Ali, his wife and three young children are counting the days (literally) to when they receive news about their refugee application to Canada.

“The kids always ask: ‘When will we go to Saskatoon?'” Ali told Nest. “We are waiting and waiting. Counting the days. Checking emails. Checking phone messages. Waiting for news.”

Nest Saskatoon and the Canadian Lutheran World Relief (CLWR) submitted Ali and his family’s refugee application to the Canadian government on November 4, 2025, under what was supposed to be a fast-track for people fleeing the Sudanese conflict. But their application continues to be delayed due to Canadian government restrictions on processing applications from Uganda due to concerns about Ebola.

Uganda was declared Ebola free on July 28, but the Canadian government continues to extend its ban on processing immigration applications from that country. The latest ban, which was to be removed September 27, was extended until November 27.

Nest and the Canadian Lutheran World Relief sent a letter to the Visa Office on September 16, requesting an exemption for Ali and his family.

Continue reading “Nest requests exemption”