Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Canada would accept five times the number of Gaza refugees originally authorized, raising the program’s cap from 1,000 to 5,000.
“We are deeply concerned about the humanitarian tragedy unfolding in Gaza,” Miller said on May 27. “Many people are worried about their loved ones and have expressed great interest in the temporary special measures we have put in place for their relatives in Gaza.”
“Therefore, as part of our humanitarian response, we have increased the number of temporary visa applications being processed as part of these measures from 1,000 to 5,000. Over the past few weeks, we have issued more web codes to enable our clients to apply for temporary visas.”
While travel from Gaza is currently not possible, the immigration minister noted that the situation could change at any time, and by increasing the program’s cap, Canada will be prepared to assist more people as the situation evolves.
“Canada continues to submit the names of those who pass the preliminary screening to local authorities in an effort to ensure their exit from Gaza,” Miller said.
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“Israel and Egypt are important partners to both countries in implementing these temporary humanitarian measures and helping people reunite with their families in Canada. Canada is working at all levels to facilitate the departure of relatives and keep them safe. We will continue to keep people safe.”
War broke out between the two Middle Eastern countries on October 7 last year when the Palestinian terrorist organization Hamas attacked innocent Israelis inside Israel, killing around 1,200 people.
“The terrorists are still holding 132 men, women and children captive,” the American Jewish Committee noted.
The Israeli response to the attacks was swift and deadly, with more than 37,000 people reportedly killed during the war.
As the fighting continues, Canada is providing temporary shelter to Palestinians directly affected by the Gaza crisis who have Canadian citizens or permanent resident family members in Canada who wish to help.
Eligible family members include the spouse, common-law partner, children, grandchildren, siblings, parents, grandparents and their immediate family members (spouse, common-law partner, dependent children and dependent children of dependent children) of a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.
“Once in Canada, eligible individuals will be able to apply for a fee-free study permit or open work permit under the measures already announced,” Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) said.
Palestinian refugees can obtain work and study permits
“This will enable them to live better in Canada amid the ongoing crisis in Israel and the Palestinian Territories. They will also have access to three months of health coverage under the Interim Federal Health Program to cover any emergency medical needs they may have upon arrival, as well as settlement services, including language training and support in connecting with the labour market and local communities.”
Miller promised to continue monitoring the situation and make changes to this temporary program as needed.
“The situation on the ground in Gaza is difficult and unstable,” he said when the plan was announced in early January.
“These new measures provide a humanitarian path to safety and recognize the importance of keeping families together in light of the ongoing crisis. We will continue to closely monitor the evolving situation in Gaza and adjust our response accordingly.”
IRCC has a dedicated service channel (613-321-4243) for people in Canada and overseas to inquire about these special arrangements, and collect calls are also accepted.
The public policy exemption for temporary visa applicants will expire on January 9, 2025, or once 5,000 temporary visa applications have been received and approved for processing, whichever comes first.
These multiple entry temporary visas are valid for up to three years or until the expiry of your passport.
Since December 21 last year, Canada has been able to issue tuition-free study permits and open work permits to close relatives of Canadian citizens or permanent residents.
