Ottawa/IBNS: The Government of Canada will waive off temporary residence application fees for foreign nationals who fled Sudan with their Canadian family members, Sean Fraser, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship has announced.

“Canada continues to call for an end to violence in Sudan and...remains committed to helping the family members of Canadians...forced to flee this violence stay together and find safety in Canada,” Fraser said.

Applying for temporary residence without paying the processing fee is now possible by foreign nationals who fled Sudan with their Canadian family members, including Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents .

After arriving in Canada, they will be able to apply free of charge for an open work permit or study permit, and permanent residence under the family class.

Besides supporting Sudanese temporary residents already in Canada, Govt of Canada is also processing completed temporary and permanent residence applications from those living in Sudan on a priority basis including waiving fees on passports and other travel documents for Canadians and permanent residents in the area.

"Canada continues to call for an end to violence in Sudan and stands with the Sudanese people as they strive for peace. We are deeply concerned for the safety of people in the area, including families of Canadian citizens and permanent residents who have been forced to flee their home," the news release said.

(Reporting by Asha Bajaj)