Mr Chris Alexander

Minister of Citizenship and Immigration
Ottawa, Ontario

675 Madera Court. Coquitlam, BC
V3.1 5N5

March 17,2015
Dear Sir. Re: Syrian Refugees in Turkey

I am writing to you to request your assistance in bringing my brother and his family from Turkey to Canada. My
husband and I are willing and able to support my brother and his family for as long as they need.

With reference to the above, I would like to bring to your attention the issues that we have identi?ed in
attempting to complete and submit the appropriate forms and documentation required for Syrians who are
currently residing in Turkey.

Your website states that Turkey will only issue an exit visa if the Syrian applicant meets the following criteria:
0 Must hold a valid Syrian passport
0 Must have entered Turkey legally
- Must be registered with the UNHCR or hold a Turkish Mavi Kimlik ID card.

Please note that the requirements for Iraqi Iranian nationals are not as restricted. Why?
We have contacted the UNHCR of?ce in Ankara, who have advised them:
0 All Syrians have only been issued with the Yabanci Tanitma Belgesi
The majority of Syrians had to enter Turkey illegally due to the fact they were escaping from the
war
I The UN of?ce has not issued any certi?cates to Syrians, and according to the UN, the document]
Identity Card that they currently hold is suf?cient to have an exit visa issued.

Based on the above information, it is impossible to get the family out of Turkey. Canada will not accept the
application with the documents that are available, and the UNHCR will not issue their documents until they
have con?rmation that the family will be allowed to go to Canada. In addition, in order for the Syrians to obtain
the valid passports and entrance, Canada is requiring them to return to their war infested homes, obtain the
appropriate documents and re-enter Turkey legally. This is not a possible alternative for them.

I have attached a brief outline of my family's journey from their home in Damascus to Istanbul, including their
encounter with the rebels. Since their arrival in Turkey, their life has been very tenuous. As they are Kurds,
there is a de?nite prejudice against them with the Turkish population.

Their situation has become desperate. We request your assistance in the submission and approval of the
application for this family.

Yours very truly,

Fatima Kurdi
cc: Fin Donnelly, MP, New Westminster-Coquitlam Port Moody