PM:09:54:19/03/2023
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SULAIMANI — Canada will speed up extensions for stays for
Turks and Syrians and accelerate visa applications for others from the
earthquake-torn countries to come there, Immigration Minister Sean Fraser said
Saturday (March 18).
Those who are here temporarily can apply for visa extensions
as of March 29 and fees will be waived, Fraser and Transport Minister Omar
Alghabra said in a joint news release.
The government has already been processing temporary and
permanent residence applications "on a priority basis” for victims of the
devastating Feb. 6 earthquakes, the release said.
"Canada is committed to providing relief to those impacted
by the devastating earthquakes in Turkey and Syria,” Fraser said. "We are
already prioritizing the processing of applications from those affected and
today we are introducing new measures that make it easier for Turkish and
Syrian nationals to extend their stay in Canada and be with their families,
while continuing to work and study in a safe environment."
The death toll stands at more than 50,000 while millions
lost homes in the Feb. 6 quakes and its aftershocks that struck southern Turkey
and northern Syria.
Fraser said experiences in rapidly accepting people fleeing
war-torn Ukraine have forced the government to come up with quicker
resettlement programs, which will benefit the Turks and Syrians.
"We're using a new strategy to help facilitate the
arrival of people who find themselves in those situations (who) ordinarily may
not be approved to come to Canada," he added.
As of March 10, there were about 6,400 Turkish and 600
Syrian residents whose temporary status was to expire within six months.
"We know that many Canadians have family members who have
been impacted by the earthquakes and today's measures should offer comfort to
those Canadians,” Alghabra said.
"We understand the challenges faced by those impacted by
this tragedy and remain steadfast in providing support and relief during this
difficult time.”
(NRT Digital Media/AA)