The Canadian government, led by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, has announced a series of temporary immigration measures in response to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas. This conflict, which escalated following Hamas’s terrorist attack in early October, has resulted in a significant humanitarian crisis, particularly in Gaza.
Humanitarian Concerns and Assisted Departures
Canada's deep concern for the humanitarian crisis in Gaza has led to active efforts to support the assisted departure of Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their eligible family members from Israel, the West Bank, and Gaza. These efforts are part of Canada's broader commitment to humanitarian aid and the protection of its citizens and permanent residents abroad.
Temporary Immigration Measures Announced
Minister Miller has outlined specific temporary measures to support family members of Canadians and permanent residents from the region, as well as Israelis and Palestinians currently in Canada who feel unsafe returning to the region at this time.
Fee-Exempt Study or Open Work Permits
Effective immediately, foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and Permanent Residents (PRs) who have left Israel and the Palestinian Territories since the onset of the conflict, as well as Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada, can apply for fee-exempt study or open work permits.
Support for Extended Family Members in Gaza
Recognizing the concerns of Canadians for their loved ones in Gaza, Canada is introducing special measures to support temporary residence for extended family members in Gaza who are related to Canadian citizens and permanent residents. This includes prioritizing the processing of all existing and new permanent residence applications for Palestinians within family-based streams.
Challenges and Requirements
The situation in Gaza remains volatile, with expanded ground operations and ongoing air strikes. The movement out of Gaza is extremely challenging, and individuals exiting the region must complete all admissibility and eligibility requirements before being approved to come to Canada. Canada continues to work with partners in the region to facilitate these exits.
Preparation for Applicants
Canadians and permanent residents with eligible family members are encouraged to start preparing documents, including proof of relationship, to expedite the application process once more details are available.
Minister Marc Miller's Statement
Minister Miller emphasized the devastating scale of the humanitarian crisis and the challenging situation on the ground. He stated, “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. We will continue to remain flexible with our response so we can meet the unique needs of those who require our support.”
Key Facts and Figures:
Eligibility for Fee-Exempt Permits
Immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents and Israelis or Palestinians in Canada must have valid temporary resident status to apply for fee-exempt study or open work permits.
Medical Coverage
Permanent residents and family members who came to Canada following their assisted departure from Gaza may be eligible for time-limited medical coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program.
Eligibility for Gaza Residents
Eligible applicants include spouses, common-law partners, children (regardless of age), grandchildren, siblings, parents, or grandparents of a Canadian anchor, as well as their immediate family members. Proof of relationship documents may include birth certificates, baptismal certificates, or other official documents.
Future Implications
These measures reflect Canada's commitment to providing safe haven and support to those affected by international conflicts. The approach taken in this situation could set a precedent for how Canada and other nations respond to similar crises in the future, emphasizing the importance of flexible and compassionate immigration policies in times of global turmoil.
