During the COVID-19 pandemic, many asylum seekers in Quebec stepped up to help in hospitals, seniors’ homes, and other healthcare facilities. They worked long hours, risking their health and safety to protect others. But despite their dedication, many of them are now facing deportation because they do not qualify for Canada’s immigration programs.
Who Are the ‘Guardian Angels’?
The term “Guardian Angels” was given to frontline healthcare workers during the pandemic. This included doctors, nurses, orderlies, and even security guards who helped keep hospitals and healthcare centers safe.
One such worker is Idriss Moussa Souni, a 29-year-old security guard who worked at the Institut universitaire de cardiologie et de pneumologie de Québec. He didn’t just guard the hospital; he helped disinfect rooms, assisted nurses, and even moved bodies of those who passed away due to COVID-19. But now, he faces deportation because his job title does not fit the requirements for permanent residency.
Why Are They Being Deported?
In 2020, the Canadian government introduced a temporary program to grant permanent residency to asylum seekers who worked in healthcare during the pandemic. However, the eligibility rules were strict. To qualify, a worker had to:
- Provide direct patient care (e.g., nurses and orderlies, but not security guards or cleaning staff)
- Work at least 120 hours between March 13, 2020, and August 14, 2020
- Have at least six months of experience in a healthcare facility
- Apply before the deadline
Because of these rules, many people like Souni were left out. Even though they played an essential role, they did not meet the official criteria. As a result, thousands of “Guardian Angels” have been denied permanent residency and are now at risk of deportation.
The Impact on Their Lives
For many, this situation is heartbreaking. Didier, another security worker who helped screen patients and assist nurses, is now undocumented and at risk of being forced to leave Canada.
“We were told we did a remarkable job, but once the pandemic was over, we were thrown away like garbage,” he said.
Organizations that support immigrants, like Welcome Collective and Maison d’Haïti, say they continue to see “unfair” cases where hardworking people are being deported simply because they don’t meet the technical requirements.
The Long Wait for Those Who Qualify
Even for those who do qualify, the process of getting permanent residency is slow. As of now, 380 people are still waiting for their applications to be processed. Some have been waiting for years.
The government says this is due to “complex applications” and a lack of resources, but for the people waiting, it feels like an “obstacle course.”
Q1: Who qualifies for permanent residency under the ‘Guardian Angels’ program?
A: Only asylum seekers who worked in healthcare and provided direct patient care (such as nurses and orderlies) during COVID-19.
Q2: Why weren’t security guards and cleaning staff included?
A: The government only considered those who had direct contact with patients. Many essential workers, like security guards and cleaning staff, were left out despite their efforts.
Q3: Can those who were rejected appeal their case?
A: Unfortunately, many cannot appeal. Their only option is to reapply through a different immigration program or leave the country.
Q4: How many people have been granted permanent residency?
A: Out of 13,230 applications, around 9,205 have been approved, including 3,601 in Quebec.
Q5: How many people are still waiting for an answer?
A: About 380 people, including 225 in Quebec, are still waiting for their permanent residency.
Q6: What can be done to help?
A: Immigration advocacy groups are calling for the government to expand the program to include all frontline workers who contributed during the pandemic.
Final Thoughts
These “Guardian Angels” stepped up during a crisis when Canada needed them most. Now, many of them are being asked to leave. This situation raises important questions about fairness, recognition, and how Canada treats those who risked their lives to help others.
The fight continues for these workers, as immigration advocates and legal experts push for more inclusive policies. In the meantime, thousands of people like Souni and Didier continue to live in fear of deportation, uncertain of what their future holds.
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Disclaimer: This is for informational purposes only and not legal advice. Always consult experts like us or the official IRCC website for up-to-date details.