Edmonton family faces Gaza visa obstacle

Ten-year-old Rashid Abusalim in Edmonton, Alberta, has spent most of his childhood separated from his father Saed, who remains in Gaza, CBC News reports. His family says he cannot leave to complete biometric screening required for his Canadian visa and permanent-residency applications. The Canadian Muslim Public Affairs Council called for alternatives such as portable screening or completing checks after arrival. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada acknowledged the difficulty but said the requirements protect immigration-system integrity and Canadians' safety, and that movement out of Gaza depends on factors beyond Canada's control.