Former Burmese child soldier granted Canadian visa
August 17 2009 by Matt Jones
Canada visa granted by Government
A 25-year-old former Burmese child soldier has been given permission by the Canadian government to remain living in Canada.
Nay Myo Hein was facing deportation but was concerned that he would face violence on his return to Burma, now known as Myanmar, as he deserted the army ten years ago. He was to be sent back to Myanmar on Tuesday, 18 August.
However, the last-minute reprieve, which saw him awarded with the Canada visa he had long campaigned for, means he can continue to live in Canada in safety. Before the news came, Hein feared he had exhausted all the avenues he could use to gain the right to live in Canada.
Hein’s case was taken up the public safety minister on Saturday, who made sure that Hein was awarded a temporary visa to allow him to live in Canada over the short term. This would give Hein the opportunity to apply for permanent residency, enabling him to live and work in Canada for the rest of his life.
"Today's decision puts Mr. Hein on the pathway to full Canadian citizenship," said a spokesperson for Canadian immigration minister, Jason Kenney.
Hein’s supporters voiced their gratitude for the Canadian government’s intervention in the ordeal.
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