High Commission of Canada to Nigeria has addressed the reports making the rounds that Nigerians, seeking asylum in Canada can apply directly from the country.
The reports came on the aftermath of #EndSARS protest, where some of the organisers has alleged threat to live, hence they plan to exit the country by seeking asylum in Canada.
Also, the reports that a Nigerian can apply for a direct asylum went viral when news of a popular Nigerian Disc Jockey, DJ Switch who streamed live on Instagram the shooting of the protesters at Lekki on 20th of October, 2020, by men of the Nigerian army, allegedly got her asylum application approved by the Canadian immigration.
Following the news, many Nigerians who participated in the protest are applying for direct asylum in Canada.
Reacting over the news, Canadian High Commission to Nigeria has warned that no one can apply for a direct asylum to Canada while still in the country.
According to a statement posted on its social media page, the High Commission while sharing a message from the Government of Canada revealed the only way a Nigerian can migrate to Canada via asylum.
In light of recent events, we have received great interest in Canadian immigration programs.
Canadian Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, Consulates General or Honorary Consulates do not accept refugee applications directly from people. pic.twitter.com/mnL8llCUOx
— Canada in Nigeria (@CanHCNigeria) November 11, 2020
The message read below.
In light of recent events, we have received great interest in Canadian immigration programs.
Canadian Embassies, High Commissions, Consulates, Consulates General or Honorary Consulates do not accept refugee applications directly from people.
Canada works with the United Nations Refugee Agency (UNHCR), other designated referral organizations and private sponsors to identify individuals in need of resettlement, and who are outside their home country.
You cannot apply directly for resettlement. You must be referred to Canada by a designated referral organization or a private sponsor.
Don’t be fooled by rumours or false information online.
No one can guarantee that your immigration application will be fast-tracked or approved. Only a Canadian migration officer can decide if you can come to Canada.
All the information you need to apply to visit or immigrate to Canada is available free on the official Government of Canada website: cic.gc.ca
Canadian High Commission to Nigeria Speaks On ‘Canada Offering Nigerians E-Visa’
For information about other immigration programs you might be eligible for, use the Come to Canada tool: https://www.canada.ca/come-to-canada
