The federal authorities remains to be talking to counterparts in Pakistan and planning for flights carrying Afghans to reach right here from Islamabad within the subsequent few weeks, Immigration Minister Marc Miller instructed journalists on Thursday.
“We’re planning flights within the subsequent few weeks however I am unable to communicate to particular instances and places,” he mentioned.
Ottawa just lately reached its objective of bringing no less than 40,000 Afghans right here, whilst Pakistan started deporting lots of of 1000’s of undocumented Afghans again to neighbouring Afghanistan, below 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 e-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 below 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 considerations.
The letter addressed to the migrants additionally warned them the IRCC can not assist them get hold of visas.
“The federal government of Canada can not assist shoppers regularize their standing in Pakistan. Even when their utility for everlasting residence to Canada is accredited, the Pakistani authorities on the airport might refuse exit if shoppers haven’t complied with all native immigration legal guidelines,” it reads.
“There are challenges getting particular exit visas for Afghans looking for to be relocated into Canada,” Miller mentioned, when requested if his division may help on that entrance.
He additionally mentioned he’s conserving strains 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.