ARCHIVED – Designated countries of origin policy

As of May 17, 2019, we announced that we removed all countries from the designated country of origin (DCO) list. The information on this page is no longer valid and is for reference only.

On 23 July 2015, the Federal Court made a decision that affects the right to appeal to the Refugee Appeal Division of the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) of Canada. Check the IRB website to find out more.

Most Canadians recognize that there are places in the world where it is less likely for a person to be persecuted compared to other areas. Yet many people from these places try to claim asylum in Canada, but are later found not to need protection.

Too much time and too many resources are spent reviewing these unfounded claims.

Designated Countries of Origin include countries that do not normally produce refugees and respect human rights and offer state protection.

The Designated Countries of Origin policy is meant to deter abuse of the refugee system by people who come from countries generally considered safe. Refugee claimants from Designated Countries of Origin will have their claims processed faster.

This will make sure that people in need get protection fast, while those with unfounded claims are sent home quickly.

Every eligible refugee claimant, including those from Designated Countries of Origin, will still have a hearing at the independent IRB.

Hearings on these claims should be held within 30-45 days after they are referred to the IRB. The timeframe for other refugee claimants is 60 days.

Countries that have been designated

Country

Effective date

Andorra

October 10, 2014

Australia

February 15, 2013

Austria

December 15, 2012

Belgium

December 15, 2012

Chile

May 31, 2013

Croatia

December 15, 2012

Cyprus

December 15, 2012

Czech Republic

December 15, 2012

Denmark

December 15, 2012

Estonia

December 15, 2012

Finland

December 15, 2012

France

December 15, 2012

Germany

December 15, 2012

Greece

December 15, 2012

Hungary

December 15, 2012

Iceland

February 15, 2013

Ireland

December 15, 2012

Israel (excludes Gaza and the West Bank)

February 15, 2013

Italy

December 15, 2012

Japan

February 15, 2013

Latvia

December 15, 2012

Liechtenstein

October 10, 2014

Lithuania

December 15, 2012

Luxembourg

December 15, 2012

Malta

December 15, 2012

Mexico

February 15, 2013

Monaco

October 10, 2014

Netherlands

December 15, 2012

New Zealand

February 15, 2013

Norway

February 15, 2013

Poland

December 15, 2012

Portugal

December 15, 2012

Romania

October 10, 2014

San Marino

October 10, 2014

Slovak Republic

December 15, 2012

Slovenia

December 15, 2012

South Korea

May 31, 2013

Spain

December 15, 2012

Sweden

December 15, 2012

Switzerland

February 15, 2013

United Kingdom

December 15, 2012

United States of America

December 15, 2012

Ministerial Orders

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