Canada launches new migration program for Ukrainians

MOSCOW. Oct 31 (Interfax) - Canada has launched a new temporary migration program enabling Ukrainians staying in Canada and having close relatives who are Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada to apply for permanent residency in the country, Ukrainian media reported with reference to the Canadian government.

The temporary public policy is aimed at helping Ukrainian families reunite in Canada, a statement on the Canadian government website says. "This policy lets certain Ukrainian foreign nationals in Canada and their family members apply for permanent residence," it said.

Ukrainians meeting eligibility criteria have been able to apply since October 23. The policy is designed for Ukrainian nationals whose family members, including spouses (or common-law partners), children, grandchildren, parents, grandparents, or siblings (or half-siblings), are Canadian citizens or permanent residents in Canada, whether they live in or outside of Canada, it said.