IRCC introduced measures to help Moroccan nationals due to the recent earthquake that occurred in Morocco. The department stated that it had been processing applications for permanent and temporary residency that came on or before September 8, 2023. The people who suffered in the earthquake continued to be on the priority list of IRCC. This includes visitor visa applications for the family members of those who hold Canadian citizenship and permanent residence. It also includes refugee settlement applications.
In addition, from October 19, 2023, Morocco’s nationals in Canada will now have the chance to apply for temporary status extensions without any charges.
These initiatives are for Moroccan nations who resided in Canada from September 8 onwards. This was the time when the earthquake happened. IRCC states that it will make it more convenient for Moroccan nationals to apply for temporary status extensions in Canada. Furthermore, it will enable them to change the temporary streams.
These initiatives resemble the ones around earthquakes that occurred in Syria and Turkey in February this year. However, there hasn’t been any declaration about the humanitarian measures for the earthquake victims.
IRCC introduced measures to help Moroccan nationals – no passport is required for a PR Visa
IRCC looks forward to removing the requirement to possess a passport or travel document for the approval of a PR visa for Moroccans. This is a measure to help those who suffered in the earthquake and lost their documents.
Those with Canadian citizenship and permanent residency from Morocco who arrive again in Canada will find it beneficial as IRCC is removing fees for temporary residents, passports with fixed validity, emergency and PR travel documents, and certificates for Canadian citizenship.
These initiatives will come into effect between October 19, 2023, and March 12, 2024. IRCC is yet to publish more information on this.
Canada’s efforts to help Moroccans who survived the earthquake
IRCC states that all these initiatives are its approach to the grave circumstances in Morocco. Other initiatives by the government have also come into implementation. For instance, when the earthquake took place in September, the Canadian government declared its collaboration with the Red Crescent and the International Red Cross. This way, it will be able to provide funds to assist the humanitarian needs within this place. The Canadian government also donated for twenty days to align with $3 million.
The Census report of 2021 states that 81,775 individuals in Canada had their birthplace as Morocco. Out of these, 12,835 are recent immigrants. A majority of Moroccans will settle in Montreal, the largest French-speaking city in Canada.
After the earthquake in Morocco, Quebec’s government committed to offering $1.5 million in response to the situation.
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