Dozens of people who arrived in Canada to watch the FIFA World Cup filed asylum applications
Published 2 hours ago | By Editorial Desk
Dozens of people who arrived in Canada on visitor visas to watch the FIFA World Cup have filed asylum applications.
Canada hosted 13 World Cup matches, for which authorities issued a total of 26,000 tourist visas. Of the thousands of applications, more than 50 percent were rejected.
According to Canadian authorities, 175 people have so far submitted asylum applications, which will be reviewed under immigration and refugee laws.
Authorities did not specify how many of the applicants are athletes, but according to available data, 25 Ghanaians, 15 Egyptians and 15 Colombians each have filed asylum applications. Officials say the number could increase further.
The Canadian government had previously warned that tourist visas issued for the FIFA World Cup do not constitute permanent residence or asylum in Canada, and that each application will be decided solely in accordance with domestic law.
