Canada Reaches Goal to Settle 25,000 Syrian Refugees
Canada’s new Liberal government, led by Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, has accomplished its goal to resettle 25,000 Syrian refugees in Canada by the end of February 2016. On February 27, 2016, the 25,000th refugee fleeing the Syrian Civil War arrived at the airport in Montreal to start a new life in Canada as a Canadian permanent resident.
“This is a terrific day for us,” John McCallum, Canada’s Immigration Minister, declared at a press conference. He stated further, “We have reached a significant milestone, but the work continues as we begin to integrate Syrian refugees into our communities. Canadians from coast to coast will have a hand in welcoming, integrating and contributing to the success of our newest community members.”
Unlike the skilled foreign workers who immigrate to Canada as permanent residents through the Express Entry Canadian immigration system and have good English and/or French language abilities, the majority of the 25,080 Syrian refugees who have arrived in Canada so far do not know English or French (most speak Arabic). Thus, one of the first important tasks for these Canadian newcomers is to learn English or French as soon as possible so they can more quickly get fully settled in their new country. Part of the Canadian government’s settlement plan for the thousands of Syrian refugees who immigrate to Canada includes providing English or French classes for them in the communities where they live in Canada.
Canada’s government has asked Canadians to help the Syrian refugees find jobs in Canada and to feel at home in their new country. Thus far, Canadians have welcomed the refugees with open arms. This is not surprising since Canada is a multicultural country in which one out of every five Canadian residents is foreign-born. In fact, the 2015 Legatum Prosperity Index declared Canada to be the world's #1 most immigrant-friendly country, with 92% of Canadians indicating that they are tolerant toward newcomers to Canada and saying that they think Canada is a good place for immigrants and for ethnic minorities.
While much work remains to help these 25,080 Syrian refugees adjust to living in Canada as new permanent residents, the Canadian government is moving forward with plans to relocate thousands of additional Syrian refugees to the safety of Canada. The goal is to bring a total of 35,000-50,000 people fleeing the conflict in Syria to live in Canada by the end of 2016.
Approximately 250,000 people from around the world immigrate to Canada each year. Most of the individuals approved for Canadian immigration do not arrive as refugees, but rather move to Canada as “economic immigrants” who already know English and/or French and have the education and work experience needed to fill high-demand jobs in Canada. Skilled foreign workers who meet the eligibility requirements to immigrate to Canada through the Express Entry system are in a strong position to work in Canada in their occupation and to quickly adjust to living in their new country as Canadian permanent residents. If you and your family would like to find out if you are likely to qualify for Express Entry immigration to Canada, click here!
