Refugee Claims Soar 98% in Saskatchewan Amid Immigration Cuts

UPDATE: Refugee claims in Saskatchewan have skyrocketed by 98%, surging from 683 claims between April and June 2024 to 1,344 in the same period of 2025, as federal and provincial immigration cuts leave newcomers in dire straits, according to Statistics Canada. This alarming increase comes as the number of permanent residents in the province plummeted by more than half, highlighting a critical immigration crisis.

The national picture is equally dire, with total asylum claims across Canada rising by 32% year-on-year, from 363,505 to 479,542 claims. Manitoba reported an 87% increase, Alberta saw a rise of 57%, and British Columbia experienced a 53% surge.

Immigration lawyer Chris Veeman emphasizes the urgency of the situation, stating, “If someone files a claim today, they probably won’t get a hearing for about a year and a half. That will buy you a year and a half of working in Canada.” This situation forces many to seek asylum as their only viable option for remaining in the country.

Notably, Saskatchewan has recorded the steepest decline in new permanent residents, with only 3,467 newcomers arriving between April and June 2025, a staggering 53% drop from 7,414 in the previous year. Nationally, the arrival of permanent residents fell by 23%, from 134,172 to 103,507.

In response to these crises, Ottawa has announced a plan to increase Saskatchewan’s allocation for the provincial nominee program to 5,500 to 6,000 spots next year. However, for thousands already in limbo on temporary permits, this is seen as “too little, too late.”

Subbiah S., who relocated to Saskatoon with hopes of securing permanent residency, is among those affected. “I bought a house… but this bomb has dropped,” he lamented, expressing the emotional toll of the sudden immigration cuts. With changes in immigration policies blocking his path to permanent residency, he now considers moving to Alberta for better opportunities.

Statistics Canada also reports a significant drop in the net number of non-permanent residents in Saskatchewan, shifting from a net gain of 2,035 to a net loss of 803 in just one year. Advocates warn that these cuts fail to address systemic issues within the immigration system.

Veeman underscores the human impact of these data points: “It’s wreaking havoc with people’s lives. Their families have sold their houses to fund their move to Canada, aiming for permanent residency.” Many are now facing an uncertain future as they navigate the tightening immigration landscape.

As the immigration minister of Saskatchewan acknowledges, creating better opportunities is essential to retain newcomers. “We’re trying to attach them to the job market, to communities,” he stated, highlighting the urgency of fostering a welcoming environment for immigrants.

The situation continues to evolve, and the community is left anxiously awaiting further developments. The next steps for those affected remain unclear, but the urgency for a solution has never been greater.

As the crisis unfolds, the stories of individuals like Subbiah S. serve as a poignant reminder of the real lives impacted by these policies. The fight for a more equitable immigration system in Canada is far from over.