Question Period Note: Afghanistan

Canada’s immigration response to the situation in Afghanistan

• Since the fall of Kabul in August 2021, Canada has welcomed over 60,000 Afghans.
• Canada continues to be concerned by the humanitarian and security situation in Afghanistan and the risks it poses for many vulnerable Afghans.
• Regular immigration programs, including the Refugee Resettlement Program, remain available to support vulnerable Afghans, in keeping with spaces available under the Immigration Levels Plan.
If pressed on situation for Afghans in Pakistan:
• The Government of Canada cooperates with Pakistan in our efforts to bring our resettlement and humanitarian clients to Canada in as timely a manner as possible.
If pressed on special measures:
• Canada developed special programs and measures as part of the Afghan Resettlement Initiative. The exceptional measures and their funding ended on March 31, 2025. We continue to process applications submitted under this initiative.
If pressed on litigation:
• We cannot comment on specific cases that are before the courts.

• Afghanistan continues to face a severe humanitarian crisis.
• According to the United Nations Refugee Agency’s Projected Global Resettlement Needs 2026 report, Afghan refugees are now the largest refugee population in need of resettlement.
Situation in Pakistan
• In October 2023, the Government of Pakistan introduced the Illegal Foreigner Repatriation Plan, citing migration integrity, terrorism and security, and costs associated with hosting Afghans.
• Since the fall of 2025, the Government of Pakistan has been increasing its detention and deportation efforts under this Plan. This has impacted some of IRCC’s clients.
• IRCC has informed applicants that should they face detention in Pakistan, they can use any IRCC communications related to their application to demonstrate to the Government of Pakistan that they have an application in process.
• The Government of Pakistan has full authority over immigration, residency, and exit procedures.
Access to Resettlement
• Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and its Regulations, individuals fleeing persecution on the basis of race, religion, nationality, political opinion or membership in a particular social group may qualify for refugee protection.
• Afghans identified as refugees, and referred by UNHCR, designated referral partners, or identified by a private sponsor to Canada, may be eligible for resettlement under Canada’s refugee processing streams: Government-Assisted, Privately Sponsored or Blended Visa Office-Referred. Applications are processed and admitted to Canada within targets for these programs established under the Immigration Levels Plan.
Afghanistan Commitment
• Canada has welcomed over 60,000 Afghans since August 2021 through several special measures and programs.
• The Afghan Resettlement Initiative (ARI) included: (1) Special Immigration Measures for Afghan nationals who supported the Government of Canada; (2) family-based pathways for extended family members of former Afghan interpreters and for Language and Cultural Advisors; and (3) a humanitarian program for other vulnerable groups (e.g., women leaders and persecuted religious and ethnic minorities).
• Funding for these measures and time-limited exceptional supports that were put in place for this cohort have ended.

None