Canadian government grants permanent residency to asylum-seekers working on coronavirus frontlines

Olabisi Kayode-Adedeji in Lagos

The Canada’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Hon Marco  Mendicino has announced a temporary measure that will provide a pathway to permanent residency for asylum claimants working in the health-care sector during the coronavirus pandemic.

Penpushing reports that, the announcement was contained in a statement, which observed that frontline workers play a critical role in keeping Canadians healthy, hence, need to recognise their exceptional service.

The statement explained that, under this measure, asylum claimants across the country who are working on the front lines providing direct care to patients in health-care institutions will be able to apply for permanent residency if they meet the criteria.

Penpushing further reports that,  Quebec will select those qualifying for this special measure who wish to reside in Quebec, stressing that, this approach recognizes those with precarious immigration status who are filling an urgent need and putting their own lives at risk to care for others in Canada.

‘As with all applicants for humanitarian and compassionate consideration, and in line with the government’s commitment to family reunification, in-Canada family members of the principal applicant would be included in the application and granted permanent residency, if the application is approved’.

‘Those who have been found ineligible to make an asylum claim, or who have withdrawn or abandoned their claims, would be excluded from applying’, the statement added.

Penpushing also reports that, the Minister emphasized that, to  qualify, individuals must meet all of the following criteria which include: having claimed asylum before March 13, 2020

*Were issued a work permit after they made a claim for asylum. Have worked in the health-care sector, in health institutions (for example, hospitals, long-term care homes, home care through an organization or agency, assisted living facilities)

*Have worked in a designated occupation for no less than 120 hours between March 13, 2020 and August 14, 2020. The designated occupations that are included in this special measure are orderlies, nurses, nurses’ aides and patient service associates, assistant orderlies and certain home support workers’.

*Demonstrate 6 months of experience in the designated occupation before being granted permanent residence. Applicants will have until August 31, 2021 to acquire this experience.

*Have a Certificat de sélection du Québec (CSQ), if wishing to reside in Quebec. Meet existing admissibility requirements, including those related to criminality, security and health

“The government recognizes the extraordinary contribution of asylum claimants working in Canada’s health-care sector during the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in long-term care centres’,the statement added.

‘As these individuals face an uncertain future in Canada, the current circumstances merit exceptional measures in recognition of their service during the pandemic’, Mendicino stated