A Canadian Armed Forces retiree expresses shock at Canada’s failure to assist his former Afghan colleagues, who applied for immigration consideration under a special program designed for aiding the Canadian government, yet remain neglected after four years. This issue is highlighted by a recent Federal Court ruling criticizing Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) and Global Affairs Canada for their negligence in implementing the program. Retired major Cory Moore, alongside other Canadian legal professionals, is urging the government to review the cases of overlooked Afghans.
The special immigration program, launched shortly before the Taliban’s takeover of Kabul in August 2021, welcomed Afghan nationals who supported the Canadian government, including interpreters, embassy staff, and others. Despite initial applications from Moore’s 12 former colleagues, including military prosecutors, investigators, and medical professionals, they were left unattended. These individuals played vital roles alongside Moore in supporting the Afghan National Army’s legal branch, contributing significantly to his mission.
Despite efforts to follow up on their applications, Moore’s group received no response from the government, prompting frustration and a sense of abandonment. The closure of the program in 2022, with a limited quota of 18,000 spots, drew criticism, as the group did not receive invitations. Moore and his colleagues faced challenges, with some still in Afghanistan and others stranded in neighboring countries like Pakistan.
A recent Federal Court decision favoring an Afghan applicant, Mr. D, highlighted the government’s negligence in processing applications under the program. The court emphasized the government’s duty to address these cases promptly and fairly, awarding Mr. D costs and urging IRCC to reassess such applications without legal intervention. This ruling offers hope for individuals like Moore’s group, emphasizing the need for a transparent and just process.
Moore’s plea for government intervention to rectify the oversight and assist those left behind underscores the urgency of the situation. However, IRCC, Global Affairs, and National Defence have remained silent on the matter, citing privacy concerns. While the government continues to process existing applications, the call for reviewing cases like Moore’s emphasizes the need for accountability and compassion in addressing the plight of these Afghan allies.