Hundreds of Afghan women and their families found temporary shelter in Greece in 2021, on the promise they would soon start a new life in Canada. However, almost two years after the Taliban took over, some families are still there.
30,000 Afghan refugees now in Canada, but thousands wait in fearCanada has welcomed 30,000 Afghan refugees, the majority of whom helped the Canadian Armed Forces, since the Taliban gained control in 2021, but thousands are still waiting in fear for their lives.
The last 21 months in Greece weren't easy, she said, between the trauma of her hasty departure and now, the wait. "When I heard that they were coming to the parliament, I immediately left and tried to return to my house. But it was too late, the Taliban had already attacked my place. So I had no choice but to hide at a friend's house," said Ahmadi.
But after 20 months in Greece, she says she feels left in limbo by Canada. The family sent their application to IRCC in November 2021, and they are still waiting for the final decision."Why do they keep us here without any reasons or explanations? My husband and I are feeling sick and one of my daughters is very anxious. She lost more than 10 kilos [22 pounds]," explained Ahmadi, gripping her cellphone, where she regularly checks the status of their application online.
Christopoulou said that around a dozen families are still waiting to hear if their applications to IRCC were approved, almost two years after their arrival in Greece. In an email statement, IRCC said they're processing applications as quickly as possible, adding that "IRCC has mobilized existing staff and hired additional resources to support Canada's special immigration programs."
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