What will stop someone from filing an asylum claim, knowing that it is unfounded, simply to benefit from the AVR?
The limited funds that will be available under the AVR pilot program — up to $2,000 — are not a strong incentive for people to file a refugee claim simply to benefit from the program. Besides incidental expenses such as a meal or taxi fare, money is not generally given directly to the failed asylum claimant. To be eligible for the AVR pilot program, criteria will include: no criminality; meeting all reporting requirements; providing travel document information at the time they make their claim; and abiding by terms and conditions imposed by the CBSA or IRB. Other measures to deter abuse include a temporary bar on return to Canada for those who use the program and the requirement to reimburse the CBSA for the cost of any assistance they received before they return to Canada.
