Canada has announced temporary immigration measures for people in Gaza with Canadian relatives amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas and the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza.
Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada Marc Miller said that family members of Canadians, permanent residents from the region, and Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada will be able to obtain temporary residency, VisaGuide.World reports.
However, Minister Miller warned that leaving the region would be difficult and stressed that they cannot interfere in this matter. The same said that leaving the region would be dependent on approval by Israel.
According to Minister Miller, foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents who have left Israel and the Palestinian Territories, as well as Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada who do not feel safe to return to the regions at this time, can apply for a fee-exempt study or open work permit.
Expressing understanding about concerns that Canadians have about the safety of their family members in Gaza, Minister Miller said that they will prioritize the processing of new and existing permanent residence applications for Palestinians.
The scale of this humanitarian crisis is devastating, and the situation on the ground is challenging. Israelis and Palestinians in Canada will continue to find safety here, and we will do what we can to help loved ones who have fled the region, as well as eligible family members who remain in Gaza.
Minister Miller further said that they would continue to meet the needs of those who require support, emphasizing Canada’s flexibility.
Data from the Canadian government have shown that more than 300 people evacuated from Gaza are currently in the country.
Those who have family ties to Canadians who are able to exit Gaza will need to complete several requirements related to admissibility and eligibility prior to receiving approval to go to Canada.
Eligible applicants are the spouse, common-law partner, child, sibling, grandchild, parent, grandparent of a Canadian anchor, and an immediate family member.
To be eligible to apply for the permit, immediate family members of Canadians or permanent residents and Israelis and Palestinians in the country must hold valid temporary resident status.
Moreover, permanent residents and family members of Canadians who have arrived in Canada from Gaza must keep in mind that they may be permitted to apply online for medical coverage. This medical coverage remains valid only for a specific period of time and aims to provide immediate medical support upon arrival.