Thu Feb 20 19:22:27 UTC 2025: ## Canadian Government Faces Lawsuit Over Gaza Visa Delays

**Montreal, Canada** – Fifty-three Palestinian families in Gaza are suing the Canadian government, alleging that delays in a special visa program designed to help them escape the ongoing conflict are putting their lives at risk. The lawsuit, filed in the Federal Court of Canada this month, claims the program is plagued by inefficiencies and a lack of transparency.

The families, represented by Toronto lawyer Hana Marku, applied for the visas within the first month of the program’s launch in January 2024. However, they have yet to receive the necessary reference codes to proceed with their applications, leaving their relatives in Gaza vulnerable to the ongoing humanitarian crisis. The lawsuit describes the delays as causing “emotional torture” for both families in Gaza and their Canadian relatives who have undertaken financial responsibility for the process.

While the Canadian government acknowledges receiving a large volume of applications and states that processing times vary, the plaintiffs argue that the lack of communication and apparent randomness in code distribution is unacceptable. They are not requesting assistance with leaving Gaza or a guarantee of visa approval, but simply the opportunity to submit their applications.

A spokesperson for Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) stated that the program, which aims to provide temporary residency for up to three years, will close once 5,000 applications are in processing or on April 22nd. The IRCC also cited the challenges of movement out of Gaza as a contributing factor to the delays. However, the plaintiffs contend that the program appears designed to fail, citing the confusing application process and invasive questions.

The ongoing conflict in Gaza has resulted in a devastating humanitarian crisis, with tens of thousands of casualties and widespread destruction. The family members in Canada say the delays are adding further emotional distress to an already unbearable situation. The lawsuit demands the court compel the government to issue the necessary reference codes before the program’s deadline. The Canadian government has 30 days to respond to the lawsuit.

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