The Canadian government recently announced their response to the situation in Afghanistan and how they intend to help Afghans in this dire situation. The Taliban took over and replaced the democratically elected government in Afghanistan by force. The Canadian government has refused to recognize the Taliban as the legitimate government of Afghanistan. However, the presence of the Taliban puts many of the people in Afghanistan at risk of violence and life. Therefore, the government has decided to introduce certain measures to help the Afghans in need. The Taliban has assured the Canadian government that Afghan citizens with travel authorization will be allowed to leave Afghanistan.
What Is the Canadian Government Doing to Help Afghans?
The Canadian government has committed to welcoming over 20,000 Afghan refugees through the following stream:
- A special immigration program for Afghan refugees and their families who assisted the Canadian effort in Afghanistan
- A special humanitarian program to resettle Afghans who can not move to a third country such as women leaders, human rights defenders, LGBTQIA+ individuals and journalists, their immediate and the extended family members previously resettled Afghan interpreters working for the Canadian government
Refugees can contact the IRCC about these special programs by sending them an email on: Canada-Afghanistan@international.gc.ca
For more information on resettlement of Afghan refugees living abroad and reunification with Afghan family members, you can visit contact: IRCC.SituationAfghanistan.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Afghans living as temporary residents in Canada can apply to extend their status. Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Afghanistan who require a travel document urgently can contact: IRCC.SituationAfghanistan.IRCC@cic.gc.ca
Canadian citizens and permanent residents in Afghanistan who require consular assistance can either give a call on 1-631-996-8885 or send an email at sos@international.gc.ca
What Else Is the Canadian Government Doing to Help Afghans?
Family Reunification:
The Canadian government will prioritize family sponsorship applications to sponsor eligible family members in Afghanistan. Since family reunification is an important immigration value in Canada, the main focus will be on ensuring that Canadian citizens and permanent residents reunite with their Afghan family members.
