Afghan interpreters who have managed to come to Canada would like their loved ones fleeing the Taliban to get the same treatment as Ukrainians fleeing Russian troops.
They accuse federal Immigration Minister Sean Fraser of breaking a promise to bring their loved ones to Canada starting this year.
Afghan interpreters told members of a parliamentary committee on Monday that none of their relatives had yet arrived in Canada under a special program set up by Ottawa, despite Minister Fraser’s promise that some would arrive from here April.
They would like their relatives to be allowed to enter Canada as easily as Ukrainians, who face far less bureaucracy and security checks, they say.
Interpreters argue that the Taliban in Afghanistan is punishing relatives of those who helped Western soldiers, beating up men and women, stealing their property and hunting them down.
Relatives of Afghan interpreters burn documents that show ties to Canada and flee from house to house, fearing for their lives.
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