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Marrakech- The conservative Canadian government is introducing a new law changing the rules for applying for citizenship. Obtaining a Canadian passport and then returning to the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to work will now be more difficult.
Traditionally, Canada has welcomed immigrants of all nationalities, but now the Bill C-24 is placing conditions on the issuing of Canadian passports.
The Canadian administration is cracking down on the practice of staying for a short period to obtain a Canadian passport and then returning to the GCC to continue working on a GCC work permit. Currently, a person seeking Canadian citizenship must stay in Canada for 1,065 days or four years before submitting an application.
But if the rest of the Bill C-24 Strengthening Canadian Citizenship Act comes into force, those wishing to be permanent residents will have to stay in Canada for at least 1460 days, including 183 days for tax purposes, and will have to pay Canadian tax. They will also have to stay in Canada for 6 years before applying for Canadian citizenship.
In line with the US and European countries, including the United Kingdom, the Canadian government is insisting that applicants pass an English language test and a knowledge of Canada test for applicants aged 14 to 65 to be granted citizenship. Currently, this only applies to those aged 18 to 55. Older applicants who find English difficult are likely to suffer.
Opposition party members fear that these measures may create two classes of citizenship: one that cannot be revoked and one for dual citizens that may be withdrawn at any time.
As more immigrants seek a new life in a stable country like Canada, the pressure on the administration is mounting.The revived war on terror is likely to make freedom of movement and funds more difficult for everyone. This might also affect Canada’s long and honorable tradition of welcoming immigrants.
