In the wake of the devastating crisis in Gaza triggered by Hamas’ terrorist attack on Israel in October 2023, the Canadian government has taken a compassionate stance to address the humanitarian fallout. The Hon. Marc Miller, P.C., M.P, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, has introduced a Temporary Public Policy aimed at facilitating temporary resident visas for certain extended family members directly affected by the crisis in Gaza. This groundbreaking initiative is designed to provide a safe haven for Palestinian nationals with Canadian citizen or permanent resident family members willing to support them during their temporary stay in Canada.
Background
The ongoing war and the scale of the humanitarian crisis in Gaza have raised deep concerns globally. Canada acknowledges the severity of the situation and has responded with a Temporary Public Policy to offer refuge to those directly impacted by the crisis.
Public Policy Conditions
The policy outlines specific conditions to be met for eligibility, focusing on family-based support and temporary refuge. Canadian citizens or permanent residents who are 18 years or older and meet specific criteria are identified as anchors to support their extended family members during their stay in Canada.
Eligibility Criteria and Conditions
The policy outlines specific eligibility criteria for individuals seeking temporary refuge in Canada, including being in the Gaza Strip at the time of application, holding a Palestinian Territory passport, and having a Canadian citizen or permanent resident family member willing to act as an anchor. The eligible family members include spouses, common-law partners, children (regardless of age), grandchildren, parents, grandparents, or siblings of the anchor.
The eligibility criteria and conditions are divided into three parts:
Part 1: Involves the application process for foreign nationals directly affected by the crisis who have Canadian citizen or permanent resident family members in Canada.
Part 2: Pertains to family members of foreign nationals who have successfully applied under Part 1.
Part 3: Addresses foreign nationals with a temporary resident visa seeking to enter Canada as visitors.
Exemptions and Provisions
The policy grants exemptions from certain provisions of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act and Regulations, allowing for financial support and temporary stays without jeopardizing admissibility.
Anchor Eligibility (Annex A):
The anchor, who is a Canadian citizen or permanent resident, must meet specific eligibility requirements, ensuring their commitment to providing support without financial compensation.
Support Declaration (Annex B):
An essential component of the policy is the statutory declaration submitted by the anchor, affirming their commitment to providing comprehensive support for the foreign national and their family members.
Start and End Dates:
The Temporary Public Policy is set to be effective from January 9, 2024. The policy’s provisions will be implemented promptly, with the exemptions for processing applications under Parts 1 and 2 expiring after the acceptance of 1,000 applications or one year, whichever comes first. Exemptions for foreign nationals under Part 3 expire one year after the policy comes into effect.
Conclusion
It’s a compassionate initiative allowing temporary resident visas for those directly affected, with Canadian family support during their stay.
Eligible foreign nationals submit an application for a temporary resident visa online, meeting specified criteria.
Exemptions are granted for financial inadmissibility (Section 39 of the Act) and the obligation to leave Canada by the visa’s end.
It starts on January 9, 2024, and exemptions for foreign nationals under Parts 1 and 2 expire after 1,000 applications or one year.
Yes, the policy may be revoked at any time without notice. All applications accepted prior to revocation will be processed under the policy.
