Temporary Suspension of Removals Lifted for Haiti and Zimbabwe

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwired - Dec. 1, 2014) - Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander, and Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, today announced that the temporary suspension of removals for Haiti and Zimbabwe has been lifted, effective immediately. With the suspension now lifted, affected individuals will be provided with an additional six months to apply for permanent residence in Canada.

The Government of Canada is implementing measures for individuals affected by the lifting of the temporary suspension of removals. All affected individuals will be given an additional six months to stay in Canada, with access to work permits. This will allow them enough time to either apply for permanent residence in Canada based on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds or return home. In support of this measure, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) will defer their removal pending a final decision on their H&C application.

Quick Facts

• The Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness may impose a temporary suspension of removals on a country when the entire civilian population faces a generalized risk as a result of:
  • An armed conflict within a country or place;
  • An environmental disaster resulting in a substantial temporary disruption of living conditions; or
  • Any situation that is temporary and generalized.
• A temporary suspension of removals is an interim measure. The CBSA and Citizenship and Immigration Canada review country conditions and make recommendations on whether to impose, maintain or lift a temporary suspension of removals.
• The conditions in Haiti and Zimbabwe have improved and the Government of Canada considers that there is no longer a generalized risk to the entire civilian population in these countries.

Quotes

"Haitians and Zimbabweans have demonstrated tremendous courage in recovering from the earthquake of 2010 and years of political instability. After a thorough review of country conditions, the Government of Canada is lifting the temporary suspension of removals to these countries as others of our international allies have already done."

Steven Blaney, Canada's Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

"Canada is one of the most generous countries in the world, and we have extended that generosity for over 10 years to Haitians and Zimbabweans by allowing them to stay in Canada because of unsafe conditions in their home countries. With the temporary suspension now lifted, the uncertainty has ended and Haitians and Zimbabweans will have the opportunity to apply to make Canada their permanent home."

Chris Alexander, Canada's Citizenship and Immigration Minister

Related Products

Backgrounder: Temporary Suspension of Removals

Associated Links

ANNEX A - Temporary public policy concerning failed refugee claimants subject to the 12-month bar on requests for H&C consideration

ANNEX B - Temporary public policy concerning work permits for persons under Haiti Special Measures

ANNEX C - Health coverage under the IFHP for persons under Haiti Special Measures

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