Staff Correspondent, Dhaka:
Canada’s refugee protection system is entering a more restrictive phase, with Bangladeshi asylum seekers among those feeling the greatest impact. While Canada continues to uphold its humanitarian commitments, recent policy changes indicate a clear shift toward stricter immigration management amid growing domestic pressures.
The country’s asylum system has experienced unprecedented strain since the Covid-19 pandemic, driven by record numbers of refugee claims, temporary residents, international students and foreign workers. This surge has overwhelmed housing, healthcare and administrative services, prompting Ottawa to tighten immigration controls while reducing future permanent resident targets.
Bangladesh has emerged as one of the major source countries for asylum claims, particularly from individuals who entered Canada on visitor visas before applying for refugee protection. However, the approval rate for Bangladeshi applicants has fallen sharply—from around 77 percent in 2023-24 to nearly 50 percent during the first half of 2025-26—reflecting heightened scrutiny rather than an outright closure of the refugee system.
The introduction of Bill C-12 marks a significant turning point. The legislation empowers authorities to reject claims from individuals who delayed filing for asylum for more than one year after entering Canada, while also strengthening enforcement against irregular border crossings and facilitating faster removals. These measures signal a broader policy objective of discouraging non-genuine asylum applications while preserving protection for those facing credible persecution.
An estimated 20,000 Bangladeshi asylum applications remained pending by the end of 2025, leaving many claimants waiting two to three years for hearings. The prolonged backlog creates legal uncertainty and complicates access to employment, housing and social integration.
Despite the tighter environment, immigration experts emphasize that Canada’s refugee protection framework remains accessible to applicants with well-documented and credible claims. For Bangladeshi asylum seekers, the evolving landscape underscores the importance of timely applications, strong supporting evidence and legal preparedness, as Canada seeks to balance humanitarian obligations with the realities of managing an increasingly complex immigration system.
