Ottawa’s Expanded Restrictions on Travel and Aid for Palestinians

Ottawa has extended temporary measures for Palestinians currently in Canada. This move comes as many continue to face challenges leaving the Gaza Strip.

These measures allow Palestinians who left Gaza on or before October 7, 2023, to apply for study permits, open work permits, temporary resident permits, or extensions of their temporary resident status. These provisions were initially put in place in December 2023.

As of July 8, Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reported that over 1,750 individuals who departed Gaza had successfully cleared security checks and were granted entry into Canada. The federal agency also noted that more than 860 people have arrived in Canada from Gaza since the conflict began.

This announcement arrives amidst growing calls for Ottawa to expedite visa approvals for a special program aimed at family members of Palestinian origin seeking to escape violence in the region.

Debbie Rachlis,an immigration lawyer based in Toronto representing numerous applicants in this program,stated last week that she is involved in at least five cases where individuals passed away while awaiting their visas.

The visa program mandates that applicants submit biometric data, including fingerprints and photographs, which must be collected in person at an IRCC office. However, no such office exists within the Gaza Strip.

In a press release issued Friday evening, the IRCC acknowledged that many applicants under the temporary residence pathway for extended family members have been unable to leave Gaza to provide their biometrics and finalize their applications.

“Canada continues to advocate for the safe departure of people still in Gaza, but the ultimate decision allowing them to leave is not ours to make. Canada is also continuing to process applications from extended family members,” the IRCC statement read.

The agency further clarified that under the extended measures announced Friday, applicants will be able to apply for work permits or study permits once they arrive in Canada.

The Canadian government is actively monitoring the evolving situation in the Middle East and intends to adjust its response accordingly.

What specific criteria are now being used in the “enhanced vetting” process for visa applications from Palestinians?

Recent Policy Shifts & Their Impact

In late July 2025, the Canadian government, specifically through Ottawa’s policy decisions, announced a notable expansion of restrictions concerning travel to and from Palestinian territories, alongside tightened controls on aid organizations operating in the region. these changes, framed by officials as necessary for security and to ensure aid reaches intended recipients, have sparked considerable debate and concern among human rights groups, Palestinian advocacy organizations, and international observers. The core of the issue revolves around increased scrutiny of individuals and organizations with perceived ties to Hamas,designated as a terrorist entity by Canada.

Travel Restrictions: Who is Affected?

The revised travel policies primarily target individuals seeking to enter or transit through Canada from the Gaza Strip and the West Bank. key changes include:

enhanced Vetting: A more rigorous vetting process for visa applications, focusing on potential links to designated terrorist groups. This includes expanded background checks and increased scrutiny of travel history.

Increased Denials: A noticeable rise in visa denials for Palestinian applicants, particularly students, medical patients, and family members of Canadian citizens. Reports indicate a disproportionate impact on those residing in Gaza.

Transit Restrictions: Stricter rules for Palestinians transiting through Canadian airports, even with valid visas for other destinations. This has led to instances of individuals being prevented from boarding connecting flights.

Specific Focus on Aid Workers: Increased surveillance and questioning of aid workers traveling to or from the Palestinian territories, even those affiliated with reputable international organizations. this is impacting humanitarian access.

These restrictions are being justified by the Canadian government as a response to evolving security threats and a commitment to combating terrorism financing. However, critics argue they collectively punish the Palestinian population and hinder legitimate travel for essential purposes. The term “Palestinian travel ban” is increasingly used in media coverage, tho the government refrains from using that specific phrasing.

Aid Restrictions: A Deep Dive

alongside travel limitations, Ottawa has implemented stricter regulations on Canadian aid organizations working in the Palestinian territories.These measures aim to prevent funds from indirectly supporting Hamas.

due Diligence Requirements: Aid organizations are now required to conduct significantly more extensive due diligence on all local partners and beneficiaries, proving they have no connection to Hamas. This includes detailed financial audits and ongoing monitoring.

Project Approval Process: A more centralized and lengthy project approval process,with increased oversight from Global Affairs Canada. This has resulted in delays in the implementation of vital humanitarian programs.

Restrictions on Cash Transfers: Limitations on direct cash transfers to Palestinian organizations, forcing aid groups to rely on more complex and often less efficient methods of delivering assistance.

focus on “Legitimate Needs”: A narrowing of the definition of “legitimate needs” eligible for funding,with a greater emphasis on projects directly addressing basic humanitarian requirements (food,water,shelter) and less support for development initiatives.

The Canadian Council for International Cooperation (CCIC) has voiced strong concerns that these restrictions are creating a “chilling effect,” discouraging aid organizations from operating in the Palestinian territories and exacerbating the humanitarian crisis. The phrase “aid to Palestine” is seeing increased search volume as people seek facts on how to contribute despite the challenges.

Legal Challenges and Human Rights Concerns

Several Palestinian-Canadian organizations are exploring legal challenges to the expanded restrictions, arguing they violate international law and discriminate against palestinians. Key arguments include:

Collective Punishment: The restrictions are seen as a form of collective punishment, penalizing the entire Palestinian population for the actions of a few.

Discrimination: Concerns that the policies disproportionately target Palestinians based on their national origin, violating Canada’s Charter of Rights and Freedoms.

Impeding Humanitarian Access: The restrictions are hindering the delivery of essential humanitarian aid, exacerbating the already dire humanitarian situation in Gaza and the West Bank.

due Process Concerns: Lack of transparency and clear criteria for visa denials and project approvals, raising concerns about due process.

Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International have issued statements condemning the restrictions, calling on the Canadian government to review its policies and ensure they are consistent with international human rights standards. The term “Palestinian rights” is frequently used in conjunction with discussions of these restrictions.

Case Study: The Impact on Medical Patients

A particularly poignant example of the restrictions’ impact is the case of Palestinian patients requiring specialized medical treatment unavailable in the Palestinian territories. Previously, Canada had a program facilitating access to medical care for these individuals. However, the new vetting process has led to significant delays and denials, with some patients reportedly experiencing life-threatening consequences. One case, highlighted by the Palestinian Canadian Congress, involved a child with cancer whose visa application was denied despite a letter from a Canadian oncologist confirming the urgent need for treatment. This illustrates the real-world consequences of the policy changes.

Navigating the New Regulations: Practical Tips

For individuals and organizations affected by these restrictions, here are some practical steps:

early Application: Submit visa applications and project proposals well in advance of planned travel or implementation dates.

Detailed Documentation: Provide comprehensive and detailed documentation to support all applications, including proof of legitimate travel purposes and financial transparency.

* Legal Counsel: Seek legal advice