Abuja | September 14, 2025 — Canada has declined 1,596 asylum applications filed by Nigerians, underscoring the tightening of immigration policies and the rising challenges faced by Nigerians seeking refuge abroad.
The rejections, according to immigration authorities, were largely tied to issues of credibility, insufficient documentation, and failure to meet the international standards for granting refugee protection. Canadian officials reiterated that asylum is strictly reserved for individuals who can demonstrate well-founded fears of persecution, war, or violence in their home countries.
Nigeria has consistently ranked among the top source countries for asylum seekers in Canada in recent years, with thousands of applications lodged annually. However, the rejection rate remains high, reflecting stricter scrutiny by Canadian immigration officers.
Analysts believe the surge in applications stems from economic hardship, insecurity, and limited opportunities in Nigeria, factors that continue to push citizens to seek better living conditions abroad.
The latest wave of rejections has sparked renewed debates on irregular migration and the urgent need for Nigeria to strengthen governance, improve security, and create jobs to discourage its citizens from pursuing risky and often futile migration channels.
