ET from Ottawa.

India is among top source country for permanent residencies (PR) in Canada and in 2016 alone over 32,000 Indians were given permanent residencies by the North American country. In 2015 over 39,000 Indians were given PR status by Ottawa. The current Canadian Parliament has 19 MPs of Indian origin and this includes some top Cabinet Ministers. Indians comprise 3.8 per cent of Canada’s population. Canada is also emerging as favourite destination for the Indian students.


While admitting either refugees or PR the government has no plans to lower their guard and compromise on the security matter. Security screening is an important part of the overall assessment of whether a person is admissible to Canada, according to senior the immigration officials.

“We are confident in our immigration programmes and will continue to ensure that our immigration system balances compassion, efficiency and economic opportunity, while protecting the health, safety and security of Canadians.