In an effort to provide relief and stability, Canada has extended temporary measures to support Israeli and Palestinian nationals residing in Canada until July 31, 2025. These measures, which offer significant assistance to those affected by the ongoing conflict in the region, underscore Canada’s commitment to humanitarian support.
Key Measures for Israeli and Palestinian Nationals
Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has implemented several facilitative measures to aid Israeli and Palestinian nationals. Here are the primary provisions:
Fee-Exempt Permits and Extensions
Eligible individuals can apply for fee-exempt study permits, open work permits, and extensions of their temporary resident status. This initiative, which began on March 8, 2024, allows affected individuals to continue their lives in Canada without the additional burden of immigration-related fees.
Eligibility Criteria
To benefit from these measures, individuals must meet certain criteria. Eligible individuals include:
- Foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have left Israel and the Palestinian Territories due to the conflict.
- Israeli and Palestinian nationals already in Canada with valid temporary resident status.
Application Process
Eligible individuals must include the visible remark “MOME2023” on their visitor record, study permit, or work permit. This remark ensures that eligible clients can demonstrate their eligibility for in-Canada supports and services.
Comprehensive Support for Affected Families
The extended measures provide robust support for the families of Israeli and Palestinian nationals. The definition of family member, as per subsection R1(3), includes:
- Spouse or common-law partner
- Dependent children of the spouse or the principal foreign national
- Dependent children of the dependent children (grandchildren)
Furthermore, extended family members, including parents, grandparents, and siblings, are also eligible for support.
Definition of Dependent Children
A dependent child is defined as:
- Under 22 years of age and not married or in a common-law relationship
- 22 years or older and unable to financially self-support due to a physical or mental condition
Impact on Affected Individuals
These temporary measures are designed to alleviate the stress associated with the conflict. By providing fee exemptions and facilitating permit extensions, Canada aims to help affected individuals maintain stability and focus on rebuilding their lives.
Access to Support and Services
Individuals benefiting from these measures can access a range of support and services within Canada. The large diaspora communities in Canada are expected to play a pivotal role in providing additional support to these individuals.
Canada’s extension of temporary measures to support Israeli and Palestinian nationals reflects its ongoing commitment to humanitarian aid. By offering fee-exempt permits and extensions, Canada provides essential relief to those affected by the conflict.
These measures, in place until July 31, 2025, ensure that individuals can continue their lives in Canada without the added stress of immigration-related fees. For Israeli and Palestinian nationals, these provisions offer a beacon of hope and stability in challenging times.
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