View 2023 Refugee Claim Process Infographic
Processes are changing frequently, please check here for updates.
In March 2020 world travel shut down as a result of the COVOD-19 pandemic spread. For refugee claimants this compounded an already fragile situation with the existence of the Safe Third Country Accord that precludes many from seeking protection in Canada. Refugee claimant arrivals slowed and then moreorless halted, and claimant-serving agencies wondered what had happened to the over *84 million forcibly displaced worldwide as asylum claims dropped by 33% Was it possible that when the pandemic ended, and possibly the STCA was rescinded, we might see an unprecedented number of arrivals?
As a result the MAP Executive took the decision to conduct planning around what would happen in the case of a large number of refugee claimants coming to BC, under any circumstances. Given that it was one of several possibilities following the pandemic, and the one that would tax the refugee claimant serving sector the most, two MAP meetings were dedicated to the discussion, a survey of all agencies was conducted to measure capacity and gaps, and a report written with information gleaned from the survey and recommendations to the sector and to government stated. At the same time communication with the BC government was initiated and responded to.
Click here to download the MAP BC Emergency Plan Report (PDF)
On September 23 MAP Executive reported back to membership and it was agreed that a Plan to respond to such an emergency should be prepared ahead of time and a Task Force of MAP agency volunteers formed. The Task Force (made up of 6 MAP member agencies) has started meeting, and agreed that a simple, communicable and flexible plan will be created and communicated to government at all levels as well as MAP member agencies and external stakeholders.
Resources to help with Planning
MAP’s Housing Working Group is a collaboration of many refugee-serving agencies who focus on a pathway to secure, supported housing for refugee claimants. Following a grant from the Ministry of Jobs, Economic Development and Competitiveness in September 2018 the HWG hired a number of consultants to research the experience of claimants looking for housing and the strengths and weaknesses and gaps in the system. A report with recommendations was produced and adopted by the Ministry.
The recommendations have led to further support from the Ministry to set up a sound and reliable referral to housing system for refugee claimants and MAP will manage this as a collaborative venture within its membership.
In late 2019 / early 2020 MAP completed the following important steps:
- Embarked on a process to identify a lead agency for the Housing Referral & Database Project.
– MOSAIC was identified as the most qualified agency and a contract was drawn up with MJEDC. - An Advisory Committee was established with its membership meeting the needs of the project.
The Advisory Committee will provide guidance on the design of the referral service and technical aspects of the database system, as well as moving the project forward. Minutes from Advisory Committee meetings will be posted in the Member’s section here
Look out for more news about this exciting and much needed housing initiative for refugee claimants!
December 2020
There are two new documents available for MAP members.
Click here to download the updated MAP Terms of Reference (PDF)
Click here to download the updated MAP Agreement to Collaborate (DOC)
October 2018
In July 2018, The Province of BC (Ministry of Jobs, Trade and Technology) responded with resources ($70,000) to implement four key elements of the Action Plan. The MAP Housing Working Group is overseeing Towards a Housing Solution for Refugee Claimants in BC’s Lower Mainland project from September 2018 to March 2019 in partnership with the Province of BC.
Click here to download the updated Housing Working Group Report (PDF)