matter.
Access to the Refugee Determination System
What we heard:
Access to the refugee determination system is too restrictive and would
deny access to people convicted of politically trumped-up charges. Others
who are excluded from the IRB procedures may be denied access to a fair
risk assessment upon return to their country of origin.
Our response:
The possibility of politically trumped-up charges will be considered by the
IRB, except in cases where the Minister finds the person to be a danger to
the public.
The new bill clarifies that unsuccessful refugee claimants, refugees who
have withdrawn or abandoned their claims, and refugees excluded from the
IRB process will have access to a pre-removal risk assessment prior to
removal.
The risk review may provide for an oral hearing, depending on the complexity
of the case.
Repeat claimants will have access to the risk review after six months
instead of one year.
People refused resettlement overseas will have access to the IRB
determination system should they later apply from within Canada.
Other Amendments to Respond to Stakeholder Submissions
The time limit for filing leave for judicial review of overseas decisions is
prolonged from 15 to 60 days.
Convention refugees and protected people whose identities have been
established will be provided with a document indicating their status and
making them eligible to apply for refugee travel documents.
- 30
2001-03
Backgrounder # 2
Making the System Work Better
For Immigrants
Improving Client Service
What we are doing:
Piloting new approaches to overseas processing.
Introducing new technology: the Global Case Management System.
Why we are doing it:
To ensure faster processing, quality decisions and increased transparency.
Clearing up Backlogs and Managing the Inventory
What we are doing:
Designating new funds to clear up backlogs.
Improving the management of the inventory of applications for permanent
residence and for immigration visas abroad.
Introducing the Multi-year Planning Process.
Why we are doing it:
To serve Canadians, permanent residents and potential immigrants faster
and more effectively.
To enable the program to move toward immigration levels of one percent of
the population.