Refugee Immigration (Canada): Potential challenges for refugees in Canada
Subject: Refugee Immigration Canada
The website of Immigration, Citizenship and Refugee Canada (ICRC) states 27,580 Syrian refugees have arrived in Canada. Every day more and more immigrants and refugees are entering Canada from different countries. Those people are seeking protection and asylum within their borders because they are afraid to live in their home countries. It is a very challenging and time-consuming process. Refugees are leaving their countries behind in order to start a new safe life in a different country with different language, laws, education and health systems, and different cultural expectations. Unfortunately, challenges face refugees at the beginning that is why to get used to a new life requires a period of adjustment.
The Canadian Refugee system consists of two main parts: the Refugee and Humanitarian Resettlement Program (for those who are seeking protection from outside Canada) and In-Canada Asylum Program (for those who are making refugee protection claims from within Canada). Regardless where a refugee is residing, either outside or inside Canada, they all might face some challenges mentioned below.
These potential challenges face refugees in Canada more often:
- Language and communication barriers;
- Cultural shock
- Employment
- Affordable housing
- Health issues
- Distance and lack of communication with their families
1. Language and communication barriers
Canada being multilingual country has two official languages: English and French. Being unable to speak one of those is the first hurdle to overcome for refugees. That is why they are offered to attend English classes. However to find time between jobs and caring for children can be a problem. Furthermore, some refugees were not literate in their native language.
2. Cultural shock
Before refugees come to Canada, they are given detailed information (orientation session). Although the program run by the International Organization for migration covers everything from what to wear during the winter season to how to earn a living, this program provides very little of what is really waiting for them in Canada. They will need to learn on their own as they go. For example, the Syrians have private sponsors who are providing them with all necessary information. Cultural barriers transcend every aspect of refugees’ lives.
3. Employment
It is most likely employment to be very important for many immigrants, in particular refugees. High unemployment in some places is a concern that may arise. The Canadian Labour and the Canadian Chamber of Commerce are working on encouraging employers to hire refugees.
4. Affordable housing
If a refugee has a private sponsor, he/she is responsible for finding accommodation that is suitable for a refugee and his/her family. The options such as renting apartments/houses for private-sponsored refugee, shelter spaces and military barracks for government-assisted refugees are available. These are only temporary options until permanent homes are available for them.
5. Health concerns
Refugees might have complex health issues that will require health services. As permanent residents, they will be entitled to a range of health coverage from medication to mental-health services. Many refugees who have escaped traumatic situations will be in need of mental-health services to improve their mental stability. Accessing mental health issues is problematic as they have been exposed to rape or violence but may not know how to ask for help. Moreover, an additional barrier can arise as mental health issues are taboo in many cultures.
6. Distance and lack of communication with their families
The refugees who came by themselves without their families may found it extremely difficult to live in Canada. In very short period of time, they will be homesick. Taking into account that the situation in their home countries may be unstable, it will be problematic to stay in touch with them. Being worried for your family members’ lives may cause health problems as well.
Different institutions offer English classes, places for living and other services to enable easier refugee immigration Canada.
Tag: Refugee Immigration Canada
