Canada will accept more Turks, Syrians due to earthquake

Canada will accept more Turks, Syrians due to earthquake

Those already in Canada can be granted extended stays

By Barry Ellsworth

TRENTON, Canada (AA) – 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.

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 Türkiye 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 Turkiye 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.”

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