CIMM – Comparisons of the Immigration Responses to Crises in Ukraine and Afghanistan – October 24, 2023

Key Facts and Figures

As of September 30, 2023, approximately 185,753 Ukrainian nationals have arrived in Canada under the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET).
Canada committed to resettling at least 40,000 Afghan nationals by the end of 2023. As of October 12, 2023, approximately 39,730 Afghans have arrived in Canada.

The Government of Canada is committed to operating a fair and non-discriminatory immigration system. As part of this commitment, 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.
The situations in Afghanistan and Ukraine are very different and necessitated different responses. Afghans are fleeing a regime change that has fundamentally altered country conditions. Human rights are deteriorating, especially for vulnerable groups. Afghans require a permanent protection solution, and are being resettled as refugees and as extended family members.
Ukrainians are fleeing a war of unknown duration and where there is generalized risk. The Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET) was designed as the quickest and most effective way to help Ukrainians who choose to seek a temporary safe haven in Canada. It offered Ukrainians and their family members free, extended temporary status for up to three years with options to work, study or stay in Canada.

Biometrics collection is mandatory for all foreign nationals between the ages of 14 and 79 who are applying for, claiming or requesting temporary residence, permanent residence or refugee protection, unless otherwise exempted (e.g. electronic travel authorization applicants, United States nationals).
The decision to exempt the biometrics requirement for specific cohorts of Ukrainian nationals was made based on an assessment of risk unique to the region and situation, including security, operational and humanitarian considerations.
All Afghan nationals between the ages of 14 and 79 must complete biometrics enrollment before final approval of their applications.