Canada is opening new temporary resident pathway for Palestinian extended family members who are able to exit the conflict area. The Government of Canada is taking the measures following humanitarian catastrophe which has been created by the conflict between Hamas and Israel since October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas.
Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship notes that the situation on the ground 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.
“We will continue to monitor the situation in Gaza very closely as it evolves and adapt our response accordingly,” said the minister.
According to Canada, this measure provides a temporary safe haven for Palestinians directly affected by the crisis in Gaza who have Canadian citizen or permanent resident family members in Canada willing to support them.
The exemptions of temporary resident visa applicants under the public policy will
expire January 9, 2025, or when 1,000 temporary resident visa applications have been received and accepted for processing , which ever comes first.
The Government of Canada notes that movement out of Gaza remains extremely challenging and may not be possible due to entry and exit requirements set by countries and other actors in the region. It reminds applicants who are able to exit of the need to meet all admissibility requirements including biometrics before they ca be approved to come to Canada.
