It has been too long since we have provided an update on Omer’s situation. We have been in a terrible holding pattern, which has been incredibly challenging for Omer and many of us who support Omer have found it frustrating to continue to have to wait. However, it does appear that there is cause for some optimism.
For readers who have not followed Omer’s situation, or have forgetten, Omer is a refugee from Pakistan whose life is in danger because he questioned the Muslim faith and expressed disbelief. (For Omer’s full background, please see “Will you Help Omer?”
Generous donors from CFIC have been contributing to Omer’s living expenses since we first met him in January of 2020. Omer’s case slowed as COVID put a halt to Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada’s (IRCC) processing of refugees for more than a year. We thought that Omer would be coming to Canada; however, “overstay fees” in Nepal prevented Omer from leaving, even when all of his Canadian immigration requirements had been met.
Finally, IRCC has reengaged with Omer and has almost completed the interviews and tests which will once again give Omer the documents he needs to travel to Canada. Omer has been proactive in raising funds to pay much of his overstay fee and pledges from partner organizations will cover another signficant portion. We are hopeful that we will soon have more good news to share with you.
Some of us have contributed money to help Omer. He has been through a lot, and I’m glad that he has the patience to wait it out. I’d like to see him in Canada, even if he’s coming to Calgary.