Manitobans awaiting visas for their family members in Gaza are expressing frustration over delays in Canada’s special measures program. Hafsaa Abuaassi, a resident of Winnipeg, has been separated from her family in Gaza since the conflict began over two years ago, resulting in the loss of her brother and brother-in-law in a tragic airstrike. Despite the introduction of the special measures program in January 2024, her surviving family members are still awaiting Canadian visas.
Abuaassi emphasized her desire to reunite with her family in Canada, where she moved in 2022. The Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported bringing 880 individuals 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 relocated to Canada in 2017, shared the struggles of his family members in Gaza, with many still awaiting visa processing.
The dire conditions in Gaza, worsened by ongoing conflict and destruction, have led to significant challenges for families trying to reunite. The inability to conduct biometrics in Gaza has stalled the visa process for many, as offices in neighboring countries are either inaccessible or require exorbitant fees to cross. Qeshta highlighted the hardships faced by his family, including limited access to essential resources like clean water and medical care.
As the situation in Gaza remains critical, calls for expedited visa processing and potential waivers for biometrics requirements are growing louder. The need for urgent action from the Canadian government to alleviate bureaucratic obstacles and facilitate the safe passage of Gazans to Canada is emphasized by affected families. Amid ongoing conflicts and humanitarian crises, the plea for swift intervention to reunite families and provide essential aid remains a pressing concern.