Canada has announced its decision to drastically reduce immigration targets as part of a strategy to “pause population growth.”
This move, announced on Thursday, follows a noticeable decline in public support for immigration, coinciding with a remarkable surge in the Canadian population, which has now reached 41 million, largely driven by an unprecedented influx of new arrivals.
Initially, the Canadian immigration ministry had ambitious plans to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents in both 2025 and 2026.
However, in light of current sentiments, these targets have been revised to 395,000 for 2025 and 380,000 for 2026, with a further reduction to 365,000 set for 2027.
The ongoing migration trend from Nigeria, popularly referred to as ‘Japa’ among the youth, highlights the desire for many young Nigerians to relocate to countries like Canada, the United States, and the United Kingdom.
The Canadian immigration ministry’s recent adjustments reflect broader concerns about the impact of rapid population growth on resources and infrastructure.
“While it’s clear our economy needs newcomers, we see the pressures facing our country, and we must adapt our policies accordingly,” stated Immigration Minister Marc Miller in a recent announcement.
The ministry emphasized that the revised immigration plan aims not only to manage population growth but also to address the increasing pressures on the housing market, as Canadians continue to cite the high costs of renting or owning a home as a primary concern.
This decision comes on the heels of a survey conducted by the Environics Institute, which revealed a striking shift in public opinion regarding immigration. For the first time in 25 years, a clear majority of Canadians—58 percent—expressed the belief that the country is taking in too many immigrants, marking a 14 percentage point increase from 2023.
The immigration ministry has credited the surge in newcomers for helping the Canadian economy rebound from the COVID-19 pandemic without falling into recession. However, as the government seeks to balance economic needs with public sentiment, the focus will now turn to ensuring sustainable growth that aligns with the concerns of Canadian citizens.
