CIMM – Afghanistan – November 29, 2022
Key Messages
- The Government continues to advance its commitment to bring at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghans to Canada.
- IRCC developed multiple pathways and processing measures to enable Canada to resettle Afghans. The three Afghan resettlement streams include: (1) Special Immigration Measures (SIM) for Afghan nationals who supported Canada (18,000 spaces); (2) family reunification program for extended family members of former Afghan interpreters (5,000 spaces); and (3) humanitarian program for other vulnerable groups (including women leaders, LGBTQ2 people, human rights defenders, journalists, and members of religious and ethnic minorities).
- As of November 16, 2022, Canada has welcomed 25,400 Afghans (14,842 in 2022-23). While the Government is on track to reach its commitment, it remains challenging to facilitate exit and travel to a third country for our clients who are still in Afghanistan. The Government continues to pursue opportunities with international partners to support our response to the crisis, including for safe passage out of Afghanistan.
- To optimize the management of arrivals and ensure access to housing and resettlement supports, IRCC is working with service provider organizations to direct clients to a network of communities across Canada, including smaller centres, where possible.
Supplementary Messages – Afghanistan
- Funding
- Activities to date
- Processing
- In-country biometrics
- International cooperation
- Safe passage
- Settlement
- Government Response
- Afghan Privately Sponsored Refugees RSD-waiver
- Afghan International Students
- Inauthentic Documents related to “facilitation”
- Public Policies
- Canada’s Response to Ukraine and Afghanistan
Funding
- The government announced, through the fall 2021 Economic and Fiscal Update, that it proposes to increase funding to $1.3 billion over 6 years and $66.6 million in future years [total of $1.4 billion] to continue to facilitate the safe passage and resettlement of vulnerable Afghans to Canada.
- IRCC is seeking $647.0M for 2022-23 through the Supplementary Estimates (B) for the resettlement of Afghan refugees announced in Budget 2022. Funding is broken down as follows:
($millions) 2022-23 Supplementary Estimates (B) Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures 194.7 Vote 10 – Grants and Contributions 439.1 Voted Total 633.8 Statutory – EBP 13.2 Funding Profile 647.0 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) 543.3 - IRCC’s total funding of $844.4M for this initiative in 2022-23 is broken down as follows:
($millions) Afghanistan Funding in 2022-23 Main Estimates Supplementary Estimates (A) Supplementary Estimates (B) Total Vote 1 – Operating Expenditures 43.4 - 194.7 238.1 Vote 5 – Capital Expenditures 0.3 - - 0.3 Vote 10 – Grants and Contributions 58.4 91.2 439.1 588.7 Votes Total 102.1 91.2 633.8 827.1 Statutory – EBP 4.1 - 13.2 17.3 Funding Profile 106.2 91.2 647.0 844.4 Full Time Equivalents (FTEs) 173.8 - 543.3 717.1 - Costs include and are not limited to: processing and program support, safe passage, overseas staging and accommodation costs, refugee referral and identification, settlement and resettlement services, and access to the Interim Federal Health Program.
Activities to date
- Canada is committed to welcoming at least 40,000 vulnerable Afghans to Canada by the end of 2023.
- This is being achieved through several programs, including the following:
- The Special Immigration Measures (SIM) program was implemented in July 2021.
- A special Humanitarian Program was established on August 13, 2021.
- On December 9, 2021, IRCC put in place a special family reunification program to help extended family members of former Afghan interpreters who came to Canada under programs in 2009 and 2012.
- Arrivals to date include 9,045 arrivals (3,879 in 2022-23) through the SIM program (11,095 approved applications), 670 (663 this year) extended family members of former interpreter, and 14,860 (10,155 in 2022-23) through the Humanitarian program.
- Of the 18,000 spaces in the Special Immigration Measures Program, more than 16,665 applications have been received.
- GAC and DND have shared referrals with IRCC for the remaining spots. IRCC is currently sending ITAs in batches to these referrals to fill all 18,000 spaces.
- To leverage support from Canadians, the Government allocated an additional 3,000 spaces to Sponsorship Agreement Holders for Afghans, above and beyond the existing cap space.
- Recognizing that Afghan refugees face obstacles in obtaining a Refugee Status Determination (RSD) document quickly, which is a requirement of the Privately Sponsored Refugees program for Group of 5 and Community Sponsors, IRCC has also put in place a temporary public policy that waives the RSD document requirement for up to 3,000 Afghan applicants.
- In addition, IRCC has implemented a number of facilitative measures for Afghans, including prioritizing family reunification applications and facilitating the extension of temporary resident status.
Processing
- IRCC continues to process applications for Afghan nationals on a priority basis and we have adopted facilitative approaches to expedite processes, given the unique circumstances in Afghanistan.
- For example, many clients have limited or no documentation, so the Government of Canada has adjusted its practices to make the processing of applications from Afghan clients as efficient as possible.
- More specifically, in the case of the extended family members of former Afghan interpreters, the document checklist includes flexibility and enables clients to provide an explanation if any required document is not obtainable at the time of application.
- The Government of Canada has also adapted its processes given the context in Afghanistan. Most notably, we have implemented a multi-stage approach to security screening whereby initial inadmissibility screening is conducted in-country. Remaining processing, including a full inadmissibility screening utilizing biometrics, can then be completed once the client has been able to reach a third country.
- We have also added almost 1,000 FTEs and mobilized our entire global network in order to expedite the processing of applications from Afghan clients.
- IRCC remains in close contact with applicants who are still in Afghanistan and in third countries. IRCC works with individuals to verify that they have the necessary documents, and to enable cooperation with authorities in neighbouring countries to support safe passage out of Afghanistan and onwards travel to Canada. We will continue to maximize every opportunity to ensure that all of IRCC’s Afghan clients can reach safety in Canada.
In-country biometrics
- Establishing a biometric collection service in Afghanistan at this point in time could put the safety and security of collection officers and clients at risk.
- These security concerns equally apply to IRCC employees and private sector or NGO partners. The safety of IRCC personnel and partners remains paramount to IRCC.
- The Government of Canada will continue to work with multiple partners to explore potential options for biometrics collection in Afghanistan, including the International Organization for Migration (IOM).
- At the same time, IRCC will continue to facilitate the movement of clients who have completed the first stage of security screening out of Afghanistan and onwards to third countries for final processing, including biometric collection.
International cooperation
- Canada’s sustained diplomatic engagement and cooperation with like-minded countries and partners in the region has enabled us to achieve significant progress on Canada’s commitment to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals.
- Canada is also working very closely with the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), who are providing critical expertise and operational support to help us bring Afghans to Canada as quickly as possible.
- We continue to pursue opportunities with international partners to support all aspects of our response to the crisis, including support for safe passage out of Afghanistan.
Safe passage
- The volatile situation in Afghanistan and the tightening of exit requirements by the Taliban, as well as the fluctuating entry and exit requirements of third countries, are ongoing challenges for Afghans seeking to leave Afghanistan.
- Many IRCC clients in Afghanistan have completed the first stages of processing, but are unable to depart Afghanistan safely to complete the processing of their applications in a third country to enable travel to Canada.
- Supporting safe passage to a third country for our clients is crucial to fulfilling the Government of Canada’s commitment to resettle at least 40,000 Afghans by the end of 2023.
- The Government is working with like-minded countries, partners in the region and non-governmental organizations (NGOs) to support safe passage out of Afghanistan to third countries where IRCC can complete the processing of applications to enable travel to Canada.
- IRCC is also supporting the Government of Canada’s ongoing work to consider measures, including legislative options, to address the need for exemptions for Canadian organizations and Canadian officials seeking to conduct humanitarian and other essential activities in regions controlled by a listed terrorist group, while avoiding the legal risk of committing a terrorism financing offence.
Settlement
- Canada’s settlement services help newcomers integrate into the Canadian labour market and society, and build a successful life in Canada.
- The federal government is investing approximately $1.036B in the Settlement Program to support the settlement and integration of newcomers to Canada (outside of Quebec, which is covered by the Canada-Québec Accord).
- This investment reflects the Government’s recognition that strong settlement services provide newcomers a solid foothold to contribute to Canadian society in the years to come.
- The Government is seized with the diverse needs of Afghan arrivals. In response to the accelerated pace of Afghan arrivals, IRCC launched a national Afghanistan Steering Committee, which brings together Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) service provider organizations from across the country.
- Its mandate is to provide a dedicated forum for ongoing engagement and dialogue on challenges, lessons learned, and innovative best practices related to the settlement and integration of Afghan newcomers.
- To better manage arrivals in Canada and help Afghans begin to integrate, IRCC is collaborating with Resettlement Assistance Program Service Provider Organizations (RAP SPOs) to develop and implement a strategy to direct arrivals to a network of communities across Canada, including small centres, where possible. These 43 organizations, which are located in communities across Canada, face two key challenges.
Key Challenges and Responses
Housing
First, the Canadian housing crisis has contributed to longer stays for refugees in hotels and temporary accommodations. Government-assisted refugees are also experiencing difficulties in obtaining affordable, accessible, and appropriate permanent housing. IRCC recognizes that long stays in hotels are problematic for Afghan families (for both their integration and overall well-being); it also places pressure on the service providers who are on the front line supporting these clients daily. Prolonged hotel stays are also costly for the Department.
- IRCC is providing additional support to resettlement organizations in order to build capacity and help ease this transition from temporary to permanent housing.
- IRCC has implemented an electronic deposit pilot to get income support payments into the hands of Afghan clients more quickly.
- Moreover, given the exceptional circumstances, IRCC is providing housing top-ups under the Resettlement Assistance Program for refugees settling in small communities and urban settings where the cost of housing is prohibitive. This top-up also will help larger families afford housing that is more suitable in size, regardless of community type. This puts more money into the hands of refugees and helps them move out of temporary hotel accommodations more quickly, and onto the path of integration.
Service Provider Organization Capacity
- Second, Service Provider Organizations are experiencing organizational capacity issues, particularly around staffing and retention.
- A number of initiatives are now underway to address the stress and pressure for settlement workers, with a view to making their employment experience more manageable, and to lead to increased retention.
Mental Health
- The Department is working with Service Provider Organizations to ensure clients are gaining access to the proper medical and mental health supports.
- Afghan refugees in temporary accommodations receive regular check-ins from Service Provider Organization staff to ensure basic needs are met and to determine whether any referrals are required, including for mental health services.
- For those clients experiencing acute distress Service Provider Organizations can provide short-term crisis counselling while the client is connected to health supports, generally through the Interim Federal Health Program.
- The Interim Federal Health Program (IFHP) provides temporary health care coverage to refugees to help them address their immediate and short-term medical needs pending eligibility for provincial/territorial health-care. Psychology and psychotherapy counselling services, as well as interpretation services and prescription drugs are also available, if needed.
- Other supports include specialized support for survivors of torture as well as case management services for newcomers who require greater assistance to connect with a wide array of settlement and other community supports.
LGBTQ2
- All eligible newcomers and refugees have access to federally-funded settlement services and specialized supports. These include supports that target the specific needs of the LGBTQ2 population, including information and resources about LGBTQ2 rights and community resources, explore LGBTQ2 identity within the cultural context, and offer programming for youth. Service providers often work in partnership with LGBTQ2 organizations to ensure newcomers and refugees are aware of the specialized supports available.
Government Response
- As outlined in the Government Response to the Report from the Special Committee on Afghanistan, tabled on October 6, the Government of Canada agrees in whole, or in principle, with most of the Committee’s recommendations, and is working to advance the suggested actions, where possible.
Afghan Privately Sponsored Refugees RSD-waiver
- IRCC appreciates the strong interest in this program, which demonstrates Canadians’ continued willingness to help those fleeing the crisis in Afghanistan.
- Canadians who are looking for ways to get involved can visit our website to learn more about how to support Afghans through financial or in-kind donations, or through other methods of private sponsorship, which continue to be available.
Afghan International Students
- The Government is examining eligibility requirements and a recent review of promising practices, including both government and non-government solutions. For example, the World University Service of Canada’s Student Refugee Program was activated in Pakistan in 2021 and 2022 to respond to the crisis in Afghanistan.
- IRCC also has other immigration pathways that would not require Afghan applicants to demonstrate their intention of returning to Afghanistan.
- For example, Afghan refugees outside of Afghanistan may qualify for economic immigration with the help of facilitation measures offered under the Economic Mobility Pathways Pilot that supports skilled refugees to access economic immigration.
Inauthentic Documents related to “facilitation”
- To facilitate the evacuation of vulnerable Afghans in August 2021, the Government of Canada sent facilitation letters directly to Afghan nationals who were eligible to come to Canada. These letters were issued until August 28, 2021 with the sole purpose of assisting individuals through checkpoints on the way to and at the airport in Kabul.
- These facilitation letters were only issued by GAC and IRCC using official government email addresses and sent directly to applicants. The Government also contacted applicants about the purpose of the letter and next steps regarding the evacuation and their applications.
- When IRCC became aware of the potential use of inauthentic facilitation letters, IRCC undertook an internal review of the matter in accordance with IRCC protocols and authorities, and has since referred the matter to the appropriate law enforcement partners.
- To protect the integrity and privacy of potential investigations, we are unable to speak to further specific details.
Public Policies
- IRCC published more than 20 public policies related to the situation in Afghanistan on its website on August 27, 2022. Public policies are tools that enable the Minister to exercise his authority under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, to create exemptions from the provisions of Act in order to facilitate the resettlement of Afghan Refugees.
- There are instances where it is still not possible to publish certain information, as doing so would pose a threat to clients and staff, expose personal information, endanger national security, or damage Canada’s international interests.
- IRCC continues to monitor the situation on the ground with a view to assessing the feasibility of additional disclosures. IRCC continually re-assesses risks associated with publishing its public policies to promote transparency.
- Further information may be provided on IRCC’s website and through regular stakeholder engagement as the situation evolves.
Canada’s Response to Ukraine and Afghanistan
- The Government of Canada is committed to operating a fair and non-discriminatory immigration system.
- The situations in Afghanistan and Ukraine are very different and necessitated two different responses, and as the crises continue to unfold.
- As part of its commitment to anti-racism, equity and inclusion, IRCC is looking closely at eligibility criteria through the lens of how they impact racialized clients, to ensure its programs, policies, and processes are fair, transparent, equitable, and culturally sensitive.
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