Changes to the pre-removal risk assessment for Venezuela
Ottawa, October 9, 2024—Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is deeply concerned about the situation in Venezuela. Since the disputed presidential elections on July 28, 2024, conditions in the country have worsened, with arrests of protesters and opposition members. In light of these developments, certain individuals from Venezuela could be at risk if they were to return to their country of nationality.
Venezuelan nationals who received a negative final decision on their claim for refugee protection from the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada or the Federal Court between October 10, 2023, and October 9, 2024, may now be eligible to apply for a pre-removal risk assessment (PRRA). People who received a final PRRA decision from IRCC during that period may also be eligible to apply. In normal circumstances, people are not eligible to apply for a PRRA for 12 months following a negative decision. However, IRCC can implement an exemption to the 12-month waiting period if there is a sudden and significant change in conditions in a claimant’s country of origin that creates a new situation of risk.
The Canada Border Services Agency will advise eligible people from Venezuela that they can apply for a PRRA if they are currently subject to an enforceable removal order.
People are responsible for keeping their PRRA application up to date and informing IRCC of any changes to their application. Being eligible to apply for a PRRA does not guarantee a positive outcome. IRCC officers will continue to decide on each case individually based on the information provided.
Venezuelan nationals and formal habitual residents of Venezuela who receive a final negative decision after October 9, 2024, are not eligible to apply for a PRRA for 12 months. That is because any recent changes in country conditions would have been considered either when the refugee claim was decided or during the PRRA process.
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