Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has introduced special measures to support Moroccan nationals impacted by the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, 2023.
In an official announcement, IRCC confirmed it is prioritizing the processing of both temporary and permanent residence applications received on or before the earthquake date. This includes visitor visa requests for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as ongoing refugee resettlement applications.
Effective October 19, 2023, Moroccan nationals currently in Canada can apply to extend their temporary status—whether as students, workers, or visitors—without paying application fees. These provisions apply to individuals who were already in Canada at the time of the earthquake and are designed to help them maintain legal status or switch between temporary visa streams more easily.
In a significant move, IRCC will also waive the requirement to possess a valid passport or travel document for those applying for permanent residence, acknowledging that many individuals lost essential identification during the disaster. Similarly, fees will be waived for Moroccan-Canadian citizens and permanent residents who need to replace travel and immigration documents, including temporary passports and citizenship certificates.
These humanitarian measures will be in effect through March 12, 2024, with IRCC expected to release further details soon. The support mirrors similar actions taken earlier this year for Turkish and Syrian nationals affected by the February earthquakes in those countries.
Canada’s broader response includes fundraising efforts in partnership with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent. Immediately following the earthquake, the federal government pledged to match donations made by Canadians for a period of 20 days, up to a total of $3 million, to provide urgent humanitarian aid.
With these measures, Canada reaffirms its commitment to global solidarity in times of crisis, ensuring that those affected by natural disasters are met with compassion and practical support.