Canada Rejects Over 1,596 Nigerian Asylum Claims in 2025

 Canada Rejects Over 1,596 Nigerian Asylum Claims in 2025

Canada has denied 1,596 asylum applications from Nigerians between January and August 2025, fresh data from the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) show. 

Out of 3,548 claims filed so far, 2,292 were accepted—an approval rate of about 65 per cent, higher than in previous years.

Nigeria remains one of the top sources of asylum seekers in Canada, alongside Mexico, India, Haiti and Colombia. Analysts link the surge to insecurity caused by Boko Haram and economic hardship. Most claimants are hosted in Ontario and Alberta.

Under Canadian law, the IRB grants protection if applicants meet the UN definition of refugees or face risks such as tort¥re or cruel treatment in their home countries. 

Social groups considered include women, LGBTQ+ individuals and people living with HIV/AIDS. Claims are usually filed at ports of entry or through immigration officers before referral to the Refugee Protection Division.

Despite the recent rise in approvals, Nigerian claims have historically faced high rejection rates. Between 2013 and 2024, the IRB denied 13,171 applications and accepted 10,580. Rejections peaked in 2019 with 3,951 cases. In 2024 alone, 811 were denied, while 2,230 were approved.

Nigeria ranked eighth among the top 10 countries with the most successful claims last year, following Turkiye, Mexico, Colombia, Iran, Pakistan, Haiti, and Afghanistan.

Speaking on the trend, Imaobong Ladipo-Sanusi, Executive Director of the Women Trafficking and Child Labour Eradication Foundation, said many Nigerians misunderstand refugee laws, leading to rejections. 

“Documentation is crucial. Coming irregularly gets you rejected. But migration must be safe, orderly and regular, and those truly in need of protection should be protected,” she said.

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