Canada has been registering a high number in the number of so-called “non-resident, self-pay” births in the post-pandemic period.
According to Policy Options, before the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of non-residents giving birth while on a visitor visa and those under other temporary resident categories was increasing steadily.
Data show that in 2018 and 2019, Canada registered a total of 5,239 and 5,689 non-resident births, respectively.
However, in 2020 and 2021, the number of non-resident births dropped significantly due to the restrictions imposed to halt the spread of COVID-19.
Canada saw only 2,433 non-resident births in 2020 and 2,245 non-resident births in 2021.
Such a trend was prevalent only for these two years, as immediately after the COVID restrictions were lifted, the number of non-resident births increased again, raising concerns.
Data has shown that in 2022, Canada registered a total of 3,575 non-resident births, and the number is expected to be even higher in 2023, VisaGuide.World reports.
In line with the current rules that Canada has, all children born in the territory of Canada are regarded as Canadian citizens, regardless of the status of the parents.
Taking into consideration such a law, the number of foreigners coming to Canada specifically to give has been increasing post-pandemic, too.
A birth tourist is not eligible to access free healthcare as they are not Canadian citizens. However, the requirement to cover the fee of the hospital has not pushed them away from choosing Canada for birth tourism.
Given the current situation, the Canadian government has been called to take measures and consider changes to its Citizenship Act.
According to Policy Options, of all Canada’s provinces, British Columbia saw the highest increase in non-resident births in 2021 compared to 2021. The province registered a 105.3 percent increase last year compared to 2021.
Following British Columbia, Alberta, and Quebec make up the top three provinces that saw the highest increase in non-resident births compared to 2021.
Alberta recorded a 66.5 percent increase, and Quebec recorded a 57.3 percent increase in non-resident births in 2022.
In addition to the above-mentioned, Policy Options explained that non-resident births have increased in most hospitals in Canada post-pandemic.
Richmond Hospital of British Colombia was one of the most popular hospitals for birth tourists, with non-resident mothers making up around 24 percent of all births in 2019-2020. However, the number fell dramatically during the pandemic, with the hospital recovering by only four percent in 2022.
On the other hand, Humber River-Wilson Hospital has recovered the most – 10.5 percent – meaning that the hospital is the most popular for birth tourism.