Canada has introduced a temporary exemption that gives some Ugandan nationals and former residents of Uganda another opportunity to seek protection before removal. The measure applies to people who recently received final negative decisions on asylum, pre-removal risk assessment, or Federal Court proceedings.
Who the New Measure Applies To
The exemption applies to Ugandan nationals and former residents of Uganda who received a final negative decision between June 20, 2025, and June 19, 2026, on one of the following:
- An asylum claim
- A pre-removal risk assessment application
- A Federal Court decision
The federal government announced the exemption on June 19, 2026, citing current political and social conditions in Uganda.
What the Exemption Does
Qualifying individuals are exempt from the usual 12-month ban on applying for a pre-removal risk assessment after a final negative decision.
This means they may apply for a PRRA immediately, provided they meet all other requirements.
A PRRA is a last-resort protection process for people in Canada who face removal and want to show that they would be at risk if returned to their country of origin or former residence.
Possible Outcomes
A successful PRRA applicant is typically granted protected person status. This allows the person to remain in Canada indefinitely and apply for permanent residence under the Convention Refugees and Persons in Need of Protection class.
An unsuccessful PRRA applicant is required to leave Canada, typically without another opportunity to stay the removal order.
How to Apply
Individuals cannot apply for a PRRA on their own initiative unless they are first informed by the Canada Border Services Agency that they may do so.
Those who receive that instruction can apply using the federal government’s online guide.
The government stated that this PRRA exemption is not related to quarantine measures connected to the Ebola outbreak.
Source article: www.cicnews.com
