CANADA’S SPECIAL IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE PROGRAMS FOR AFGHANS (2021– PRESENT): LEGAL BASIS, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND MAIN CHALLENGES
CANADA’S SPECIAL IMMIGRATION AND REFUGEE PROGRAMS FOR AFGHANS (2021– PRESENT): LEGAL BASIS, ACHIEVEMENTS, AND MAIN CHALLENGES

Summary/Abstract: After the Taliban seized power in Afghanistan in August 2021, Canada introduced special immigration measures that resettled over 57,000 Afghan nationals—surpassing its initial 40,000 target. This paper analyses the legal foundation, operation, results, and shortcomings of these programs, focusing on section 25.2 of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act. Through temporary public policies, the government created pathways for former local staff, extended family members, and high-risk civilians (including women leaders, human-rights defenders, journalists, and minorities), granting them permanent residence upon arrival. While the measures delivered durable protection and exceeded quantitative goals, they faced major obstacles: processing delays, document-verification difficulties, risky third-country transit, slow security screening, and sudden intake closures. A comparison with Canada’s more flexible temporary response to Ukrainians underscores the trade-offs between speed and lasting status. The study concludes that future crises would benefit from pre-established emergency tools, clearer procedures, and stronger settlement support.

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