Canada Expands Resettlement Program to Bring Afghan Refugees to Safety

Canada is expanding its resettlement program to bring more Afghan refugees to safety, in response to the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. This compassionate move aims to address the growing humanitarian crisis and provide a permanent home for vulnerable Afghans.

Government of Canada’s Commitment

As the Taliban continues to advance and take control over more territories in Afghanistan, many lives are at risk. The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, announced a new plan to resettle 20,000 vulnerable Afghans, including women leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, religious minorities, and LGBTI individuals. Additionally, family members of previously resettled interpreters will also be welcomed to Canada.

New Special Programs

The new program will include:

Government-supported refugees Privately sponsored refugees Family members sponsored by family members already in Canada

These efforts aim to ease the burden on neighboring countries hosting Afghan refugees and ensure these individuals receive support in their new permanent homes. The Canadian government is engaging with international and domestic partners, private sponsors, and settlement organizations to implement the new program. Processing timelines will be expedited for eligible applicants who meet all the usual admissibility requirements.

Support from Canadians

Canadians have shown remarkable kindness and support for the Afghan refugees. The government welcomes the assistance from these willing volunteers and is leveraging their generosity. An example of such support includes the Manmeet Singh Bhullar Foundation’s partnership to resettle persecuted Afghan Sikhs and Hindus.

Government Ministers' Statements

"Offering refuge to the world’s most vulnerable speaks to who we are as Canadians, particularly in times of crisis. As more Afghan refugees continue to seek shelter in Canada, we're redoubling our efforts to help 20,000 Afghan refugees who remain vulnerable wherever they go, find safety here. The situation in Afghanistan is heartbreaking and Canada will not stand idly by."

- The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

"Canadians are deeply concerned by the deteriorating situation in Afghanistan. People around the world know they can count on Canada to support them in times of need, and Canada will be there for vulnerable Afghans. Women leaders, human rights defenders, journalists, religious minorities, and others covered by this program will be safe here in Canada, and I look forward to welcoming them to our country."

- The Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of National Defence

"As Minister of Foreign Affairs, I am following the situation in Afghanistan very carefully. I remain in close contact with allies as well as our Ambassador in Kabul and continue to monitor the security situation carefully. Afghans have put their lives at great risk to support Canada in helping Afghans achieve significant democratic, human rights, education, health, and security gains over the past 20 years. We owe them a debt of gratitude and we will continue our efforts to bring them to safety."

- The Honourable Marc Garneau, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Conclusion

Through its expanded resettlement program, Canada is demonstrating its commitment to humanitarian values and supporting the most vulnerable populations. This move not only addresses the immediate crisis in Afghanistan but also aims to provide a long-term solution for refugees who have been displaced.