Canadian Immigration News

Increase in Number of Hungarian Refugees Seeking Asylum in Canada

The number of Hungarians seeking asylum in Canada increased by 50 percent in 2011, making Canada the top destination for Hungarian asylum seekers.

4,490 Hungarians applied for refugee status in 2011, almost double the number of applicants from 2010 (2,300 refugees). 2009-10 figures from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees show that Canada is the top destination for Hungarian asylum seekers.

The Canadian government has been forced to become strict in enforcing visa requirements in an attempt to manage the increasing number of refugee applicants.

"Canada regularly reviews its visa policies toward other countries. Countries are aware that if they do not satisfy the conditions of a visa exemption, a visa may be imposed," Candice Malcolm, spokesperson for the Immigration Minister, has said.

The increasing number of Roma asylum claimants from the Czech Republic has caused the Canadian government difficulties as it appears some Roma asylum seekers are coached to come to Canada, make a false asylum claim and then register for provincial welfare benefits. In 2007, before Canada removed its visa requirements for Hungarian nationals, Canada received just 34 asylum seeker claims.

If you are interested in Immigration to Canada, contact Migration Expert for information and advice on which visa is best suited to you. You can also try our visa eligibility assessment to see if you are eligible to apply for a visa to Canada.