Canada Expands Gaza Visa Program Cap from 1,000 to 5,000

Immigration Minister Marc Miller on Monday testified before the House immigration committee about the ongoing efforts to bring Palestinian relatives of Canadians out of the Gaza Strip, amid mounting criticism over the government’s handling of the situation. 

The Gaza program, which was initially capped at 1,000 applications, has now been expanded to 5,000, each potentially including multiple family members.

Despite issuing 179 temporary resident permits as of April 29, the Immigration Department is unsure if any Palestinians have actually arrived in Canada through the program. Relatives in Canada have reported receiving mixed information from Ottawa, leading some to miss opportunities to leave Rafah by other means.

Israel’s recent offensive in Rafah, ignoring international calls for restraint, has further complicated the situation. The town, located on the border with Egypt, has become a refuge for Palestinians fleeing Israeli airstrikes and military assaults in the north of the Gaza Strip.

 The Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza reports 36,000 deaths, including combatants, which has led to global outcry and calls for a ceasefire from Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly.

The Gaza program offers only three years of residency, a decision based on geopolitical considerations and concerns about the perception of Canada participating in the “emptying of Gaza.” Miller emphasized that the government will continue its efforts to bring family members to safety, despite the challenges faced in the region.


Information for this story was found via the sources and companies mentioned. The author has no securities or affiliations related to the organizations discussed. Not a recommendation to buy or sell. Always do additional research and consult a professional before purchasing a security. The author holds no licenses.

Video Articles

Goliath Resources Hits 10.60 g/t Gold Over 22.82 Metres, Highest Grade Results In Third Distinct Rock Package At Surebet Discovery

Four Countries Control the Fertilizer That Feeds the World | Sage Potash

$10,000 Gold Is Just A Question of Time | Florian Grummes

Recommended

Antimony Resources Drills 5.27% Sb Over 4.95 Metres In Latest Results

Nord Precious Metals Identifies 29 Veins At Castle East Following 3D Modeling

Related News

Canada To Welcome 500,000 Immigrants Per Year By 2025 To Fill Labor Gap

Canada, which welcomed a record 405,000 immigrants this year, aims to work its way to...

Thursday, November 3, 2022, 10:33:19 AM

Canada Increases Cash Requirements for International Students

Canada is making significant changes to the financial requirements for international students starting January 1,...

Monday, December 11, 2023, 10:07:00 AM

Canada Lowers “Onerous” Language Requirements for Caregivers: “Much-Needed Change”

In a significant policy shift, Immigration Minister Marc Miller announced this week that caregivers arriving...

Wednesday, June 5, 2024, 03:50:00 PM

Canada Population Growth Stalls As Immigration Cuts Take Effect

Canada’s population growth has effectively stalled, rising by just 20,107 people in the first quarter...

Thursday, June 19, 2025, 11:30:00 AM

Canadian Population To Hit 100 Million, Thanks To Immigrants

According to the Century Initiative chief executive Lisa Lalande, Canada “has reached the point of...

Wednesday, May 31, 2023, 11:42:00 AM