Canada tables new bill to limit eligibility for asylum claims

A new bill introduced in Parliament could significantly tighten the rules for who can claim asylum in Canada. 

The legislation, tabled on June 3, 2025, would make several categories of foreign nationals ineligible to apply for refugee protection, based on the timing and manner of their entry into the country, according to a report by CIC News.

Under the proposed law, foreign nationals who entered Canada after June 24, 2020, and who apply for asylum more than one year after their arrival would no longer qualify for protection. 

The bill would also render ineligible those who cross the Canada-US land border outside an official port of entry, a move aimed at curbing irregular migration.

At present, individuals who cross the border irregularly are still allowed to claim refugee status if they wait at least 14 days before making their application.

 The new legislation would remove that provision. 

These changes would not apply to claims made before June 3, 2025, but would affect any claims filed after that date, including those made before the bill becomes law, making the application of the law retroactive from the date of its introduction.

The bill also proposes to expand the powers of the Governor in Council. If enacted, the federal government would be able to:

• Issue orders to prevent certain immigration applications from being processed;
• Suspend or terminate the processing of existing applications;
• Cancel, suspend, or amend immigration documents, including the conditions attached to them.

As per the CIC News report, additional provisions in the bill would allow immigration officers to compel individuals to appear for examination and would expand the ability of immigration authorities to share personal information with other government departments.

The legislation was introduced in the House of Commons for its first reading. For it to become law, it must pass three readings in Parliament, receive approval from the Senate, and obtain royal assent.

If enacted, the law could have a major impact on Canada’s asylum system and how it handles claims from individuals entering the country through irregular means or after extended stays.

Source: https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/nri/migrate/canada-tables-new-bill-to-limit-eligibility-for-asylum-claims/articleshow/121615583.cms?utm_source=contentofinterest&utm_medium=text&utm_campaign=cppst