World Refugee Day is celebrated on June 20. Across the globe, it honors the achievements of refugees in their new lives.
Furthermore, it recognizes the tenacity with which individuals who have abandoned their homes have abandoned their families, often under terrifying circumstances, and the need to provide them with assistance. As well as a good standard of living.
On World Refugee Day, there is always a theme. According to UNHCR, the theme for 2023 is “Hope away from home.” This is an attempt to encourage refugees to integrate into their new countries.
In a statement released by IRCC, Sean Fraser, Canada’s immigration minister, acknowledged World Refugee Day and emphasized the global community’s recognition of the resilience and bravery displayed by millions of refugees. He further expressed empathy and understanding towards their difficult circumstances. The minister highlighted the significant contributions refugees make in fostering community growth and emphasized Canada’s proud legacy of resettling the most vulnerable individuals worldwide.
Canada’s assistance to refugees
Resettlement initiatives in Canada provide safe haven for people who are fleeing conflict, said Minister Fraser. For the fourth consecutive year, we were the world’s top resettlement country.”
Refugees from around the globe have long looked to Canada for assistance. And a chance to start a new life in the country once they arrive. 17.2% of all new Canadian permanent residents in 2022—73,330—were refugees and protected persons who were resettled in Canada.
Approximately 30% of all new arrivals in Canada between 2016 and 2021 were Syrian refugees, according to the 2021 census. A total of 25,000 Syrians were relocated between November 2015 and February 2016 due to the Syrian crisis.
There were 9,490 refugees born in Afghanistan between 2016 and 2021, 7,810 in Pakistan, 13,965 in Eritrea, 15,505 in Iraq, and 13,965 in Eritrea.
A total of 1,088,015 refugees have been accepted into Canada since 1980, according to UNHCR statistics. Refugees who were resettled in Canada after being resettled abroad or whose status as refugees was recognized.
IRCC seeks to resettle 18,000 Afghans who aided the Government of Canada under its Special Immigration Measures Program. A person who works in a profession that has a “significant or enduring relationship with the Government of Canada. For instance, interpreters who have worked with the Canadian Armed Forces or local staff members who have served at the Canadian Embassy in Afghanistan are eligible to participate in this program.
In addition to permanent residency opportunities for Afghan interpreters, 5,000 extended family members will be granted permanent residency. An Afghan refugee without refugee status is currently being sponsored by the UNHCR or by a foreign state as part of a special program.
Refugees contribute to a stronger labor force in Canada
It is understood by IRCC that many refugees bring with them valuable skills that can be utilized to fill labor market gaps and promote the economy. And assist refugees in integrating into Canadian society.
A new pool of qualified employees can be obtained through the Economic Mobility Pilot Program (EMPP). While skilled refugees are also assisted in entering Canada through existing economic programs. People who are accepted into the program usually have an easier time becoming permanent residents of Canada.
- Rural and Northern Immigration Pilot
- Atlantic Immigration Program
- Provincial Nominee Program
Enhancing employment opportunities for Refugees in Canada
It was announced on June 12 that two new EMPP streams would be introduced. As the first stream of the EMPP, it offers federal skills jobs. The Canadian government allows employers to hire qualified candidates for a variety of in-demand positions under this stream, including truck drivers, personal assistants, long-term care aides, software engineers, web designers, mechanical engineers, and technicians.
Additionally, there is the EMPP Federal Ability Stream that provides an option for applicants with skills in demand that will enable them to find employment in Canada after arriving.
As part of its collaboration with immigration agencies, especially Talent Beyond Boundaries, TalentLift, and Jumpstart Refugee Talent, the EMPP works with a number of immigration-related organizations. Refugees can be supported by these organizations by providing them with skills. It will enable them to succeed in Canada by helping IRCC locate refugees who possess in-demand skills.
Moreover, the #WelcomingEconomy for Refugees initiative aims to connect companies with refugees who are eager to work and contribute to Canada’s economy. This effort is being led by the Refugee Jobs Agenda Roundtable. Refugees’ employment prospects are improved all year round by the Roundtable.
Refugees are often hired by Canadian companies. The Starbucks Canada company has hired 800 refugees in the past four years, for example. As well as Day & Ross, FedEx, HMS Host, IKEA Canada, Martinrea Automotive, McDonald’s, Metro, Shopify, Sodexo, Staples, and Wealthsimple, other companies have also hired refugees.
What is the situation for refugees in Canada?
Canada has a high success rate for refugees. Refugees earn an average salary of $25,000 their first year after arriving. In five years from the time they arrive, most refugees reach middle-class status, according to UNHCR data.
Taxes are higher for refugees compared to the services and benefits they receive from the government. Additionally, refugees were much more likely to be entrepreneurs compared to Canadians born abroad. The UNHCR estimates that entrepreneurs represent 14.4% of refugees who have lived in Canada for 10 to 30 years, compared to 12.3% of native Canadians. Refugees are producing employment and businesses that benefit Canadians and new immigrants alike.
Refugees are most likely to become Canadian citizens out of all immigrants. They are more likely to become citizens than immigrants whose class is economic or familial, with 89% becoming citizens, according to that study.
