Maple News reports that Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has announced new temporary immigration measures to support individuals and families affected by the ongoing conflict in Lebanon. These policies, effective from September 29, 2024, aim to facilitate the entry and legal stay of those who have been forced to leave Lebanon due to the unrest.
Under the new provisions, eligible individuals arriving in Canada may apply for open work permits, study permits, or extensions of their existing status at no cost. These supportive measures will remain in place until July 31, 2025.
Eligibility extends to a broad group that includes Lebanese nationals already in Canada on temporary resident status and non-Lebanese immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents who fled Lebanon on or after September 29, 2024. It also includes those restricted by the first-generation citizenship limit and individuals evacuated by the Government of Canada.
Immediate family members are defined as spouses or common-law partners, dependent children, or grandchildren (children of dependent children) of Canadian citizens or permanent residents. All applicants must hold valid travel documents to qualify.
Importantly, these immigration accommodations are not limited to evacuees transported by Canadian government-arranged flights. Those who left Lebanon independently may still be eligible if they meet the criteria.
So far, Global Affairs Canada reports it has helped approximately 1,200 Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and their family members exit Lebanon safely. In tandem, IRCC has ramped up its application processing capacity to handle the increased demand from the region.
This initiative is part of a broader effort by the Canadian government to address global humanitarian crises through timely immigration support. As conflict and instability persist in the Middle East, IRCC continues to implement responsive strategies to ensure those affected can reach safety and reunite with family members in Canada.
Maple News will continue to provide updates as these policy measures develop in the coming months.