Trudeau Liberals offer temporary visas to Palestinians with relatives in Canada

The Canadian government has announced a new plan to give people living in Gaza with family in Canada the ability to temporarily escape the war-torn territory by obtaining visas for up to three years, so long as they meet the admission criteria.

Not everyone falls under the "extended family" umbrella, and visas will only be granted to spouses, common-law partners, children, grandchildren, parents, and siblings of Canadian residents.

"Today I am announcing new temporary immigration measures to support family members of Canadians and permanent residents from Gaza as well as Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada," Immigration and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller said during a December 21 press conference.

"We understand that many are concerned about the safety of loved ones currently residing in Gaza," he continued, calling the strip of land "unlivable" before revealing that temporary residence permits for extended family of Canadians who live there would be available beginning January 9.

Miller also announced that Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada who "feel unsafe returning to the region" as well as immediate family members of Canadian citizens who fled the area since Hamas launched its brutal assault on October 7 can apply for fee-exempt study or open work permits, so long as they already have valid temporary resident status.
 

"The scale of this humanitarian crisis is devastating and the situation on the ground is challenging," he said. "Israelis and Palestinians in Canada will continue to find safety here and we will do what we can to help loved ones who have fled the region, as well as eligible family members who remain in Gaza. We will continue to remain flexible with our response so we can meet the unique needs of those who require our support."

As PBS News reports, Canada has thus far helped evacuate 660 Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as their spouses and children, from Gaza.