Erico, a Ghanaian currently based in Saskatchewan, Canada, shared his emotional journey and struggles as an asylum seeker in a recent interview with DJ Nyaami on SVTV Africa’s Daily Hustle Worldwide. Having arrived in Canada in February 2024, Erico explained that he came through the assistance of a close friend who helped with his visa processing. Back in Ghana, Erico worked as a real estate agent and was inspired to migrate after seeing advertisements that promised high wages for seemingly simple jobs in Canada.
His journey to Canada wasn’t his first attempt to migrate. In 2015, Erico tried to stow away via Lybia to Italy but abandoned the attempt out of fear. Determined to pursue safer migration, he later secured a visa and headed to Canada with hopes of building a better life. Upon arrival at Toronto Pearson Airport, he requested asylum and was given temporary documentation.
However, reality quickly sank in. The conditions at the places he initially stayed were harsh—overcrowded and uncomfortable. Despite applying for countless jobs, Erico faced consistent rejection due to his lack of Canadian experience and temporary status. He moved from Toronto to Edmonton, then to Ontario, Quebec, and even British Columbia, seeking stable employment but with little success. In each province, he encountered the same barrier: agencies either offered short-term, low-paying jobs or none at all.
Eventually, he found a cleaning job through an agency, but it was inconsistent. Erico said he has submitted resumes across seven provinces, but still hasn’t landed a permanent job. He expressed regret, saying he feels stuck. Despite having some Canadian work experience now, employers are reluctant to hire him permanently without residency.
“I used to earn commissions from selling houses and renting ships to Chinese businesses in Ghana. I had plans to return and open a restaurant,” he shared. “Now I realize I might have done better by staying and building a business in Ghana.”
Erico also highlighted that many Ghanaians, even those with permanent residency or student visas, struggle to find stable employment. Some who arrived before him are still unemployed after years in Canada. He mentioned he would need over CAD 5,000 to hire a lawyer to support his asylum case, which is financially out of reach.
Now considering canceling his asylum application and returning to Ghana, Erico warns others that life abroad isn’t always as glamorous as advertised. “Some people think traveling guarantees success, but many are silently struggling,” he said. “If you have something promising in Ghana, don’t abandon it blindly.”
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