Canada is ending their covid-19 policy of turning away asylum seekers.

Since march, Canada has turned away 544 would-be refugees as a result of increased Covid measures. 

Refugee lawyer Maureen Silcoff said it didn't make sense to allow entry to tourists while denying entry to people seeking protection. 

She says, “It's a relief to see the measure for refugees align more with our international obligations and I think it's been clear… public health and refugee protection could coexist.” 

The government has not announced if any quarantine rules would apply to asylum seekers who are unvaccinated.