Immigration Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has opened free-exempt work permit for Israelis and Palestinians.

Canada has recently announced temporary immigration measures to support relatives of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who currently live in Israel, the West Bank and Gaza, as well as Israelis and Palestinians who are already in Canada. The federal government will be providing fee-exempt study permits or open work permits to immediate family members of Canadian citizens or permanent residents, as well as Israelis and Palestinians already in Canada who do not wish to return home. The government will also fast-track temporary resident applications and expand status to extended families of Canadians in Gaza.

IRCC has created a dedicated service channel for questions about these special measures which is available for clients both in Canada and abroad at 613-321-4243, with collect calls accepted. Clients can add the keyword “MOME2023” to the IRCC crisis web form with their enquiry and it will be prioritized.

On October 7, 2023, Hamas conducted a terrorist attack on Israel which created conflict between Israel and Hamas and resulted in thousands of casualties. The Government of Canada has since put in place measures to help Canadians get to safety, including assisted departures.

“We will do what we can to help loved ones who have fled the region, as well as eligible family members who remain in Gaza. We will continue to remain flexible with our response so we can meet the unique needs of those who require our support, “says Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship.

Source: Citynews