Perhaps the final waiting is the most difficult. Omer is discouraged. He has not yet had any indication about when he will finally arrive in Canada. There are 37 refugees in Nepal who have completed the necessary medical screening and are waiting to come to Canada as part of the Private Refugee Sponsorship Program. Omer thinks they will all come at the same time.
Initially he believed that it would be in December. It appears that the delays are the result of Canada’s immigration department prioritization of refugees from Ukraine and Afghanistan. Omer believes that while the December date remains possible, it is becoming increasingly unlikely. He is confident, however, that the delay will not extend beyond March.
The months of waiting have taken a toll on Omer’s health. He is currently unwell and was admitted to the hospital last weekend. Fortunately for Omer, he has a close friend, also a refugee, who visited him daily and brought him meals. Omer is back home and feeling better each day. We are keeping a close eye on the situation.
Omer’s sponsors, members of the Atheist Society of Calgary, have remained in touch with him throughout his extended stay. Members have committed to making significant monthly contributions to CFIC’s Assistance for Apostates fund to support Omer until he arrives in Canada. Along with the contributions of other CFIC members, we are confident that we will be able to continue to help Omer until he arrives in Canada. Thank you to all who have donated.
If you have not yet donated, but still wish to, please make a contribution here.