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2006-06

Immigration measures to help reunite families affected by Lebanon conflict

Ottawa, July 27, 2006 — The Honourable Monte Solberg, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC), today announced additional measures to assist families affected by the recent conflict in Lebanon.

“Our goal is to reunite families as quickly as possible,” said the Minister. “We’re giving priority visa and immigration services to family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to help them join their relatives in Canada.”

Under the new measures, immigration officials will expedite applications for permanent residence under the Family Class for those directly affected by the situation in Lebanon. This applies to spouses, common-law and conjugal partners, as well as dependent children, parents, grandparents and other orphaned family members sponsored by Canadian citizens and permanent residents. It also applies to the dependants of protected persons in Canada.

“While CIC will make every effort to expedite processing, the permanent residence application process does take time because all requirements must still be met, including security and medical criteria,” said Minister Solberg.

These additional measures complement the government’s efforts already under way to respond to the situation in Lebanon, and to help evacuate thousands of Canadians. In coordination with Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada, CIC and the Canada Border Services Agency have sent 34 additional officers, doctors and support staff to help with consular, visa and medical services.

CIC has also been screening travellers and issuing travel documents to help the immediate family members of Canadian citizens return to Canada, as well as extending priority visa services to the immediate family of permanent residents of Canada. Until further notice, these family members will not have to pay the fees associated with receiving a travel document to help them return to Canada.

People can consult the CIC Web site at www.cic.gc.ca or call
1-800-457-5035 (in-Canada only) for more information on these temporary immigration measures established in response to the situation in Lebanon.

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For more information (media enquiries only), please contact:

Lesley Harmer
Director of Communications
Minister’s Office
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
(613) 954-1064