Forward Regulatory Plan: 2021 to 2023
Repeal of Regulations Relating to the Designated Country of Origin Regime

Enabling Act: Immigration and Refugee Protection Act

Description

The Designated Country of Origin (DCO) regime was introduced in 2012 to expedite processing of claimants from countries generally considered to produce fewer refugees, with a view to deterring misuse of the asylum system.

On May 17, 2019, the Government of Canada announced its policy intent to repeal the DCO regime and at the same time removed all countries from the DCO list in response to the Federal Court finding certain provisions of the DCO regime being unconstitutional. This approach effectively suspended the DCO regime pending formal legislative repeal.

It is proposed that all regulations associated with the regime be repealed, including those that make DCO claimants subject to shorter hearing time limits before the Refugee Protection Division, and bar them from obtaining a work permit immediately following their claim.

Regulatory cooperation efforts (domestic and international)

Regulatory cooperation efforts are not required

Potential impacts on Canadians, including businesses

There are no expected impacts on Canadians or Canadian businesses.

Consultations

On May 17, 2019, the public was informed of the Government’s intent to repeal the DCO legislation by way of a news release from the Office of the Minister of IRCC. No further public or stakeholder consultations are planned to support the repeal of the DCO regime, which are expected to be welcomed by stakeholders.

Further Information

Announcement: Canada ends the Designated Country of Origin practice

Canada Border Services Agency Forward Regulatory Plan: 2020 to 2022: Amendments to Stay of Removal Regulations (R231 and R233)

Departmental contact information

Mark Henry
Assistant Director, Asylum Program Policy, Refugee Affairs Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Email: Mark.Henry@cic.gc.ca
Telephone: 613-617-0891

Date the regulatory initiative was first included in the Forward Regulatory Plan: April 1, 2021