In the wake of the devastating earthquake that struck Morocco on September 8, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) has swiftly taken action to provide support and assistance to those affected. The IRCC‘s measures aim to alleviate the challenges faced by Moroccan nationals who were in Canada at the time of the earthquake. Here’s an overview of the support initiatives introduced by the IRCC:
- Priority Processing for Applications: The IRCC has committed to prioritizing the processing of both temporary and permanent residence applications submitted on or before September 8, 2023, by individuals impacted by the earthquake. This priority processing applies to visitor visa applications for immediate family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents, as well as existing refugee resettlement applications.
- Temporary Status Extension: Effective from October 19, 2023, Moroccan nationals residing in Canada can apply for an extension of their temporary status at no cost. This extension allows them to continue their studies, work, or visit family members in Canada.
These measures have been designed to facilitate the process for Moroccan nationals who were in Canada when the earthquake occurred, making it easier for them to extend their temporary status or transition between different temporary streams. It’s worth noting that these measures bear similarity to those implemented following earthquakes in Turkey and Syria in February 2023. However, as of now, no additional humanitarian initiatives specifically targeting those affected by the Moroccan earthquake have been announced.
In another significant move, the IRCC will waive the passport or travel document requirement for Moroccans seeking approval for a permanent resident visa to enter Canada, especially for those who lost their documents due to the earthquake. Additionally, Canadian citizens and permanent residents from Morocco who are returning to Canada will benefit from the waiver of fees for temporary passports, limited-validity passports, and emergency travel documents, as well as for Canadian citizenship certificates and permanent resident travel documents.
These measures will remain in effect from October 19, 2023, to March 12, 2024. The IRCC has also indicated that it will release further details about these initiatives in the days to come.
These actions by the IRCC are part of Canada’s broader response to the situation in Morocco. The Canadian government has initiated several other efforts to provide assistance and relief. When the earthquake initially struck in September, the Canadian government announced a partnership with the International Red Cross and Red Crescent to raise funds in support of humanitarian needs in the affected region. During a 20-day period, the government offered to match donations, with a total cap of $3 million.
According to the 2021 census data, 81,775 people in Canada reported Morocco as their place of birth, with 12,835 of them being recent immigrants. Notably, the majority of Moroccans have chosen to settle in Montreal, Canada’s largest French-speaking city. In a gesture of solidarity, Quebec’s government promptly pledged $1.5 million towards relief efforts in Morocco following the earthquake.
Canada’s commitment to assisting Moroccan nationals affected by the earthquake demonstrates the nation’s dedication to providing support and relief in times of crisis. These measures stand as a testament to Canada’s welcoming and compassionate approach to those in need during challenging circumstances.