By CHAT News Today

Refugee claimants can now apply for driver’s licences in Alberta

Jun 29, 2018 | 4:39 PM

CALGARY, AB — The provincial government is allowing refugee claimants to apply for driver’s licences.

Refugee claimants can now apply and test for a licence that will last one year while they wait for their claim to be processed by the federal government.

“Newcomers and immigrants are a valued part of our province and our communities and deserve the same opportunities to succeed as everyone else,” said Brian Malkinson, Minister of Service Alberta, in a news release. “I’ve heard from many of these new Albertans who are unable to work because they’ve not been allowed to get a driver’s licence. That’s not right and that’s why we’re taking action.”

In 2012, refugees in Alberta were barred from applying for a driver’s licence while they waited for their confirmation hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada. Refugee claimants are allowed to live and work in Canada while they wait for their hearing.

The law change aligns Alberta with other provinces.

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Those applying for licences must undergo the same knowledge and testing process as other Albertans and must follow the Graduated Driver’s Licence program. In order to apply, refugees must present a work or study permit, their claimant documentation and proof of residency (such as a bank statement or utility bill).