The federal authorities continues to be chatting with counterparts in Pakistan and planning for flights carrying Afghans to reach right here from Islamabad within the subsequent few weeks, Immigration Minister Marc Miller advised journalists on Thursday.
“We’re planning flights within the subsequent few weeks however I can not communicate to particular occasions and areas,” he mentioned.
Ottawa not too long ago reached its aim of bringing a minimum of 40,000 Afghans right here, whilst Pakistan started deporting tons of of 1000’s of undocumented Afghans again to neighbouring Afghanistan, underneath Taliban rule.
On Monday, CBC Information revealed Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada had despatched written warnings to Afghan would-be migrants to Canada, warning them to remain of their visitor homes and asking them to advise the Excessive Fee of Canada in Pakistan by electronic mail in the event that they’re arrested.
It is not clear what number of Afghans who escaped Afghanistan in 2021 and are nonetheless in Pakistan are hoping to return to Canada underneath particular immigration measures meant for former workers of the Canadian Armed Forces or authorities, and their members of the family. Immigration Canada doesn’t disclose that quantity, citing operational safety issues.
The letter addressed to the migrants additionally warned them the IRCC can not assist them receive visas.
“The federal government of Canada can not assist purchasers regularize their standing in Pakistan. Even when their software for everlasting residence to Canada is permitted, the Pakistani authorities on the airport could refuse exit if purchasers haven’t complied with all native immigration legal guidelines,” it reads.
“There are challenges getting particular exit visas for Afghans in search of to be relocated into Canada,” Miller mentioned, when requested if his division can assist on that entrance.
He additionally mentioned he’s retaining traces of communication open with the federal government of Pakistan.
His division says roughly 35 constitution flights carrying Afghans have come to Canada from Pakistan since 2022.
