Local Afghan-Canadians worry about family abroad, question resettlement program

Members of the Afghan community with ties to the Waterloo region are scrambling to help ensure the safety of loved ones in Afghanistan.

"Right now, it's worrisome, but we pray for the best," said Moska Jamali, who has extended family in the Jalalabad region.

Thousands of citizensare desperately trying to flee Afghanistan, which has been largely seized by the Taliban. Crowds gathered on the tarmac of the capital of Kabul's international airportMonday in search ofa way out. U.S. officials say seven people died after clinging onto an American military jet that was taking off.

"It's heartbreaking," said Jamali. "It makes me sit at home and count my blessings, but it's one of those things where, me being at home, having a car I can ride, a fridge full of food it just makes me feel guilty that they can't share the same feelings as I can," added Jamali, a member of the Afghan Student Association of Waterloo.

In Canada, the government expanded a special program for Afghan citizens. It announced last week it would accept up to 20,000 vulnerable Afghan nationals to Canada.

However, Jamali said the program is exclusionary, and she's not the only one expressing concern over the government's commitment.

Resettlement program

The resettlement program is for people who fall under two categories:

• Afghan nationals and their families who have a relationship with the Canadian government.
• Vulnerable citizens outside Afghanistan, including women leaders, human rights advocates, members of the LGBTQcommunity, journalists, immediate family members of people in Canada and extended family of previously resettled interpreters.

Jamali saidassociatedrequirements are hard to meet for some people.

"Especially considering most Afghan citizens are in a place where they don't have the money or the status," she said. "Canada is trying to help, which is nice and all, but their help is still so qualification based."

Sheha Akbari, who also represents the association, said it has been challenging to find information online about the special program for vulnerable Afghan citizens. On the government's website, it saysmore details will be shared about the program once they become available.

"This shows a lack of follow-through and seriousness from the Canadian government," said Akbari, who is demanding full transparency from the government about details of the program, especiallyregarding the eligibility of people currently in Afghanistan.

The government said the program is for those who have fled the country or are in the process of fleeing it, butan online statement suggests the special program for vulnerable Afghans is for nationals outside the country.

Immigration Canada did not respond to a request for comment in time for publication