Testimony: “Giving birth has become a business” for Syrian refugees in Canada

http://en.cijnews.com/?p=45923

Posted by: Jonathan D. Halevi September 10, 2016

A Syrian refugee with the pseudonym Akram has recently told CIJnews his immigration personal story since resettling in Turkey until finding a new home in the Greater Toronto Area.

During his stay in Turkey, Akram used to live in a rented house, made a living and enjoyed the the Turkish health insurance, which based on his own experience “is much better than the Canadian.”

He applied for immigration to an European country and while on the waiting list he was asked whether he would be willing to change his immigration destination to Canada. After consulting friends he gave his consent.

Akram and all his family were interviewed together for about two hours by Canadian security officials with the help of a translator. They were asked about their military service, affiliation with armed groups and their cellphones were searched for photos of armed militiamen.

According to Akram, the Syrian refugees in Canada are “very pleased” (اكثر من مرتاحين) from their financial situation. His neighbours who have 7 or more kids receive around $4,000 monthly in child support in addition to the $2,000 monthly allowance from the Canadian government. Some have purchased cars worth of $10,000 and even $20,000.

Most of his friends declined job offers introduced to them by a volunteer and they prefer to stay at home unemployed. “Never in my life I stayed at home and someone gave me money. I came to Canada and the government is giving me money. It is fantastic (ايشي خيالي)”, Akram said.

Many seriously contemplate to have more children in order to receive an extended child support as a main source for income. Some of their wives are already pregnant. “Giving birth has become a business (تجارة)”, he explained.

Akram further said that his Syrian neighbours have no food shortage as aside from the generous financial support from the government, many registered to several food banks in the area.

He strongly believes that the Syrian refugees will not consider returning to their homeland once it is liberated, because of the comfortable conditions they enjoy in Canada.