Gaza crisis: Canada extends temporary stay and work permits for Palestinians

Dubai: The Canadian government has extended temporary immigration measures for Palestinians currently in Canada who are unable to return to Gaza due to the ongoing humanitarian crisis, Immigration Minister Lena Metlege Diab announced on Friday.

First introduced in December 2023, these special measures apply to Palestinians in Canada, as well as foreign national family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who left Gaza after October 7, 2023. Eligible individuals can apply for a fee-exempt study permit, open work permit, temporary resident permit, or extend their temporary resident status.

Canada has positioned itself as one of the primary countries offering support to displaced Gazans. The government has committed aid through financial assistance, interim federal health coverage, and settlement services.

As of July 8, more than 1,750 people who exited Gaza had cleared security and received approval to come to Canada, with over 860 having already arrived safely since the escalation of the conflict, according to government figures.

Canadian authorities acknowledge that many applicants remain trapped in Gaza due to border closures and security restrictions, preventing them from completing mandatory requirements like biometric screening.

While Canada continues to advocate for safe passage, officials note that the decision of who may leave Gaza lies beyond their control. In the meantime, applications from extended family members are still being processed, and those who reach Canada will remain eligible for fee-exempt permits.

“The humanitarian crisis in Gaza is devastating. Extending these measures will build on the work we’ve done to provide a temporary refuge for Palestinians in Canada who can’t safely return home,” Minister Diab said.

According to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC), there were 2,555 Palestinian passport holders in Canada on temporary permits as of the end of June 2025. This figure includes individuals both inside and outside the special measures. The government has received 970 applications under the special program as of July 8.

Canadian citizens currently in the region are encouraged to enrol in the Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive vital government updates.

The Canadian government says it will continue to monitor developments in the Middle East and adjust its policies in response to the evolving situation.