Canada gives immigration support to Lebanon

The tragic explosion in Beirut has left the world stunned and heartbroken.

Canada has decided to provide some help to the people affected by the explosion. It is working on setting up an immigration task force that will support Lebanon.

The Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs and the Minister of Immigration have issued a statement saying that the task force will provide assistance to everyone who has been affected by the events in Beirut. The objective of the task force is to help continue the delivery of consular services, and ensure that all doubts about immigration are addressed as quickly as possible.

Immigration measures

The Canadian government has committed to allow Lebanese citizens to extend their stay if they are temporarily in Canada and are unable to return home at this time. Moreover, Lebanese citizens who are temporarily staying in Canada, as well as Canadians and permanent residents in Lebanon at the moment will be considered exempt from fees when it comes to the renewal of their status documents.

The country has made it clear that Canadians and permanent residents staying in Lebanon at the moment are allowed to return to Canada if all the COVID-19 public health measures are followed. Moreover, immediate family members related to Canadian citizens or permanent residents are also given an exception.

This exemption, as announced by Canada, is dependent on whether they have a valid temporary resident visa. They should agree to a mandatory two-week quarantine and provide a minimum 15-day visitor plan in Canada. If there are any international students from Lebanon who want to enter Canada, they can do so if they have a study permit that was issued before March 18, 2020.

Lebanese-Canadian business leaders have announced that they are planning to raise at least $2.5 million to provide relief for victims in Lebanon.