CIMM – 6.4 – Special Immigration Measures for Afghanistan – February 8, 2023

IRCC’s response to a request for information made by the 

Standing Committee on Citizenship and Immigration on February 15, 2022

Question

Ms. Jenny Kwan: IRCC is keeping private any public policies related to special immigration measures being taken for Afghan refugees. Advocates in the sectors, of course, say that this is a critical time for them to have this information. Otherwise, how would they know what is being applied, and under what circumstances would those who are in grave danger know about these different immigration measures? This is my question to the officials: Is the minister still exercising his authority to bring in special procedures secretly? […] I'm not talking about general immigration measures. There are some specific actions that the ministry is taking that are not made public. People do not know what those specific actions might be, what it would look like or whom it would apply to. Is that still being done by the ministry right now?

Ms. Marian Campbell Jarvis: We'll take the feedback that we've been given, note that and relay that to the minister.

Ms. Jenny Kwan: I would like to get a response then from the minister or from the department with respect to that. This is a critical issue, and the public needs to know; advocates need to know, and families need to know, so they can be aware of what special measures under what special circumstances that would apply to. I'm not talking about the 40,000 refugee resettlement measure. I'm talking about other measures the minister is making decisions on around public policy that's not made available to the public.

Response

Given the unique and urgent situation in Afghanistan, the Government of Canada has had to be responsive, innovative and flexible, including with the creation of public policies to rapidly assist at-risk Afghans.

The Government of Canada is committed to transparency, and IRCC regularly publishes public polices on its departmental website. However, there are instances where publication is not possible, such as when publication would pose a risk to program and operational integrity or the safety and security of clients and staff. In the case of Afghanistan, IRCC recognizes the situation is continuously changing and is committed to the publication of public polices as the related risks evolve. 

IRCC’s website (https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/refugees/help-outside-canada.html) provides information for applicants. This site continues to be updated on a regular basis as new information becomes available.

We continue to welcome feedback from our clients on how we can improve our services and support more timely and effective access to information.