In a significant move, the Canadian government has ordered the expulsion of Baqer Ardeshir Larijani, a former high-ranking official in Iran’s Ministry of Health and brother to two influential figures in the Iranian regime, Sadeq and Ali Larijani. Baqer Larijani, who gained permanent residency in Canada in September 2017 under the skilled worker category, has been living in the country with his wife and son.
A recently released document from Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Board confirms the decision to revoke Larijani’s permanent residency and expel him. The document reveals that since acquiring permanent residency, Larijani has spent most of his time in Iran, residing in Canada for only 258 days over five years. This falls short of the mandatory 730 days required for maintaining permanent residency.
Larijani attempted to appeal the decision, arguing that his prolonged stays in Iran were due to caring for his elderly mother and his obligations with Tehran University. However, the appeal was rejected.
The revocation and subsequent expulsion come at a time when Canada is intensifying its scrutiny of Iranian officials residing in the country. This action is part of a broader initiative by the Canadian government to address the presence of individuals linked to the oppressive Iranian regime. Earlier, Canada initiated the expulsion of five other Iranian nationals suspected of having ties to the regime.
The IRGC is now listed as a terrorist group in Canada.
— Justin Trudeau (@JustinTrudeau) June 19, 2024
Larijani’s case is particularly noteworthy given his significant roles within Iran, including various senior positions in the Ministry of Health and his tenure as President of Tehran University of Medical Sciences.
The Canadian Border Services Agency stated that Larijani had been investing in Canada, ostensibly to support his son’s education and secure a future for his family in the country. Despite these investments, the primary source of his income remained in Iran. Larijani owns two properties in Canada, one of which houses his family.
According to Iranian state officials, approximately 5,400 children of Iranian officials are currently living abroad. This revelation highlights a significant disparity as the regime’s highest-ranking officials attempt to conceal their wealth amidst growing unrest and rising inequality in society.
