Iraqi refugee program extended to 2013

The Government of Canada has extended the Iraqi refugee program for an additional two years. Between 2011 and 2013, the Iraqi refugee program will allow an additional 8,600 refugees to resettle in Canada. This extension was announced on Saturday by Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney.

The Iraqi refugee program comprises both the Canadian mission in Damascus and the United Nations High Commission for Refugees. The Canadian mission in Damascus sees the most applications—approximately 2,500 refugees will be resettled between 2009 and 2011. An increase of approximately 400 per year will apply to the United Nations High Commission for Refugees—from 1,400 per year to 1,800 per year.

Minister Kenney is encouraging Canadians to come forward as sponsors for refugees from Iraq. The Minister also noted that many countries are reducing their refugee programs, while Canada is expanding its programs.

The government announced earlier this year that it will increase the refugee program to allow 2,000 additional privately sponsored refugees and 500 additional government-sponsored refugees. Canada accepts more than 14,000 refugees each year.