Refugee claims in Saskatchewan have spiked by nearly 98 percent in the wake of significant cuts to federal and provincial immigration, as per federal statistics. The number of individuals with valid asylum claims surged from 683 in April 2024 to 1,344 a year later, according to data from Statistics Canada.
Saskatoon immigration lawyer Chris Veeman highlighted a case of a student facing limited options, now considering a refugee claim due to the changing immigration landscape. Nationally, total asylum claims increased by 32 percent over the same period, reaching 479,542 claims.
Provincially, Manitoba saw an 87 percent increase in asylum claims, Alberta experienced a 57 percent rise, and British Columbia witnessed a 53 percent uptick. Veeman explained that immigrants are turning to asylum claims as other pathways to permanent residency diminish.
Saskatchewan recorded the largest decline in new permanent residents among provinces, with a 53 percent drop from the previous year. Despite Ottawa’s plan to allocate more spots for the provincial nominee program, individuals on temporary permits are facing uncertainties.
The number of permanent residents admitted this year decreased to 105,000 from 114,905, with Saskatchewan set to receive 5,500 to 6,000 spots. Veeman emphasized the personal toll of these changes on individuals striving for permanent residency and stability in Canada.
In a specific case, Subbiah S., a software developer, faced setbacks in his permanent residency journey due to policy shifts. Saskatchewan also observed a notable decrease in non-permanent residents, reflecting the broader impact of federal immigration policies on population dynamics.
Efforts to enhance retention in Saskatchewan are ongoing, with a focus on integrating newcomers into the job market and communities. Subbiah S. is contemplating a move to Alberta for potential opportunities through the provincial nominee program, underscoring the challenges individuals are navigating amid evolving immigration regulations.