Canada has increased the number of temporary resident visa applications for Palestinians in Gaza from 1,000 to 5,000, as announced by the country’s immigration authorities.
The fivefold increase in visa issuance follows the Israeli attack in Rafah on May 26, VisaGuide.World reports.
In a recent statement, the Canadian Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, expressed concern about the humanitarian tragedy ongoing in Gaza. He further added that many people in Canada are concerned about their relatives in Gaza.
As part of our humanitarian response, we have increased the number of temporary resident visa applications that will be accepted into processing as part of these measures from 1,000 to 5,000.
Minister Miller also said that the ministry has been granting more web codes so that people can apply for a temporary resident visa.
Canada’s Commitment to Advocating for People’s Safety
Among other things, Miller said Canada is committed to supporting people’s safety and keeping families together.
He further described Israel and Egypt as “important partners” in applying these measures and helping Gazans reconcile with their relatives in Canada.
Canada is working – at every level – to facilitate the exit of extended family members and advocate for their safety. We will continue to advocate for people’s safety.
Prior to this decision, Canada introduced a temporary residency pathway for extended family members living in Gaza who are related to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Entitled relatives include spouses, common-law partners, children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, and grandparents of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
A Miller spokesperson, as cited by Reuters, said that 448 Palestinians of Gaza had been granted temporary visas, including 248 under a policy not related to the special visa scheme, and 41 have reached Canada so far.
Canada “Horrified” by Strikes in Gaza, Demands an Immediate Ceasefire
Canada once again has demanded a ceasefire in Gaza following the Israeli strike in Rafah in the late hours of May 26. In a recent statement, Canadian Foreign Minister Melanie Joly said, among other things, that Canada is “horrified” by attacks in Rafah.
This level of human suffering must come to an end. We demand an immediate ceasefire.
Meanwhile, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, as cited by Reuters, stated that the attack in Rafah was not meant to cause civilian casualties and described it as something that had gone “tragically wrong”.