Canada to accept 1,000 visa applications from Canadians’ relatives in Gaza
Canada will accept up to 1,000 visa applications from Palestinians who want to flee Gaza and seek refuge with their Canadian extended family members, but a Muslim organization wants the cap removed, Anadolu Agency reports.
The program, slated to start next week, is in response to pleas from Palestinian Canadians to provide a safe path to those trapped in the chaos of Gaza.
It will offer visas for up to 1,000 Palestinians, allowing them to come and stay in Canada for up to three years if their sponsoring families guarantee financial support during their stay. The door to Canada would be closed at 1,000 applicants.
However, the National Council of Canadian Muslims, which bills itself as Canada’s largest Muslim advocacy group, said it has already been in contact with more than 1,000 people who have asked about getting relatives out of Gaza.