Canada announces five-fold increase in visas for Palestinians in Gaza
Al JazeeraMAY 2024
Canada Pledges Temporary Visas for 5K Gazans
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The Spin
Narrative A
This program is a discredited farce. It requires applicants to file too much documentation and to undergo inaccessible screening in Egypt. The program's design is ineffective — as evidenced by the small number of visas that have been issued — and it's obvious Canada wants to score political points without actually welcoming more Gazans.
Narrative B
Canada is trying to do better to reunite Gazans with their families and keep as many people safe as possible. Raising the cap on the number of visas is a start, as well as coordinating with Israel and Egypt to ensure secure exits. This is a major step toward Canada helping to alleviate this humanitarian crisis.