Marc Miller, Canada's Minister of Immigration, has alluded to the prospect of granting Palestinians more temporary visas than the original 1,000 allotted. Palestinians with Canadian relatives are now able to apply for temporary resident visas according to a programme that was created in response to the ongoing crisis in Gaza.

Advocacy and Criticism

Concerns regarding the 1,000 visa cap have been voiced by proponents of Palestinian immigration to Canada, who believe it to be unfair and arbitrary in comparison to other visa routes. Canadians for Justice and Peace in the Middle East (CJPME) Vice President Michael Bueckert contends that the quota is "unfairly small, completely arbitrary, and unjustifiable." 

Critics contend that instead of placing arbitrary restrictions on safety, Canada ought to focus all of its humanitarian efforts on aiding the friends and family of Palestinian Canadians caught up in the current catastrophe in Gaza.

Program Details and Support Services

Launched in January, the programme allows Gaza-based Palestinians to apply for temporary resident visas if they have family in Canada who are ready to sponsor them for a year. Spouses, kids, parents, and siblings of Canadian citizens or permanent residents are all eligible family members. 

To sustain themselves amid the ongoing crisis, these temporary residents can apply for free study or employment permits once they are in Canada. If they ever choose to apply for permanent residence, both of these standards can make things easier.

The three-month Interim Federal Health Programme (IFHP) offers health coverage to treat immediate medical needs upon arrival. Settlement services including language instruction and assistance in establishing connections with the local community and job market are also provided.

Timeline and Expiry Dates

The public policy's exemptions for applicants seeking a temporary residence visa are scheduled to end on January 9, 2025, or as soon as 1,000 applications are submitted and approved for processing, whichever comes first. 

Moreover, on January 9, 2025, exemptions from immigration controls granted to holders of temporary resident visas issued by the public policy would cease to exist. The duration of the temporary resident visas can be up to three years, or as long as the applicant's passport is valid, whichever comes first.

FAQS

Can Palestinians who have family in Canada apply directly through this programme for permanent residence?

No, the program's main feature is a provisional route. Nonetheless, after arriving in Canada, people might pursue further education and employment, which can enhance their future application materials for different immigration schemes.

What assistance is available for immediate medical needs once in Canada?

Yes, those who enter Canada through the Interim Federal Health Programme (IFHP), receive three months of health coverage for any urgent medical needs.

How can people get in touch with Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada if they have inquiries concerning the special measures?

For anyone with inquiries concerning these extraordinary measures, a dedicated phone line at (613) 321-4243 is available for collection calls.