HALIFAX –
A large group of refugees from the Taliban-controlled country of Afghanistan is now in Nova Scotia.
The group of 100 arrived at Halifax Stanfield International Airport just in time to see the snowfall Wednesday night.
“They were tired but smiling, so grateful to be here in Nova Scotia and it was a great honor to be able to host them,” said Nova Scotia Immigrant Services Association Executive Director Jennifer Watts.
There were another 146 aboard the plane, heading to other destinations in the country.
They all came to Canada from a third country where they had been temporarily located since leaving Afghanistan.
“There are people who for the most part have been very helpful to the Canadian military and Canadians, so we are very excited about their arrival here,” said Nova Scotia Prime Minister Tim Houston.
Former NATO employees were forced to flee Afghanistan after the Taliban regained control of the country.
“Right now, the whole world is in danger in Afghanistan,” said Halifax Afghan Society President Gulmakai Sarvar.
The group of men, women and children is part of the Canadian government’s commitment to bring 15,000 people through a special humanitarian program for Afghan refugees.
“It is really good for them to save them as soon as possible, but I would also say that everyone in Afghanistan at the moment, they are facing a very difficult situation, it is scary under the oppression of the Taliban,” Savar added.
“We want to make sure that all refugees coming to this province have the support they need to stay,” said Nova Scotia Minister of Immigration Jill Balser.
Government-assisted refugees will receive help from various organizations when they begin living in their new home.
“In the next two years, as the refugees settle, similar to Syria’s most recent big initiative,” Watts said. “We have seen refugees who have settled in different parts of the province.”
Fourteen thousand six hundred people have applied for Canada’s special immigration program for Afghans; So far, 9600 have been approved.
Reference-atlantic.ctvnews.ca