On December 1, 2014, the Federal government announced an end to the moratorium on deportations to Zimbabwe and Haiti. This unfortunate move leaves many people without status in our community vulnerable to deportation for various reasons, including 348 failed refugee claimants from Zimbabwe. Any one affected has six months to apply for permanent residency based on humanitarian grounds.
I am pleased to inform you that we have been approached by one of Canada's largest social justice organisations and also have information on a virtual meeting with the Canadian Council for Refugees that you can attend. Their two separate initiatives will help our community to understand and address this change.
- The Canadian Council for Refugees will be having a teleconference/virtual meeting for the general public this Saturday January 17th, 2015 which you may join to obtain further details and hear from experts about options if you are affected. Time: 3 pm EST in English. You will need a computer and internet connection to participate in the webinar. If you are interested please register here
- A leading social justice organisation in Canada has sent us a proposal to organise a public protest supporting the right of those affected to be granted permanent residency. They will mobilise and coordinate their members and the general public to join the march. However Zimbabweans would need to spearhead the effort, speak at the protest, and help to organize the event. If you are interested in participating or organising this event with them, please contact us by email atzimcasso@gmail.com with your name and telephone number. Every law abiding Zimbabwean deserves a chance to stay permanently in Canada, despite their circumstances, and no one is "illegal."
We also advise all those affected to seek legal advise as soon as possible before the six months expires. If you feel the Zimbabwe Canadian Support Group can help you in any way, please do not hesitate to contact us directly at zimcasso@gmail.com.
You can obtain more information on the lifting of the moratorium and answers to Frequently Asked Questions here
Let us offer support to those affected as one family. United we stand.
