Canada Repatriates 9 Thousand Turkish Citizens: Special Visas for Earthquake Victims Expire
The Canadian government has announced that it will not extend the residence permits of Turkish earthquake victims it admitted to the country after the Kahramanmaraş earthquake that occurred on February 6, 2023. This decision has put thousands of Turkish citizens in a difficult situation.
After the devastation caused by the earthquake, approximately 9 thousand Turkish citizens who came to Canada with a special visa program had settled in the country based on temporary residence and work permits. They were mainly trying to rebuild their lives by working in difficult and challenging conditions.
According to the decision of the Canadian immigration authorities, the validity of these special visas will not be extended. This means that 9 thousand Turkish citizens will be forced to leave the country.
This decision is expected to cause widespread resonance in Turkey. The future of thousands of people who tried to build a new life in Canada after the earthquake has become uncertain.
This situation raises questions regarding the continuity of international humanitarian aid and refugee policies. This step by the Canadian government could lead to discussions about the extent of support provided to earthquake victims.