Good day, and thank you for coming here this morning to share your experiences with us and also, for bringing us some data that will help the committee with its study.
You talked about family reunification, about the delays encountered in Accra and Nairobi which are now stretching to almost two years. This situation is truly unacceptable. In addition, in response to a question from my colleague, you also mentioned that applications from over 18 countries go through the Nairobi office.
You reminded us that very lengthy delays are encountered. In these countries, it is often difficult, as we know, to undergo an examination, to qualify or even simply to file an application. The process may be complicated because a person must provide security information, a criminal background check as well as up-to-date medical test results.
I'm interested in hearing your views on this situation. We know the medical test results are only valid for one year, but these results must be submitted at the start of the application process. These tests cannot be taken at random. The Canadian government has designated a number of doctors who are accredited to administer these medical tests.
The waiting period is now over 25 months long. This does not necessarily represent the amount of time required to process the application from start to finish, but rather the time it takes for the application to be put in the system. You talked about the entire process taking from three to five years. That could mean that persons may have to take their medical test over again several times while their application is being processed.
Instead of requiring medical tests and security checks at the beginning of the process, would it not be better, in your opinion, to wait until the application is actually being processed before asking people to supply these documents?