On October 28, 2024, the Canadian government announced a significant new pathway to permanent residence for the families of victims of Ukraine International Airlines Flight 752 (PS752).
The announcement was made by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, as part of Canada’s ongoing commitment to support those affected by this catastrophic event. This initiative aims to reunite family members of the victims who were Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals approved to work or study in Canada.
The application period for this new pathway will extend from October 28, 2024, to October 27, 2025. It is designed to include most family members identified by the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, particularly those who were previously ineligible to apply for permanent residence under earlier public policies. This initiative builds upon previous efforts by the Canadian government to assist families with strong ties to Canada, emphasizing the nation's dedication to transparency, justice, and accountability for the victims and their families.
Minister Marc Miller expressed the gravity of the situation, stating that the downing of Flight PS752 was a horrific event. He reaffirmed Canada’s commitment to compassion, justice, and human rights, emphasizing solidarity with the families who have endured profound loss. Kourosh Doustshenas, a spokesperson for the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, welcomed the announcement, particularly noting its importance for families of student victims and thanking Minister Miller for his support during their healing process.
The tragic incident involved the downing of Flight PS752 by two Iranian surface-to-air missiles shortly after takeoff from Tehran, resulting in the loss of all 176 passengers and crew members, including 55 Canadians and 30 permanent residents. In response to the tragedy, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) implemented various measures to assist affected families, including special provisions during the pandemic and temporary public policies aimed at facilitating permanent residence for extended family members.
Canada remains committed to holding Iran accountable for its actions and continues to work with international partners, including Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom, through an International Coordination and Response Group. This coalition aims to pursue justice and ensure that the families receive the transparency and accountability they deserve regarding the downing of Flight PS752. For more information on how to apply for this new pathway, individuals are encouraged to visit the IRCC website.
Source: IRCC Newsroom