Broken Promises: How Canada’s Gaza Visa Scheme Failed Palestinian Families

 

A Programme of Empty Promises

Canada’s Gaza visa programme was introduced with high hopes, offering a lifeline to Palestinian families trapped in the war-torn enclave. However, what began as a beacon of hope quickly turned into a source of frustration and heartbreak. Families like Omar Omar’s, who have been advocating tirelessly for over a year, feel let down by the programme’s inefficiencies. “We have lost so much back in Gaza, and this struggle is tearing apart our lives here,” Omar lamented. With the bombings showing no signs of abating, families are left grappling with an overwhelming sense of betrayal.

Navigating an Overcomplicated Process

From its launch, the Gaza visa scheme faced criticism for its complex and invasive application requirements. Applicants were asked to provide information far beyond what is typical for visa processes, including detailed work histories and descriptions of scars or injuries. Many families struggled to navigate these additional hurdles, which advocacy groups argue were unnecessary and discriminatory. The scheme’s convoluted nature has raised questions about whether it was designed to deter applicants rather than facilitate their safe relocation.

Unequal Compassion: Comparing Humanitarian Responses

Canada’s response to the Ukrainian refugee crisis starkly contrasts its handling of the Gaza visa scheme. While Ukrainians fleeing war received widespread support, with nearly 300,000 arriving over two years, Palestinians faced far greater challenges. The Gaza visa programme was capped at just 5,000 applications, with only a fraction approved. This discrepancy has left Palestinian families feeling dehumanized and overlooked. “When I saw Canada welcoming thousands of Ukrainian refugees, I felt hopeful,” Omar said. “But that hope has turned into heartbreak.”

The Blockade Dilemma

Canadian officials have repeatedly cited the blockade on Gaza as a major obstacle to the visa programme’s success. Controlled by Israel and Egypt, the Rafah border crossing remains closed, leaving Palestinians unable to exit. While Canada claims it is working with local authorities to facilitate safe passage, advocacy groups argue that these efforts fall short. “If Canada were serious about saving lives, it would hold Israel accountable for blocking Palestinians’ exit,” said Alex Paterson. The ongoing blockade continues to endanger thousands of lives, underscoring the urgency of stronger diplomatic action.

Advocacy Groups Demand Accountability

Rights groups and organizations like Amnesty International Canada are calling for immediate reforms to the visa scheme. David Matsinhe, the group’s director of research, has urged Canada to increase its diplomatic efforts and remove the cap on applications. “The delay, even as relentless bombardment continues, is a tragedy,” he said. The programme’s stark shortcomings have prompted accusations that it was deliberately set up to fail. For Palestinian families, these delays mean more than inconvenience — they mean life or death.

The Fight for Equal Treatment

For Palestinian Canadians, the fight to save their loved ones is far from over. They continue to demand the same urgency and compassion Canada has shown in other humanitarian crises. “This government’s refusal has left me questioning if there is any heart left in this system,” Omar said. As the crisis in Gaza worsens, families are calling on Canada to do more to uphold its humanitarian commitments. The time to act is now — before more lives are lost.