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Humanitarian visa programs: Evaluating innovative pathways for the relocation of displaced people in times of crisis

Ukraine refugees waiting for the train
Project Lead

Anna Triandafyllidou, with student researcher Hailey Davidson

Objective

This research aims to explore the role and effectiveness of Canada’s humanitarian visa programs that are created to assist people around the world who need to flee from a humanitarian crisis. By evaluating the rationale and effectiveness of these programs, this project will provide a new understanding of how different nations support people in crisis and how Canadian programs compare.

Research questions
  1. What are the main challenges and successes of humanitarian visa programs?
  2. How do humanitarian visa programs contribute to global migration management?
  3. What criteria is used to define a crisis, from which countries of origin will migrants be supported, and what resources are needed to support the individuals through such programs?
  4. What is the rationale behind a program’s design, including length, capacity and comparative grouping?
Background

Global migration remains a critical issue, with millions seeking refuge and better opportunities worldwide. Pathways and humanitarian visa programs have emerged as essential tools to manage and support this migration flow. This research examines the role, effectiveness and potential for innovation of these programs. It explores the criteria necessary for a program to be established, the factors influencing from which country displaced migrants will be supported, and the rationale behind program design, including length, capacity and grouping. By highlighting the successes and challenges of comparative programs, this study aims to shed new light on how humanitarian visa programs can be improved to better address the needs of migrants and host countries.

Methodology

The research employs a comprehensive review of existing literature, publications and articles to gather diverse perspectives and empirical data on the effectiveness of humanitarian visa programs and the rationale of their design. 

Current status

Ongoing (Expected completion: December 2024)

Funding

CERC Migration

Key words

global migration, humanitarian visa programs, pathways, migration management, refugees, innovation in migration policies