Afghani interpreter denied Canadian visa
November 17 2011 by Helen Johnson
An Afghani interpreter who has worked with the Canadian Army, has been refused a Canadian visa after speaking out about the problems he faced in applying for the visa.
Sayed Shah Sharifi applied for a visa under a scheme intended to give Afghans, who were under threat after working to help Canadian soldiers in Afghanistan, the chance to move to Canada. However, despite claims that his life is in danger if he stays in his home country, Mr Sharifi told newspapers that he found the system complex and long-winded.
He received an approval letter soon after the story hit the headlines, but he recently received an update on his case, rejecting his Canadian visa application.
Mr Sharifi claims that he was rejected because he had publicly complained about the Canadian visa process. The Canadian immigration authority made a counter claim that the officials that interviewed Mr Sharifi did not believe that he was actually being threatened by the Taliban, as they did not think he would agree to have his story and photograph published in the media if that was the case.
The interpreter’s case has attracted attention in Canada where Mr Sharifi has attracted support from many in the media. Meanwhile, Canadian immigration minister, Jason Kenney, has lent his support for the decision taken by the authorities in this case.
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