Canada’s Temporary Immigration Program for Lebanese Nationals: A Call for Expansion Support Amid Conflicts

With rising conflicts in Lebanon impacting thousands, Canada has implemented a temporary immigration program to offer safe haven to Lebanese nationals already within its borders. This program, which allows Lebanese nationals to extend their stay, has brought relief to many but has also sparked calls for a broader approach. MPs, immigration experts, and concerned citizens are urging the government to consider expanding the initiative to allow more Lebanese family members to join their relatives in Canada. Here’s a closer look at the program’s current provisions, the calls for expansion, and how Canada’s approach could adapt to the evolving crisis.

What the Temporary Program Offers

The recently announced program provides Lebanese nationals, already residing in Canada, with extended stay options. Key aspects include:

Eligible Lebanese nationals and their immediate families can apply for work or study permits, allowing them to remain in Canada without returning to Lebanon.

Individuals who entered Canada on visitor visas can apply to extend their stay at no cost.

Lebanese nationals holding temporary resident status can also extend their status, providing continued protection during this challenging time.

Note: These measures are active until July 31 and are designed to offer immediate assistance to those already in Canada.

While the program’s framework is a relief for many, advocates argue that it does not go far enough. They are pressing the government to include extended family members, who remain in Lebanon, in the program’s eligibility. The request is grounded in recent examples, such as the Canada-Ukraine Authorization for Emergency Travel (CUAET), which allowed unlimited numbers of Ukrainians to find refuge in Canada during the conflict in Ukraine. A similar approach for Lebanese nationals, advocates argue, would address the safety of extended family members and offer Canadians peace of mind regarding their loved ones still at risk.

MPs and Experts Voice Their Concerns

Toronto-area MP Salma Zahid and Lebanese-Canadian immigration lawyer Mariam Jammal have been vocal about the program’s current limitations. Zahid, who represents a community with strong Lebanese ties, stated, “I have many constituents with loved ones in harm’s way.” She has called on the government to broaden the program, ensuring the safety of extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents.

Ms. Jammal echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the need for a program modeled on the comprehensive support offered to Ukrainians, which she describes as a “too limited” step toward addressing Lebanon’s growing humanitarian crisis.

Comparison of Emergency Travel Programs

Calls to Expand Evacuation Support for Lebanese Canadians

Given the significant number of Canadian citizens residing in Lebanon, some experts are also advocating for an official evacuation strategy. Canada’s previous responses to international crises, such as the 2006 Israel-Hezbollah conflict, involved organized evacuations using chartered flights and ships, helping over 15,000 Canadians reach safety. In contrast, the current approach primarily advises Canadians to utilize commercial flights to leave Lebanon independently.

The humanitarian toll of the escalating conflict is mounting, with the Lebanese Health Ministry reporting over 2,900 casualties since early October. This number underscores the urgency felt by those with family in Lebanon, many of whom are facing impossible choices. Ms. Jammal, the Toronto-based lawyer, highlighted this difficult reality, stating, “People are being faced with the choice of leaving behind their parents, grandparents, their siblings, their aunts and uncles in the middle of a war zone.”

The government has also expressed caution in comparing different emergency programs, noting that geopolitical factors vary significantly. A representative from Immigration Minister Marc Miller’s office reiterated Canada’s priority of safeguarding Canadians and permanent residents, encouraging those in Lebanon to exit while commercial routes remain available.

Despite this, the calls for broader protective measures for Lebanese nationals are growing. The potential expansion of Canada’s temporary immigration program, modeled after the Ukraine response, could provide relief and help reunite families affected by conflict.

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