IMPACT COVID-19 IS HAVING ON REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT IN CANADA- 2219550 ALBERTA SOCIETY
IMPACT COVID-19 IS HAVING ON REFUGEE RESETTLEMENT IN CANADA
- Overseas processing – application has been submitted and awaiting the arrival of the individual(s) you sponsored
If you are currently waiting for the arrival of your sponsored refugees please be advised that all interviews have been postponed indefinitely. All travel to Canada has also been cancelled and postponed indefinitely. For those who have had visas Permanent Residence (PR) visas issued the IRCC has stated:
“Temporary foreign workers, some international students and approved permanent residents who haven’t yet landed are now able to enter Canada. The travel restriction exemptions that were announced are now in place. If you’re exempt, you can now travel to Canada. If you’re travelling by air, you need to pass a health check before you’re allowed to board your flight. Anyone who shows symptoms of COVID-19 will not be allowed to enter Canada by air. When you arrive in Canada we’ll assess your health before you leave the port of entry. You must isolate for 14 days even if you have no symptoms. This is mandatory.
Source: https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/services/coronavirus-special-measures.html
*Despite this being allowed by the Canadian government, please be aware that the United Nations Refugee Agency – UNHCR and the International Organization for Migration (IOM) are operating at reduced capacity and may be unable to coordinate travel at the present time. Furthermore, many countries are on lock-down, international flights have been reduced by the majority of airlines and thus, it still may not be possible for the sponsored refugee to travel until all aspects of refugee resettlement return to normal operations. If you intend to self-book travel for a refugee who already has a Permanent Resident Visa please inform me before doing so.
As far as 2219550 Alberta society aware the majority of government of Canada staff are working from home at the present time. Processing at other stages (except interviews) is technically still continuing, but please expect delays in your application for the duration of the COVID-19 outbreak.
- In-land – the refugee(s) have arrived and are currently in their 12 month sponsorship period:
For those presently in the midst of supporting newcomers through their first 12 months in Canada: Please highlight the risks of COVID-19 and ensure they are aware of standard social (physical) distancing protocols, and self-isolation should they experience COVID-19 symptoms.
Throughout this this difficult time We will continue to share all available in different language via WhatsApp and Viber group. Please do not hesitate to reach out to us should you have any questions.
By Staying Home & Practicing Standard Social Distancing, Let Us Protect Health and Safety of our community.
