Canada sees asylum surge and labour rulings linked to 2026 FIFA World Cup

Following the 2026 FIFA World Cup, which saw Canada host 13 matches, the country recorded 175 asylum applications from foreign visitors who arrived on tournament‑related visas. Nations with the highest claims included Ghana (25), Egypt and Colombia (15 each), and Nigeria (10). Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada warned that the number could rise as some visitors remain after their visas expire.

In a separate development, the British Columbia Labour Relations Board examined a complaint by a Vancouver city workers’ union that the municipality failed to disclose a budget decision eliminating hundreds of bargaining‑unit positions during collective‑bargaining negotiations timed for the World Cup. The board accepted that the city sought to conclude talks quickly but did not find sufficient evidence of a prohibited concealment under the province’s labour code.