Canada’s Support for Sudanese Nationals Amid Crisis
From: Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Canada’s Commitment to Sudanese Nationals
Canada is urging an end to violence in Sudan, standing in solidarity with the Sudanese people in their quest for peace. The safety of Sudanese nationals is of utmost concern, and Canada recognizes that some may prefer to extend their stay rather than return home under current circumstances.
On April 24, 2023, the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, announced new immigration measures to support Sudanese temporary residents in Canada who cannot return home due to the worsening situation. These measures will allow Sudanese nationals to extend their status and switch between temporary streams like studying, working, or visiting family, at no cost. This initiative aims to maintain the safety and unity of Sudanese families in Canada.
Priority Processing and Fee Waivers
Given the volatile situation in Sudan and difficulties in processing new applications, Canada will prioritize existing temporary and permanent residence applications from individuals still in Sudan. This includes visitor visas for eligible family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents. Additionally, Canada will waive passport and travel document fees for its citizens and permanent residents in Sudan wishing to leave.
Canada continues to explore options for departure assistance, working with international partners. Canadians in Sudan are encouraged to regularly check travel.gc.ca for updates and register with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service.
For those wishing to leave Sudan, contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre via:
- Phone: +1 613-996-8885
- Text: +1 613-686-3658
- WhatsApp: +1 613-909-8881
- Telegram: Canada Emergency Abroad
- Email: sos@international.gc.ca
Statement from Minister Sean Fraser
“Canada has a proud tradition of providing protection to vulnerable individuals globally. We are deeply concerned for the well-being of people in Sudan, including Canadians and their families. We are monitoring the situation closely and working to offer support to those seeking safety in Canada.”
– The Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Key Information
- Priority processing applicants must still meet all eligibility and admissibility requirements.
- IRCC is planning to send additional officers to the region to assist with immigration operations.
- The Canada Border Services Agency has no scheduled removals to Sudan and has suspended any removal efforts.
- Further information will be available on IRCC’s website soon.
Additional Resources
- Statement by Minister Joly and Minister Anand on the situation in Sudan
- Canada temporarily suspends operations in Sudan
Contact Information for Media
Bahoz Dara Aziz
Press Secretary
Minister’s Office
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
Bahoz.DaraAziz@cic.gc.ca
Media Relations
Communications Branch
Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
613-952-1650
media@cic.gc.ca
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