Scams surge as Canada’s immigration doorway to Francophone Africa backfires

A sharp rise in immigration scams is devastating would-be African migrants after Canada’s expanded Francophone Mobility Programme unintentionally opened a door for fraudsters.
Originally intended to bolster French-speaking immigration, the scheme has been exploited by “ghost consultants” who promise guaranteed visas for steep fees. In the first half of 2024 alone, Canada refused more than 52,000 temporary residence applications due to fraud or misrepresentation — already surpassing all of 2023. Many victims, like “Marie,” a hopeful migrant from a French-speaking African nation, fell for bogus offers seen online. After paying $15,000 to a Facebook-based “immigration agent” for job placement and permanent residency, she was blocked without a trace.
Canada’s tightening immigration rules and high rejection rates — particularly for African applicants — have made migrants more vulnerable. The key reasons African migrants are especially vulnerable include low approval rate — with just 26% African study visa applications approved, compared to a global average of 60% — complex application process, and lack of reliable information.
With few trustworthy sources, many turn to unofficial channels. Scammers, operating from both African capitals and Canadian cities, offer fake documents, false job offers, and impersonate officials to extract payments. In response, Canadian authorities now investigate over 9,000 suspected fraudulent applications monthly and have introduced penalties of up to $1.5 million for dishonest immigration representatives. Global leaders, through the G7’s new fraud framework, aim to tackle cross-border scams through better law enforcement and victim support. But for victims like Marie, the damage is already done — financially devastated, and still without a visa.