Yemeni Immigrants in Canada

In 2023, 650 Yemenis were admitted to Canada as permanent residents

From 2010 to 2023, 6,180 Yemeni citizens were admitted to Canada as permanent residents.

In recent years, Yemeni immigration to Canada has been driven by the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Yemen, marked by a devastating civil war since 2015 that has displaced millions and left over 80% of the population in need of aid. Many Yemenis have sought refuge in Canada through asylum claims, family sponsorship, or economic immigration programs like the Express Entry and Provincial Nominee Program (PNP), though strict visa requirements and long processing times—often exceeding two years—pose significant barriers. The Yemeni-Canadian community, which grew to over 6,600 by 2016, has advocated for expedited refugee resettlement, citing Canada’s swift response to other crises like Syria’s. However, limited administrative capacity and a focus on other refugee groups have slowed Yemeni resettlement, with Canada admitting 23,550 Government-Assisted Refugees and 27,505 Privately Sponsored Refugees in 2023, including some from the Middle East. Yemenis often face additional challenges, such as obtaining UNHCR refugee status or navigating complex legal pathways, leading to calls for streamlined processes.