Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, arrives to a caucus meeting on Parliament Hill in Ottawa, March 22, 2023. (The Canadian Press/Sean Kilpatrick)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

violence overseas

Immigration Minister announces Sudanese nationals can extend stay in Canada

Apr 29, 2023 | 1:01 PM

The federal government has announced new special measures for Sudanese nationals who are in Canada.

Sudanese nationals can now extend their stay, this with the ongoing violence taking place in the east African nation. A total of 375 Canadians have been airlifted out of Sudan thus far, with four flights leaving from the capital of Khartoum since Thursday.

There, military and paramilitary forces are waging a battle interluded by multiple short truces, according to The Associated Press.

Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said Saturday that as of April 30, 2023, Sudanese nationals in Canada can apply to extend their stay or change their status as a visitor, student or temporary worker free of charge.

This includes free open work permits that provide access to the labour market and greater flexibility to support themselves while they are in Canada, the federal government says. These measures will help protect the Sudanese population already in Canada, keep families together and give them a safe place to stay.

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“Canada continues to call for an end to violence in Sudan and stands with the Sudanese people as they strive for peace,” says Fraser. “Many Sudanese nationals currently in Canada can’t return home due to the dangerous and volatile situation in their home country. That’s why we’re taking steps to help them extend their stay here, so they can remain with their families, continue with their studies or find work in safety.”

Canadians in Sudan are urged to check travel.gc.ca as often as possible for updates and to sign up with the Government of Canada’s Registration of Canadians Abroad service to receive our direct updates.

Canadian citizens, permanent residents and family members who want to leave Sudan can contact Global Affairs Canada’s Emergency Watch and Response Centre

o by calling +1 613-996-8885

o by text message at +1 613-686-3658

o via WhatsApp at +1 613-909-8881

o via Telegram at Canada Emergency Abroad

o by email at sos@international.gc.ca

(with files from The Canadian Press and The Associated Press)