Nationals of Haiti and Zimbabwe given an additional six months to apply for permanent residence in Canada

OTTAWA, Feb. 5, 2016 /CNW/ - The Honourable John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship and the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness today announced that an additional six months have been given to allow certain nationals of Haiti and Zimbabwe to apply for permanent residence without risk of removal from Canada.

This measure gives those who have not applied for permanent residence in Canada based on humanitarian and compassionate grounds a further opportunity to do so. The six months are in addition to the six months that were already given to affected nationals following the lifting of the temporary suspension of removals to Haiti and Zimbabwe on December 1, 2014. In support of this reinstated measure, the Canada Border Services Agency will again defer any removals pending a final decision on the H&C applications. Affected Haitian and Zimbabwean nationals will have the chance to continue to build their lives in Canada.

Quotes

"We encourage all Haitians and Zimbabweans in Canada who want to make this country their permanent home to apply for permanent resident status. This is why we have reinstated these special immigration measures."
Hon. John McCallum, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

"The special measures being extended today, in a safe and secure manner, support Canada's rich humanitarian tradition, and will give more opportunities for Haitians and Zimbabweans to build successful lives in Canada."
Hon. Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Quick facts

• The Government of Canada lifted the temporary suspension of removals for both countries on December 1, 2014. Prior to the lifting, a TSR had been in place for Haiti since 2004 and for Zimbabwe since 2002.
• After the temporary suspension of removals was lifted, close to 2,200 people applied for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds. Approximately 1,000 additional individuals could benefit from having the special measures reinstated.

Associated link

• Temporary public policy concerning failed refugee claimants subject to the 12-month bar on requests for humanitarian and compassionate consideration

Follow us:

• facebook.com/CitCanada
• twitter.com/CitImmCanada

Building a stronger Canada: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada strengthens Canada's economic, social and cultural prosperity, helping ensure the safety and security of Canadians, while managing one of the largest and most generous immigration programs in the world.

SOURCE Citizenship and Immigration Canada

Media Relations: Canada Border Services Agency, 613-957-6500; Media Relations: Communications Branch, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada, 613-952-1650, [email protected]