OTTAWA,
ON, May 24, 2024 /CNW/ - The Honourable Marc
Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today
issued the following statement on increasing the number of
applications that will be accepted into processing under the
temporary special measures for Palestinian extended family in
Gaza:
"We remain deeply concerned about the humanitarian tragedy
unfolding in Gaza. Many people are
worried about their loved ones and have expressed significant
interest in the temporary special measures we introduced for their
extended family in Gaza. That is
why, as part of our humanitarian response, we have increased the
number of temporary resident visa applications that will be
accepted into processing as part of these measures from 1,000 to
5,000. Over the past few weeks, we have been issuing more web codes
so that clients can apply for a temporary resident visa.
"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.
"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."
SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada