Canada has announced a significant increase in the number of visas available for Palestinians from Gaza who want to join their family members in Canada.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller stated that the number of visas under a special program, initially announced in December last year, would be increased from 1,000 to 5,000 due to high demand.
Although Canada is committed to helping Palestinians leave Gaza, Miller noted that current conditions make movement out of the territory challenging.
So far, 448 temporary resident visas have been issued to Gazans, but only 41 have arrived in Canada.
Miller expressed concern for the current state of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza but remained optimistic about the Canadian government’s continued efforts, stating:
“While movement out of Gaza is not currently possible, the situation may change at any time. With this cap increase, we will be ready to help more people as the situation evolves. Our focus remains on keeping families together.”
Miller said that both Israel and Egypt will play important roles in implementing these measures and helping to reunite families in Canada.
Miller continued:
“Canada continues to put forward the names of those who have passed preliminary screening to local authorities to secure their exit from Gaza. Israel and Egypt are both important partners in implementing these temporary, humanitarian measures and helping people reunite with their family 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.
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