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Winnipeg, Man.
Refugee workers applaud end of refugee “head tax”


Canada’s recent decision to abolish the head tax on refugees frees them from a burden that greatly hindered their adjustment to life here, say MCC refugee workers.

“It removes a huge obstacle for refugees coming to Canada,” said Tim Wichert, refugee program coordinator for MCC Canada.

The $975 Right of Landing Fee (ROLF), introduced in 1995, was imposed on all adults becoming permanent residents of Canada. It was a way to recover costs for the immigration department. Elinor Caplan, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced the elimination as part of the federal budget at the end of February.

“It’s a significant victory,” said Ed Wiebe, refugee coordinator for MCC Manitoba. “If you would have talked to us 18 months ago, we would have said, ‘Nah, there’s no give.’ ”

However, the government stance softened. Wiebe credits the change in part to the highly public influx of Kosovar refugees. Those who wanted to stay in Canada as landed immigrants still had to pay the head tax. Wiebe said that seemed incongruous, considering the lengths the government undertook to bring them to Canada in the first place.

Churches and other refugee organizations were instrumental in raising public awareness, and pressing the government to abolish the head tax. MCC has spoken up against the ROLF since its initial imposition, citing the hardship it caused for newcomers.

Wichert points out that $975 equals three years’ wages in many countries that refugees come from. Although government loans are often available, it still causes refugees significant financial strain. “It just seemed to go counter to what we’re trying to accomplish by getting people on their feet more quickly,” he said.

Refugees accepted in Canada still have to pay processing fees of $500 per adult, $100 per child. As well, other immigrants still have to pay the ROLF.

Wichert said it’s ironic that a Liberal government, traditionally supportive of immigration, imposed these fees. He said the head tax elimination is a hopeful sign. “I think this is a small step,” he said. “And it indicates that when we raise awareness of refugees’ needs, the government does listen to us sometimes.”

 – MCC Canada release

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Last modified May 12, 2000.

© 2000 Mennonite Brethren Herald.
Published by the Canadian Conference of MB Churches.
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