Sudanese Canadians demand urgency from Ottawa almost 1 year after applying for family members to flee war
Emran Abdulmahmoud, a resident of London, Ontario, is anxiously waiting to hear from his brothers who are living under siege in war-torn Sudan. It has been nearly three months since he last had any communication with them because of the lack of internet access in the region. Abdulmahmoud had applied to bring his three brothers to safety in Canada through a family-based humanitarian program launched by the federal government in February 2024.
Despite spending thousands of dollars on their applications, Abdulmahmoud has yet to receive any updates from Immigration Refugees, Citizenship Canada (IRCC) regarding the status of his brothers’ applications. He continues to financially support them in Sudan so they can access basic necessities, fearing for their safety in the conflict-ridden country. The ongoing conflict in Sudan has resulted in tens of thousands of casualties, with half of the population facing acute food insecurity, according to the United Nations.
The pathway program initiated by the government aimed to bring families of Canadian citizens or permanent residents from Sudan to safety in Canada. However, the program was put on hold after reaching its cap of 3,250 applications by early May 2024. Applicants were required to have a minimum of $9,900 to sponsor one person, in addition to processing fees. As of December 26, 2024, IRCC reported that 399 applications representing more than 800 people have been approved, with zero refusals.
Sudanese Canadians have criticized IRCC for the delays, financial requirements, and capacity issues in processing applications under the program. More than 50 organizations across the country have signed an open letter urging Ottawa to address the discriminatory barriers and resume the program. They are advocating for clear processing times and a reduction in financial burdens imposed on the applicants.
Samah Mahmoud, an immigration consultant in London and a member of the Sudanese-Canadian advocacy subcommittee, emphasized the need for IRCC to waive biometrics requirements until refugees arrive in Canada. She highlighted the challenges faced by those fleeing Sudan to neighboring countries without a timeline on when their applications will be processed, leaving them stranded with no financial means.
IRCC responded by stating its commitment to fair and non-discriminatory immigration procedures, tailored to meet the unique needs of those affected by crises. The agency evaluates various solutions to provide support to individuals in need, considering existing immigration and refugee programs, temporary or permanent solutions, and coordination with international partners.
Abdulmahmoud, who has been financially strained due to supporting his family in Sudan, along with other members of London’s Sudanese community, will gather for a protest at Victoria Park to urge Canadians to sign their letter calling for change. They hope to present their concerns to Immigration Minister Marc Miller in hopes of seeing improvements in the process to bring their loved ones to safety in Canada. The community is seeking equal treatment and a more efficient and compassionate response to the humanitarian crisis in Sudan.
