Canada to decide immigration for Gaza evacuees case by case: IRCC Minister Marc Miller

The immigration status of evacuees from the Gaza Strip, who are seeking refuge in Canada, will be determined on a case-by-case basis, said Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada Minister Marc Miller.

“I think it’s something we’ll tackle as the case may be,” said Miller, as quoted in a report from Immigration.ca.

Settlement services and income support for Gaza evacuees

The settlement services and income support for new arrivals from Gaza will depend on their individual circumstances and will be assessed by the IRCC accordingly.

“We’ll have to look at what that means, and look at the volume,” Miller said. He acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the financial situation of those leaving Gaza, emphasizing that each case would be considered individually.

Safely facilitating Gaza evacuations

Canada has been actively involved in facilitating the safe passage of over 400 individuals with connections to the country. The effort is part of ongoing negotiations between Israel and Egypt, mediated by Qatar.

Among the anticipated evacuees, Canada has identified 75 individuals who crossed the tightly controlled Rafah border and are permitted to stay in Egypt for 72 hours. 

The group comprises Canadian citizens, permanent residents, and eligible family members without Canadian immigration status. 

Four Canadians have already left Gaza with the assistance of a third party, according to Global Affairs Canada.

In a CTV News report, GAC warned of the unpredictable situation at the Rafah border and advised Canadians to anticipate delays and unexpected closures. 

Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly expressed ongoing concern about the situation in Gaza, condemning terrorist attacks and calling for the release of hostages. 

Canada is also allocating $20 million from the previously announced $60 million in aid to UN and Red Cross organizations for humanitarian assistance in Gaza, the West Bank, and neighboring areas. Minister of International Development Ahmed Hussen made the announcement at the International Humanitarian Conference for the Civilian Population in Gaza, emphasizing that funds will not go to Hamas.

The discussion revolves around the recent violence in the Middle East, triggered by Hamas’ October 7 incursion, resulting in the death of 1,400 Israelis and the hostage-taking of 240 Israelis by the militant group in Gaza. 

Israel’s retaliatory attack has led to the death of over 10,500 Palestinians, including 4,300 children, according to the Hamas-run Health Ministry in Gaza.

Security and policy considerations

“There are a number of security considerations and policy considerations that are compelling us to focus on Canadians. We want to get Canadians out,” he said.

However, Miller acknowledged that if individuals manage to escape the conflict and seek refuge in Canada, it would be a humane response.

Looking ahead, he raised the possibility of evacuating Canadians in Lebanon after those in Gaza have been assisted. The consideration arises from the ongoing clashes between Israeli troops and Hezbollah militants along the Lebanon-Israel border.

“That is the next set of considerations that I hope does not come to fruition because that means that the conflict has escalated,” he said.