Canada Expands Special Measures for Palestinian Extended Family in Gaza

In response to the escalating humanitarian crisis in Gaza, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced a significant increase in the number of temporary resident visa (TRV) applications it will process under special measures for Palestinian extended family members. Initially set at 1,000, the cap has now been raised to 5,000 applications, as confirmed by Immigration Minister Marc Miller on May 27, 2024​ (Canada.ca)​​ (Canada.ca)​​ (Canada.ca)​.

Understanding the Special Measures

These measures are designed to provide a temporary safe haven for Palestinians in Gaza who have close family ties to Canadian citizens or permanent residents. The initiative aims to reunite families and offer them security amidst ongoing conflict.

Eligibility Criteria:

To qualify under these special measures, applicants must meet specific criteria:

1. Group 1 Eligibility:

• Documentation: Possess a passport or travel document issued by the Palestinian Authority.

• Location: Must be in Gaza on the day their application is submitted.

• Relationship: Must be a spouse, common-law partner, child, grandchild, parent, grandparent, or sibling (including half-siblings and adopted siblings) of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident (referred to as the anchor).

• Admissibility: Must not be inadmissible to Canada for reasons other than financial ones.

1. Group 2 Eligibility:

• Family members of Group 1 applicants, including spouses, common-law partners, dependent children, and dependent children of dependent children.

Anchor Requirements:

• Must be Canadian citizens or permanent residents aged 18 or older.

• Should be living or planning to live in Canada.

• Must be willing to support the applicant and their family members for one year.

Application Process

The application process involves several steps:

1. Initial Documentation:

• Submission of a statutory declaration form and a consent form for disclosing personal information.

1. Crisis Web Form:

• After the preliminary screening, applicants must submit a web crisis form for each family unit, which includes the Group 1 applicant and their family members.

1. Final TRV Application:

• Once a unique web reference code is received, applicants should submit their final TRV application promptly. It is important to note that the receipt of a code does not guarantee a space in the processing cap.

Challenges and Support

Current Situation:

• Movement out of Gaza remains extremely challenging due to ongoing conflict and strict entry and exit requirements imposed by various countries. However, IRCC is working with local and international partners to facilitate the exit of eligible individuals.

Support in Canada:

• Once in Canada, eligible individuals can apply for fee-exempt study permits or open work permits. Additionally, they will have access to three months of health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program to address urgent medical needs and settlement services such as language training and job support.

Government Response

Minister Marc Miller emphasized the importance of these measures in keeping families together during such critical times. "The situation on the ground in Gaza is challenging and volatile. These new measures provide a humanitarian pathway to safety and recognize the importance of keeping families together given the ongoing crisis," he stated​ (Canada.ca)​.

Conclusion

Canada's decision to expand its special measures for Palestinian extended family members in Gaza reflects its commitment to humanitarian support and family reunification amidst ongoing conflict. This initiative not only offers a lifeline to those affected but also underscores Canada's role in providing safe havens for those in need.

For more information on eligibility and the application process, visit the official IRCC page​ (Canada.ca)​​ (Canada.ca)​.