Canada Rejects Over 13,000 Nigerian Asylum Applications in 12 Years

In a span of twelve years, from January 2013 to December 2024, the Canadian government has turned down 13,171 applications for refugee protection filed by Nigerian nationals.

This statistic underscores the challenges faced by many Nigerians seeking asylum in Canada.

The Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada (IRB) is responsible for adjudicating refugee protection claims. To be granted asylum, applicants must meet the United Nations\' definition of a Convention refugee or be recognized as individuals in need of protection under Canadian law. This involves demonstrating a well-founded fear of persecution based on race, nationality, religion, political opinion, or membership in a particular social group, which can include factors like sexual orientation, gender identity, or health conditions such as HIV/AIDS. Additionally, claimants must provide evidence indicating a risk of torture, threats to life, or the possibility of cruel and unusual treatment if they were to return to their country of origin.

The data reveals fluctuations in the number of rejected Nigerian asylum claims over the years. In 2013, 127 applications were denied. This number saw a gradual increase, with 241 rejections in 2014 and 248 in 2015. The upward trend continued, reaching 476 in 2016 and 917 in 2017. A significant spike occurred in 2018, with 1,777 Nigerian claims denied. The peak was in 2019, with 3,951 rejections. Subsequent years saw a decline: 1,770 in 2020, 1,686 in 2021, and 728 in 2022.

Despite the high number of rejections, many Nigerians have successfully obtained refugee status in Canada during the same period. From 2012 to the first quarter of 2024, a total of 11,370 Nigerian asylum seekers were granted protection. The yearly breakdown is as follows: 20 in 2012; 308 in 2013; 394 in 2014; 389 in 2015; 389 in 2016; 764 in 2017; 755 in 2018; 1,733 in 2019; 1,534 in 2020; 2,302 in 2021; 1,315 in 2022; 1,086 in 2023; and 381 in the first quarter of 2024.

The reasons for the rejection of asylum applications are multifaceted. One significant factor is irregular migration. Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, noted that many Nigerians seeking asylum may not fully understand the specific laws and regulations governing refugee status in their chosen destination. She emphasized that every country has its own criteria for absorbing individuals into its system.

Furthermore, the IRB requires substantial evidence to support claims of persecution or risk. Applicants must convincingly demonstrate that they face genuine dangers if returned to Nigeria. Without compelling evidence, applications are likely to be denied.

The fluctuating acceptance and rejection rates also reflect global migration patterns and Canada\'s evolving immigration policies. Factors such as political instability, economic challenges, and security concerns in Nigeria have contributed to the increase in asylum seekers. However, Canada\'s capacity to accept refugees is influenced by its own socio-economic conditions, policy changes, and international obligations.

For Nigerians considering asylum in Canada, it is crucial to be well-informed about the eligibility criteria and to provide comprehensive evidence to support their claims. Seeking guidance from legal experts and understanding the intricacies of Canada\'s refugee protection system can improve the chances of a successful application.

In conclusion, while a significant number of Nigerians have sought refuge in Canada over the past twelve years, the substantial rejection rate highlights the importance of thorough preparation and understanding of the asylum process. As global migration dynamics continue to evolve, both applicants and host countries must navigate the complexities of refugee protection with dilig

ence and empathy.