Canada’s promise to offer temporary residency for up to 5,000 Gazans, announced in May, has seen slow progress, with only about 300 arrivals since the program’s January launch. In contrast, nearly 300,000 Ukrainians have come under a similar initiative since 2022.
Applicants like Reem Alyazouri, who arrived in Toronto after fleeing Gaza, struggle with uncertainty. Her parents remain stranded in Cairo, waiting for visas, like many others who fled the conflict.
Despite submitting biometric data six months ago, thousands of Gazans face extended waits, with no clear timeline for approvals.
The program’s pace has been criticized for being slower than other Canadian initiatives, such as those for Ukrainians or earthquake survivors in Syria and Turkey.
Canada cites challenges in helping people exit Gaza and the complexity of the visa process as reasons for the delay. Meanwhile, many Gazans live in a state of uncertainty, separated from their families and unsure when they will find safety.