16.03.2026 10:21
Canada did not extend the temporary residence permits granted to Turkish earthquake victims after the February 6 earthquake in 2026; approximately 9,000 people are expected to return to Turkey in the coming days.
After the earthquake disaster that occurred on February 6, 2023, centered in Kahramanmaraş, Canada, which opened its doors to earthquake victims, did not extend the temporary residence permits granted under the special visa program. It was stated that thousands of Turkish citizens who have been working in the country for years would have to return to Turkey.
20 THOUSAND TURKS HAD GONE TO CANADA
Following the earthquake, the Canadian government launched a special program for earthquake victims in Turkey and granted temporary work and residence permits to eligible citizens. After the evaluations, approximately 20 thousand Turkish citizens went to Canada and started living there.
During the period of former Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, options such as permanent residence permits and citizenship had also been brought up for the earthquake victims who have been working in mostly difficult jobs in the country for about three years.
MIGRATION POLICY CHANGED
However, after Mark Carney became Prime Minister on March 14, 2025, a change was made in Canada's migration policy. It was reported that the temporary residence permits of Turkish citizens would need to leave the country as the earthquake victim visa, which is extended every year, would not be renewed in 2026.
In this context, it was stated that approximately 10 thousand people who benefited from the visa voluntarily returned to Turkey, and it is expected that about 9 thousand Turkish citizens will be forced to return to their homeland in the coming days.
CALL FOR PERMANENT RESIDENCE FROM EARTHQUAKE VICTIMS
Earthquake victims living in Canada are trying to make their voices heard by establishing a platform under the name "TS2023 initiative." In their call to the Canadian government, the earthquake victims stated, "Our homes in our hometowns have been destroyed, we came to Canada for a new life. We want a fair and reasonable solution for permanent residence."