Using its new emergency powers, the federal government issued an Order-in-Council on 13 June that halts the processing of immigration documents for applicants residing in Uganda, the Democratic Republic of Congo and South Sudan—countries the Public Health Agency of Canada classifies as high risk for Ebola outbreaks. According to figures published in the Canada Gazette, 36,060 permanent-residence applications have been placed on hold, alongside some 24,500 temporary visas and travel authorisations already issued but not yet used. Roughly 1,700 individuals who possess valid PR visas are barred from travelling to Canada until at least 28 August, when the 90-day order expires or is renewed. The suspension covers all categories—refugee, family, economic and humanitarian—and also blocks issuance of new work permits, study permits and electronic travel authorisations for residents of the three countries. Individual exemptions may be granted by the immigration minister on urgent-protection or compassionate grounds. For employers, the freeze could disrupt staffing of mining, energy and NGO projects that recruit heavily from East and Central Africa. Firms should identify affected candidates, postpone mobilisations and explore remote or third-country work arrangements. Those with operations in neighbouring states should expect heightened screening at Canadian ports of entry as border officers step up health checks. The move is the first real-world test of Bill C-12’s broad suspension powers. Public-health experts welcome the precaution but caution that prolonged freezes risk compounding labour shortages and undermining Canada’s humanitarian commitments.
Source: Canada Gazette Part I
