In a significant humanitarian move, Canada has announced an increase in the number of temporary visas available for Gazans, expanding from an initial cap of 1,000 to 5,000. This decision follows a devastating Israeli airstrike in Rafah, which resulted in 45 fatalities and has drawn international condemnation.
Immigration Minister Marc Miller revealed the increase on Monday, noting that the visas are specifically for the relatives of Canadians living in Gaza. This preparatory measure is designed to facilitate future evacuations if the situation in Gaza changes, making it easier for people to leave the war-torn region.
“While leaving Gaza is currently challenging, we are preparing to assist more people if the situation changes,” Miller stated. He also highlighted that Israel seemed on the verge of approving a program to evacuate Palestinian relatives of Canadians before its recent invasion of Rafah.
The Gaza visa program has faced criticism for its slow progress. Initially capped at 1,000 applications, it has already processed nearly 2,903 as of May 24. The new limit of 5,000 applications, each potentially including multiple family members, reflects the high demand. Despite this, only 179 temporary-resident permits have been issued so far, with uncertainties surrounding whether any Palestinians have managed to arrive in Canada through the program.
Critics, including members of the New Democratic Party (NDP), have accused the government of mishandling both the Gaza and Sudan visa programs. They argue that the issues mirror those seen in resettling Afghans after the Taliban's takeover of Kabul in August 2021. Relatives in Canada have reported receiving mixed information from Ottawa, leading some to miss opportunities to escape Rafah by other means.
A memo obtained through Access to Information revealed that the Immigration Department expected high volumes of applications from the outset, despite the initial cap. Signed by Miller in December, the memo noted that limiting the number of arrivals to 1,000 would provide some certainty but acknowledged the anticipated high demand. According to the 2021 census, there are 45,905 Canadians with Palestinian ethnic or cultural origins.
Miller emphasized that the success of the Gaza program depends on cooperation from the Israeli government agency COGAT, which coordinates activities in Palestinian territories. He mentioned that recent interactions with Israeli authorities had shown some promise, but the recent offensive in Rafah has stalled progress.
The airstrike in Rafah has elicited a strong response from Canadian officials. Foreign Affairs Minister Mélanie Joly expressed horror at the attack, calling for a ceasefire and stressing the need to end the suffering in Gaza. “We are horrified by strikes that killed Palestinian civilians in Rafah,” Joly wrote on social media. “This level of human suffering must come to an end.”
The attack in Rafah, which Israel justifies as targeting Hamas strongholds, has resulted in significant civilian casualties and widespread destruction. The Health Ministry in Gaza reports that 36,000 people have died in the conflict, including both combatants and civilians.
The Gaza program offers temporary residency capped at three years, a decision influenced by geopolitical sensitivities surrounding the notion of emptying Gaza. In contrast, the Sudan program involves permanent residency and is expected to bring about 7,000 people to Canada, though delays are anticipated due to biometric requirements.
As the humanitarian crisis in Gaza escalates, Canada’s increased visa allocation represents a critical effort to provide relief and safety for affected families. The government's commitment to navigating these complex geopolitical challenges underscores its dedication to humanitarian principles amidst ongoing conflict.
