“I am proud to mark a significant milestone today in Canada’s long-standing humanitarian tradition by welcoming over 30,000 vulnerable Afghans to their new home. This is an ambitious achievement as we work towards our goal of resettling at least 40,000 Afghans by the end of 2023. Although the Afghanistan resettlement effort is one of the largest and most difficult in Canada’s history, we remain committed to maximizing every opportunity to support these vulnerable Afghans in their transition to a better life in Canada. This milestone is a testament to the incredible work of governments, stakeholders and NGOs, and underscores our belief that welcoming refugees is an integral part of who we are.”

– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“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 Afghan refugees are given the opportunity to restart their lives in safety.”

– António Vitorino, Director General, International Organization for Migration

• The Government of Canada’s commitment to resettle at least 40,000 Afghan nationals by the end of 2023 remains one of the largest programs in the world.

• Over half of the overarching commitment focuses on those who assisted Canada, including 18,000 spaces for the Special Immigration Measures (SIMs) program for Afghan nationals and their families who closely assisted the Government of Canada. Canada is also welcoming up to 5,000 extended family members of Afghan interpreters who came to Canada as part of earlier programs.

• Canada was one of the first countries to launch a special humanitarian resettlement program for vulnerable Afghans.

• Afghans have been welcomed in more than 170 communities across Canada. Detailed information about the destination communities welcoming Afghans is available on our website.

• The Government of Canada recently introduced amendments to the Criminal Code to reduce some of the barriers faced when helping individuals leave Afghanistan safely.

• Government-assisted refugees become permanent residents upon arrival in Canada. They receive at least 12 months of income support under the Resettlement Assistance Program and will have access to settlement services, including language training and the Interim Federal Health Program for medical coverage. We work closely with service provider organizations in Canada to deliver services to newcomers and make sure they can successfully integrate.