Special immigration measures for victims of Typhoon Ketsana in the Philippines resulted in priority processing for more than 400 applications

Ottawa, December 1, 2009 — The Government of Canada is expediting the processing of more than 400 applications in an effort to help victims of Typhoon Ketsana reunite with close family members who are Canadian citizens and permanent residents, Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism Minister Jason Kenney said today.

On September 26, 2009, Typhoon Ketsana hit the Philippines capital of Manila and other areas in the northern Philippines, resulting in the worst flooding in more than 40 years.

“Immediately after that happened, on behalf of our government, I announced that special measures would be in place to expedite immigration processing for typhoon victims,” said Minister Kenney. “We wanted to help reunite victims with close family in Canada. I am happy to report that our government kept its promise.”

From October 1 to November 29, 2009, CIC expedited the processing of new and existing applications from close family members of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and protected persons. As of November 27, 2009, over 420 applications qualified for priority processing. Permanent resident applications may include multiple eligible family members. This measure is helping reunite victims with their family in Canada. Applications for temporary residence from people significantly affected by the typhoon were also accepted for priority processing.

Now that applications from those originally affected by Typhoon Ketsana have declined significantly, the special measures have been ended. Any applications received up to November 29th have been reviewed to see if priority processing applies. All applications received from today on are being processed according to standard procedures.

The large majority of the applications processed came from parents and grandparents from the typhoon-affected area who had family in Canada.

“Canada has a proud tradition of helping Canadian citizens and permanent residents reunite with their family members abroad when natural disasters occur,” said the Minister.

For further information (media only), please contact:
CIC Media Relations
Communications Branch
Citizenship and Immigration Canada
613-952-1650

[email protected]