An official data reveals that in the last six months of 2024 only, approx. 9770 refugee claims were filed by Indian Nationals. Such a count has surpassed numbers from Mexico and Haiti.
The Canadian government has announced a strict “One-Year Rule” that is expected to make seeking asylum considerably more difficult for foreign nationals, particularly those from India.
What the newly introduced “One-Year Rule” says?
Under the newly implemented regulations, any individual seeking asylum in Canada must now submit their claim within 365 days (one year) of entering the country. Failure to meet this deadline means the claim will not be referred to the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB).
For those entering via official land border crossings from the United States, the rules are even more strict adding that the candidates will only have 14 days to present their case.
Impact on Indian Nationals
The move comes ahead as Indian citizens have become on top seeking asylum in Canada. An official data reveals that in the last six months of 2024 only, approx. 9770 refugee claims were filed by Indian Nationals. Such a count has surpassed numbers from Mexico and Haiti.
Additionally, over 45000 asylum claims since December 2012 have been filed by Indians, many originating from the Punjab citing political or security concerns.
The Canadian government stated that the primary goal is to prevent the “misuse” of the asylum system and to better manage the sudden surge in claims. By enforcing these deadlines, authorities aim to ensure that resources are prioritized for those facing genuine persecution and immediate danger.
The new rules apply to anyone who arrived in Canada after the cutoff date of June 24, 2024. Those who miss the one-year window will be left with the “Pre-Removal Risk Assessment” (PRRA) as their only option a process described as significantly more difficult than a standard asylum claim.
