Nay Myo Hein, centre at back, poses with supporters Saturday after learning he will not be deported to Burma. (Submitted by Canadian Friends of Burma)A 25-year-old man facing deportation to Burma has won ministerial permission to remain in Saskatoon.
Nay Myo Hein, a former child soldier, had been ordered to return to Burma, also known as Myanmar, despite concerns he could face serious harm because he deserted the army a decade ago.
On Friday, Hein had exhausted all formal procedures to avoid deportation, which was set to take place on Tuesday, Aug. 18.
Instead, on Saturday, two federal ministers took direct action on the man's case.
Public Safety Minister Peter Van Loan ordered officials not to implement the deportation order. At the same time, Immigration Minister Jason Kenny granted Hein a temporary permit allowing him to reside in Canada while he seeks permanent residency status.
"Granting the temporary resident permit (also known as a "ministerial permit") will ensure that Mr. Hein does not have to return to Burma and can remain in Canada," an official in Kenny's office said in a release issued Saturday.
"Today's decision puts Mr. Hein on the pathway to full Canadian citizenship," Alykhan Velshi, Kenny's spokesman, continued in the release.
"Burma is one of the world's most odious, closed, and repressive regimes. The junta's continued existence is an offense to basic principles of human rights. In taking these steps, our Conservative government is protecting one of the lucky few who have managed to escape the nightmare that is Burma."
Supporters of Hein were quick to show their appreciation for the intervention.
Kevin McLeod, a board member with the group Canadian Friends of Burma, was one of several people who lobbied on Hein's behalf in Ottawa.
"We're really glad," McLeod told CBC News on the weekend. "We hope that others in his situation will get legal representation from the moment they get to Canada so we don't have to have this last-moment crisis."
Hein had no legal representation at his first hearing with the Immigration and Refugee Board.
