The number of Iranians seeking asylum in Canada has tripled since 2016.
Early last year, over 125 Iranians were applying each month for asylum. Additionally, Iranians on Canada’s west coast have become the largest single group seeking asylum.
Five per cent (one in 20) Iranians with Canadian tourist, guest worker and international student visas end up applying for asylum.
A report from the Canadian immigration ministry states that some 78,001 Iranians requested Canadian temporary visas in 2018, up from 24,000 in 2016. More and more of these visas are resulting in a refugee claim in what the report highlights as a challenge to the integrity of Canada’s visa system.
It also argues that Canada’s temporary resident visa program should not be abused. The priority for this visa category is for tourists, visiting family members, international students and temporary workers.
As a result, Canadian immigration officials have been rejecting many more visa requests.
According to Kei Esmaeilpour, president of the Civic Association of Iranian Canadians, living conditions in Iran have deteriorated and the people are losing hope. Esmaeilpour says that even affluent and educated Iranians are looking for a way out of the country.
Meanwhile, the recent rise in tensions following the U.S. drone strike against a top Iranian general may drive even more Iranians toward Canada.