In the second quarter of 2024, Canada experienced an unprecedented surge in asylum claims by Indian nationals, with a staggering 500% increase compared to the same period in 2023.
This increase, which amounts to more than 6,000 claims, reveals a noteworthy pattern that prompts concerns about the underlying reasons and the ramifications for India and Canada.
The Numbers: A Record-Breaking Surge
From April to June 2024, 6,000 Indian nationals filed asylum claims at Canadian airports—a number that not only set a record for any quarter but also surpassed the total number of claims from India for the entire year of 2023, which stood at 4,720. By mid-2024, the total asylum claims from Indian nationals had doubled compared to the previous year, reaching 16,800. This rapid acceleration underscores the growing trend of Indian nationals seeking refuge in Canada.
Indian nationals made 6,000 asylum applications at Canadian airports in the second quarter of 2024, which ran from April to June. This was an all-time record for any quarter. This amount surpasses the total number of claims from India for the entire year 2023, which was 4,720. It also represents a 500% increase over the same quarter in 2023.
| Year | Total number of Asylum claims |
| 2024 (January – June) | 16,800 |
| 2023 | 11,265 |
| 2022 | 4,100 |
| 2021 | 1,495 |
Global Context: How India Compares
While the surge in asylum claims from India is notable, it’s essential to understand this in the broader context of global asylum trends. Other countries like Bangladesh and Sri Lanka have also seen significant increases in asylum claims. However, the growth rate in claims from India outpaces most other nations, making it a unique case that demands closer scrutiny.
Not just from India, but also from Bangladesh, where claims at Canadian airports have increased by more than 1,200%, and from Nigeria, by about 700%.
While the surge in asylum seekers from India is noteworthy, it’s essential to compare these numbers with asylum claims from other countries to understand the broader context.
| Country | 2023 – total | 2024 – Total (Mid-Year) |
| India | 11,265 | 16,800 |
| Bangladesh | 4,440 | 10,920 |
| Nigeria | 9,120 | 7,650 |
| Sri Lanka | 2,695 | 4,750 |
| Haiti | 5,540 | 4,045 |
| Ghana | 1,910 | 3,630 |
| Iran | 5,915 | 3,310 |
| Pakistan | 5,245 | 2,720 |
| Mexico | 23,750 | 5,945 |
| Colombia | 6,045 | 2,395 |
Reasons Behind the Increase
Several factors contribute to the sharp rise in asylum seekers from India:
- Political and Social Unrest: Rising political tensions, social unrest, and concerns about religious freedom in India are driving more individuals to seek refuge in Canada.
- Economic Instability: Economic challenges, particularly in rural areas, are compelling more Indians to seek better opportunities and protection in Canada.
- Increased Scrutiny by CBSA: Reports suggest that many visitors from India are being denied entry into Canada at airports and are often given the option to apply for asylum. Although the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has denied these reports, the increasing number of such incidents cannot be ignored.
- Canada’s Welcoming Policies: Canada’s reputation as a welcoming nation with a robust asylum process is attracting more Indian nationals seeking a safer environment.
- Information Networks: The availability of information and success stories from previous asylum seekers may be encouraging more people to follow the same path.
- Changes in Visa Policies: Recent changes in visa and immigration policies, either in Canada or India, could also be influencing this trend.
Implications for Canada: Challenges and Opportunities
The surge in asylum seekers presents both hurdles and potential benefits for Canada:
- Resource Demands: The sharp rise in asylum claims could overwhelm Canada’s ability to process and support new arrivals, stretching resources thin.
- Integration Requirements: Successfully integrating a large influx of asylum seekers into Canadian society will demand substantial efforts, including language education, job placement, and community support.
- Humanitarian Image: On the upside, Canada’s role in offering refuge strengthens its global reputation as a leader in humanitarian efforts.
What Can be Predicted
As Canada continues to uphold its commitment to providing refuge to those in need, it must also navigate the challenges that come with a rapidly increasing volume of claims. The world is watching how Canada responds to this surge, and the country’s actions will undoubtedly shape its future as a destination for those seeking safety and a new beginning.
For Canada, the rise offers both opportunities and challenges. Although it highlights Canada’s humanitarian leadership, it also puts pressure on the immigration system in the nation, resulting in lengthier processing periods and higher resource needs.
A number of political, social, and economic variables are combined to cause the complicated phenomenon of an increase in Indian asylum claims at Canadian airports. Canada needs to strike a balance between its humanitarian obligations and the practical difficulties of hosting an increasing number of asylum seekers as it considers the ramifications of this trend.
