A 29-year-old asylum seeker from Chad, Souni, arrived in Canada in 2018 with hopes of finding safety and building a new life. For nearly seven years, he worked as a security guard at the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec, contributing significantly during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic. Souni is one of thousands who played crucial roles in health-care establishments during that challenging period. However, despite his dedication and hard work, Souni now finds himself an undocumented immigrant on Canadian soil, grappling with an uncertain future after being refused permanent residency under a federal pathway designed to thank those who served during the pandemic.
Pandemic Contributions and Challenges
During the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, Souni was among the many dubbed as "guardian angels," who were instrumental in keeping the health-care system afloat. His job as a security guard fell within the occupations accepted by the regularization program initiated to thank those who risked their lives to serve Canadians during the crisis. Although he was eligible for this program, Souni accumulated less than 120 hours of work in a health-care establishment between March 13, 2020, and August 14, 2020, which was a requirement for the program.
Souni's contributions at the hospital were significant. He reflects on those days with mixed emotions, acknowledging the risk and dedication involved.
"I was carrying the bodies [of the deceased]. We were taking them out of the rooms and bringing them to the cold room for the coroner," he shared.
Despite these efforts, Souni feels abandoned by the system that once relied on him.
"I feel completely abandoned. As if everything we've given isn't enough," he expressed.
The Path to Permanent Residency
Souni's journey towards permanent residency has been fraught with challenges. He is one of 380 individuals still waiting to obtain their permanent residency through the temporary program across Canada and one of 225 people in Quebec alone. This program was established to provide a pathway for those who served during the pandemic. However, despite meeting many of the criteria, Souni's application has been denied.
The feeling of being forgotten and left behind is not unique to Souni. Many asylum seekers who played essential roles during the pandemic share this sentiment.
"There were thanks, but that doesn't take away the feeling of being deported, of abandoning everything we've accomplished here. We feel forgotten," Souni lamented.
The uncertainty surrounding their future is a heavy burden for many.
The Emotional Toll
The emotional toll on Souni and others in similar situations is significant. Reflecting on his past contributions without any assurance of a stable future leaves him with little hope.
"I gave everything I could. Some chose to stay home, to take government assistance, but we were there. We took all those risks," he said.
Many asylum seekers like Souni are experiencing distress and uncertainty as they await decisions that will shape their futures. Maryse Poisson, an advocate for these individuals, highlights their vital role in the health-care system.
"These are people who play a very important role in our health-care system," Poisson emphasized.
The sense of abandonment and lack of recognition for their sacrifices during the pandemic is palpable among those affected.
