Manitobans awaiting visas to rescue their family members in Gaza express frustration over delays in Canada’s special measures program, leaving loved ones in dire circumstances. Hafsaa Abuaassi, a Winnipeg resident, has family trapped in the war-torn region since over two years ago, with tragic losses due to Israeli airstrikes. Despite the special measures program launched in January 2024 to facilitate bringing extended family members from Gaza to Canada, Abuaassi’s family remains stranded.
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported that 880 individuals have been brought to Canada through the program since July 29, with the quota of 5,000 applications for extended family members in Gaza already filled. Abdalrahman Qeshta, who moved to Canada in 2017, has 16 relatives awaiting processing. The desperate situation in Gaza, enduring harsh conditions and limited resources, prompts calls for urgent action to expedite visa processing.
Challenges persist, as families struggle to meet biometrics requirements, hindered by the lack of facilities in Gaza. While some have managed to complete biometrics in neighboring countries, others remain stranded, facing bureaucratic hurdles. Calls for Canada to ease biometrics requirements and expedite the process to ensure the safety of Gazan refugees grow louder amidst ongoing crises in the region.