Toronto: Canada has granted 3,008 visas to Palestinians in Gaza, yet only 283 beneficiaries have managed to reach the country, according to VisaGuide.World.
The Canadian authorities have attributed the delay to the applicant's inability to leave the war zone.
In response to the humanitarian crisis, Canada announced a significant increase in visa availability for Palestinians in Gaza, raising the number from 1,000 to 5,000. This decision followed an Israeli attack in Rafah on May 26, 2024.
Delay Explained
In a briefing note, officials explained that Canada continues to propose names of individuals who have passed preliminary eligibility and admissibility reviews to local authorities for approval. However, the final decision on who can exit Gaza does not rest with Canada. Currently, there are no crossings into Egypt.
Humanitarian concerns
Marc Miller, Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship, has expressed profound concern over the dire situation in Gaza. "The scale of the humanitarian disaster is heartbreaking, and we are doing everything we can to reunite families affected by the conflict,"
The government has accelerated the visa application process by issuing additional web codes to facilitate the entry of those in need.
Canada’s continued advocacy
The Canadian government remains resolute in its advocacy for the safety of civilians and is actively working to navigate the complexities of relocating individuals from the conflict zone.
The ongoing commitment highlights Canada's dedication to humanitarian support in times of crisis.