Larijani, the brother of influential Iranian figures Sadeq and Ali Larijani, secured permanent residency in Canada in September 2017 under the skilled worker category and had been residing in the country with his wife and son.
A recently released document from Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board confirms the revocation of Larijani’s permanent residency. The document indicates that Larijani spent only 258 days in Canada over five years, falling short of the mandatory 730 days required to maintain permanent residency.
The IRGC is now listed as a terrorist group in Canada.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 19, 2024
Larijani’s appeal against the decision, citing his need to care for his elderly mother and fulfill obligations at Tehran University, was rejected. This move aligns with Canada’s increasing scrutiny of Iranian officials residing in the country as part of a broader initiative to address the presence of individuals linked to the oppressive Iranian regime. Earlier, Canada had expelled five other Iranian nationals suspected of ties to the regime.
Larijani’s case is notable due to his significant roles within Iran, including senior positions in the Ministry of Health and as President of Tehran University of Medical Sciences. Despite investing in Canada, ostensibly for his son’s education and securing a future for his family, Larijani’s primary income source remained in Iran. He owns two properties in Canada, one of which houses his family.
The Canadian Border Services Agency highlighted that Larijani had been investing in Canada, yet his prolonged stays in Iran and income source primarily being in Iran led to his expulsion. This case sheds light on the broader issue of Iranian officials’ families living abroad. According to Iranian state officials, about 5,400 children of Iranian officials are currently living overseas, underscoring the disparity between the regime’s elite and the growing unrest and inequality within Iran.
