There is little time left before the deadline of 23 JANUARY 2010 which affects many Burundians, Rwandans and Liberians.

Please circulate this message through any networks that might reach Burundians, Rwandans and Liberians living in Canada.

WHO IS AFFECTED?

Burundians, Rwandans and Liberians who:

• Don’t have permanent status in Canada,
• Are not waiting for a hearing or a decision on their refugee claim,
• Have not yet submitted an application for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds, and
• Were in Canada on 23 July 2009.

WHAT IS THE ISSUE?

On 23 July 2009 the Canadian government lifted the moratorium on removals to Burundi, Rwanda and Liberia.  The government gave nationals of these countries until 23 January 2010 to file an application for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate (H&C) grounds.

After 23 January 2010, Burundians, Rwandans and Liberians who have still not filed such an application could be called in for removal procedures.

WHY IS IT IMPORTANT TO CIRCULATE THIS INFORMATION?

The government has refused to inform individually those who are affected by this policy change.  There is therefore a risk that affected persons may not be aware of the lifting of the moratorium and of what they need to do.  There is particular concern about those living away from the major cities.

WHERE CAN WE FIND MORE INFORMATION?

See the Fact sheet for nationals of Burundi, Liberia and Rwanda without permanent status in Canada, available at http://www.ccrweb.ca/documents/infosheetmoratoria2009.pdf