Canadian Race Relations Foundation

The document examines interdiction methods and how they affect refugees, and Canada’s experience in implementing measures of interdiction, such as strict visa requirements, carrier sanctions, and giving more power to immigration officers. Focus is place on the global perspective of the issue, while taking note from international newspapers. Other aspects include a look at the UN High Commissioner on Refugees, and personal stories of refugees who encounter measures of interdiction, with some successful stories and others unsuccessful. The document also provides alternatives and makes recommendations on this issue.

In February 1998, Germany's upper house (the Bundesrat) debated a proposal to reduce benefits to asylum-seeker who come to Germany to receive social benefits and destroy their passports.. They would be allowed only to receive accommodation in group quarters. (p. 12).

Often people wishing to visit Canada are refused visitors' visas because Canadian immigration officials decide, rightly or wrongly, that they might stay on in Canada illegally, or make a refugee claim. Many of these refused visitors are wanting to visit family in Canada. Sometime refusals are reported in the media, for example when a visa is refused to someone wishing to visit a dying family member in Canada. (p. 35).