This webpage is to provide accurate information on the Afghan resettlement program and available resources. This webpage will be updated on a regular basis.
What do we know?
- The Government of Canada has doubled its Afghan resettlement efforts from 20,000 to 40,000. Almost half of the Afghan newcomers are minors;
- Canada has now welcomed over 28,285 Afghan refugees;
- The Government will assign the number of Government Assisted Refugees (GARs) that our region will receive;
- It is likely that a number of Privately Sponsored Refugees (PSRs) will also settle in London;
- 458 Afghans arrived in London as of January 19, 2023. Of these, 419 have moved from temporary to permanent residences.
- The main languages spoken are Pashto and Dari.
How will these newly arrived refugees be supported?
- GARs will be received by the staff of the Resettlement Assistance Program (RAP) at the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre (CCLC)
- GARs will be provided with the initial settlement needs, which includes temporary housing, basic needs and addressing immediate medical needs through the RAP staff
- CCLC has teamed up with Goodwill Industries, Ontario Great Lakes, to facilitate donations. Donors wishing to make a financial contribution are requested to direct their gifts to CCLC’s Highest Priority Needs fund
- Settlement agencies will provide support to all immigrants, including GARs
How will the London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) support?
- LMLIP will share information on available additional supports;
- Support CCLC by sharing information on social media outlets;
- Provide information to the established Afghan community as per need; and
- Convene information sessions as per need.
How can the community help?
- Learn about Canada’s Program for Vulnerable Afghans
- Provide information on available housing to the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre;
- Connect with the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre to volunteer;
- Check with the London Cross Cultural Learner Centre for suitable donations;
- Learn about the Private Sponsorship of Refugees program to sponsor Afghan refugees outside Canada in need of resettlement
- Be welcoming
Other Resources:
- https://london.ca/immigration/work/employment-support
- How to volunteer and donate
- Calgary Catholic Immigration Society (CCIS), has created a national email address afghaniresettlement@ccislive.ca as a centralized point of contact to engage and connect volunteers, sponsors, and potential partners and donors to aid incoming Afghan refugees. CCIS will then direct offers received towards the appropriate community or region(s) across Canada.
For Information contact: London & Middlesex Local Immigration Partnership (LMLIP) at hhussein@lmlip.ca; 519-663-0774 ext: 283
Last modified:Friday, February 24, 2023