Canada Receives 30,000 Afghan Refugees

The Government of Canada has received no fewer than 30,000 Afghan refugees with the assistance of the International Organisation for Migration (IOM) to resettle in the country.

IOM, in a statement on Thursday, stated that the arrival of a charter flight in Toronto on Wednesday marked the successful departure to Canada of the Afghan refugees.

The UN agency has worked closely with the Government of Canada and other partners to safely resettle Afghans in the country since August 2021.

“The safe and dignified resettlement of refugees globally has been a central part of IOM’s work for more than 70 years and we are proud to be part of Canada’s efforts to provide a new home for tens of thousands of vulnerable Afghans.

“We continue to work closely with the Government of Canada and other partners to ensure Afghans are provided the opportunity to restart their lives in safety,” IOM’s Director General, António Vitorino, said.

The latest flight included Afghans who supported Canada’s mission in Afghanistan, including family members of former interpreters and privately sponsored individuals.

In the past, the programme has also resettled members of many marginalised groups such as disabled persons, women and girls.

“Welcoming 30,000 Afghans, even though Afghanistan is one of the largest and most difficult resettlement efforts in Canada’s history, is a significant achievement.

“This milestone is also a testament to the dedication of our partners, including the IOM, who continue to help vulnerable Afghans travel safely on their journey to Canada.

“I have met with newcomers and seeing how they are building their new lives in Canada makes us more determined than ever to help as many vulnerable Afghans as possible.

“We will continue to collaborate with our partners to do everything we can to bring Afghans in need of protection to safety, and to provide them with a new home and the support they need to thrive in Canada,” Sean Fraser, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said.