Canada Introduces New Pathway to Permanent Residency for Families of Flight PS752 Victims

The Canadian government has unveiled a new permanent residency pathway to support the families of those lost in the Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 tragedy. This compassionate initiative, introduced by the Honourable Marc Miller, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, aims to provide relief and support for families affected by the devastating incident that took place on January 8, 2020.

Key Details of the Pathway

• Application Period: Eligible applicants can apply from October 28, 2024, until October 27, 2025.
• Eligibility Requirements: The pathway is open to family members of victims who were Canadian citizens, permanent residents, or individuals authorized to work or study in Canada at the time of the incident. This new policy broadens eligibility to include family members identified by the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims who previously could not apply under earlier policies.
• Application Process and Fees: Full details on the application process are available on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) website. The application fee starts at $1,210 CAD.

Background of the Flight PS752 Tragedy

The tragic downing of Flight PS752 led to the loss of all 176 passengers and crew, including 55 Canadian citizens and 30 permanent residents. Following this incident, Canada has introduced various measures to support affected families, including:

• September 2020: Special measures were established for foreign family members stranded in Canada due to COVID-19 travel restrictions.
• May 2021 to May 2022: A temporary public policy allowed extended family members of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to apply for residency.
• August 2022 to August 2023: An additional policy supported eligible extended family members living outside of Canada.

This latest pathway represents a continuation of Canada’s commitment to offering support and seeking accountability for the downing of Flight PS752. The government remains engaged in legal and diplomatic efforts with Sweden, Ukraine, and the United Kingdom to pursue accountability from Iran and ensure transparency regarding the tragedy.

Statements from Officials and Advocates

Minister Miller stated that this pathway reflects Canada’s dedication to compassion and human rights, reaffirming the nation’s commitment to support families who have experienced an immense loss. Kourosh Doustshenas, a representative from the Association of Families of Flight PS752 Victims, praised this new pathway as a meaningful step toward healing for the affected families.

Through this initiative, Canada seeks not only to honor the memory of those lost but also to offer meaningful support to the loved ones they left behind, helping them rebuild their lives in Canada.Top of FormBottom of Form