Temporary Resident Permits and Travel Documents needed for Afghans: NDP

VANCOUVER - Yesterday, Jenny Kwan, the NDP candidate for Vancouver East, made the following statement:

“The situation in Afghanistan is heartbreaking and it did not have to be this way. After risking their lives to help the Canadian Armed Forces, many Afghan interpreters, other collaborators, and their extended families were left in a highly precarious situation, being targeted by the Taliban. I was astounded when the Minister’s initial response to help get them to safety was to refer them to existing immigration measures. This delay in action prolonged the threats and further endangered their lives. Canada owes these people a debt of gratitude and every effort must be made to swiftly bring them to safety.

“With the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan, Canadian Afghan families are desperate to bring their loved ones to safety. According to the government’s website, 'Canada and its allies have received assurances from the Taliban that Afghan citizens with travel authorization from other countries will be allowed to leave Afghanistan.’

“Canada must not squander this small window of opportunity. Granting Temporary Permits (TRPs) with temporary travel documents remains the quickest process currently in place to bring people to safety. There’s no question that TRPs must continue to all Afghans and their extended family members who have supported the Canadian military. Given the dire situation in Afghanistan, we are also calling on the government to expand the same support to human rights activists in Afghanistan and Afghans with family members in Canada – especially for those with family reunification applications still awaiting processing. Furthermore, special recognition needs to be given for women and girls as they cannot travel without a man accompanying them. The government can also work with advocacy groups in Canada to identify people in Afghanistan and provide them with a TRP and travel document so that can get to a third country.

"Canada must also recognize, under the current environment, Afghans are inhibited from obtaining the necessary travel documents, including a valid Visa. It is essential that the Government of Canada, even in caretaker mode, waive the requirements for documentation at this time and immediately provide TRPs and necessary travel documents. Once they are safely in Canada, we can then work to get the necessary paperwork in order, including family sponsorship applications or privately refugee sponsorship opportunities.

“Canadians are deeply compassionate and more than willing to help those in need. Mr. Dan On, a successful entrepreneur, has firsthand experience as a former refugee from Vietnam. He has already raised $150,000 locally to support Afghan refugees. These funds could be used to help purchase commercial tickets and to help resettle Afghan refugees in Canada.”