UNHCR applauds Canada's commitment to grant permanent residency to asylum-seekers working on COVID-19 frontlines

UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency, welcomes Canada’s announcement to open pathways to permanent residency for asylum-seekers in the healthcare sector who have worked on the frontlines of the country’s COVID-19 response. 

“This is an exemplary act of solidarity which recognises the service and dedication of some of the most marginalized and vulnerable members in society. It is a reminder of the exceptional contributions refugees and asylum-seekers make to the communities that welcome them,” said Rema Jamous Imseis, UNHCR’s Representative in Canada.

UNHCR understands the decision will benefit asylum-seekers across the country who meet eligibility requirements and who have been playing a crucial role in healthcare institutions during the pandemic.

“We have seen firsthand, across the world, that refugees, asylum-seekers and displaced people have skills and resources that can be part of the solution,” Jamous Imseis said.

“They risk their own lives to support and care for others in the fight against COVID-19. From Colombia to Bangladesh, from Uganda to Canada, incredible stories have emerged as people come together to battle a disease that knows no borders”.

For more information, please contact:

• In Geneva, Shabia Mantoo, +41 79 337 7650 [email protected]
• In New York, Kathryn Mahoney, +1 347 443 7646, [email protected] 
• In Ottawa, Melanie Gallant, +1 613 850 1268 [email protected]