Canada: Information on whether the Yugoslavia Immigration/Emergency Program can sponsor someone if that person has no relative in Canada to sponsor him or her, and whether a person without a sponsor in Canada is entitled to government assistance
| Publisher | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada |
| Author | Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board, Canada |
| Publication Date | 1 October 1993 |
| Citation / Document Symbol | CAN15514.E |
| Cite as | Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Canada: Information on whether the Yugoslavia Immigration/Emergency Program can sponsor someone if that person has no relative in Canada to sponsor him or her, and whether a person without a sponsor in Canada is entitled to government assistance, 1 October 1993, CAN15514.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/3ae6abe68c.html [accessed 20 May 2023] |
| Disclaimer | This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. |
According to Interpreter Releases, there is a special Canadian program aimed at citizens of the former Yugoslavia (23 Aug. 1993, 1111). The same source states that this program has been in force since July 1993 and has been extended to 30 July 1994 (Ibid.). The program applies only to former Yugoslavs with relatives here in Canada. Applicants must also have been in Canada on temporary visitor status on or before 30 July 1992 (Ibid.). The program also applies to former Yugoslav refugee claimants who were in Canada on or before that date. Qualified applicants will be permitted to work or attend school while their papers are being processed (Ibid.).
According to an official of the Refugee Policy Branch, Europe Desk in Hull/Ottawa, the Special Measures Program in general applies to people who do not come under the Convention Refugees category (12 Aug. 1993). To qualify, applicants under this program must have a relative in Canada (Ibid.). This response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the DIRB within time constraints. This response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim to refugee status or asylum.
References
Interpreter Releases [Washington, DC]. 23 August 1993. Vol. 70, No.32. "Canada Extends Yugoslav Permanent Resident Program."
Refugee Affairs Branch, Employment and Immigration Canada, Hull/Ottawa. 12 August 1993. Telephone interview with officer.
Attachment
Interpreter Releases [Washington, DC]. 23 August 1993. Vol. 70, No.32. "Canada Extends Yugoslav Permanent Resident Program."
