Langley-Aldergrove MP Mark Warawa said he will “continue to pressure” the federal minister of immigration over five B.C. families stranded mid-adoption in Japan.
“With the approaching expiry of their visitors visas in Japan, I will continue to pressure [Immigration Minister Ahmed Hussen] for a timely resolution to this issue,” Warawa tweeted. “These are not just files, they are families.”
(1/2) Canadians want to know their immigration system is fair, rules-based, and free from arbitrary delays. I’m troubled by the lack of apparent communication between our government and these families ... https://t.co/q2PwSFIVNP
— Mark Warawa (@MPmarkwarawa) June 21, 2018
(2/2) With the approaching expiry of their visitors visas in Japan, I will continue to pressure @HonAhmedHussen for a timely resolution to this issue. These are not just files, they are families. @globeandmail #CdnPoli https://t.co/blk8gbNxyB
— Mark Warawa (@MPmarkwarawa) June 21, 2018
The families, including one from Coquitlam, can’t get visas for newly adopted infants.
All five followed the procedures that have been in place for overseas adoptions from Japan for a decade.
Now Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada is seeking clarification from the Japanese goverment that the adoptions respect Japan’s laws.
The delays have caused a number of financial issues for the families involved, and in some cases family members have had to return to Canada to work.
READ MORE: Five B.C. families stuck in Japan as Canada refuses visas for adopted babies