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OTTAWA — The federal Liberal government said Thursday that it will exempt Syrian refugees from a rule that can burden impoverished newcomers with loans of up to $10,000 upon arrival.

Critics say the government should expand that privilege to all asylum-seekers so they’re not forced to pay for the cost of their own flight to freedom.

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A statement from Citizenship and Immigration Canada said many fleeing Syrian refugees have “lost everything” and will lack financial resources “for some time” after arriving in Canada.

“Given the extreme and unprecedented hardships faced by this community, Canada is upholding its humanitarian tradition by offering help and protection to those most in need,” the statement said. “This includes waiving the issuance and repayment of immigration loans … and covering the cost of immigration medical examinations and transportation loans.”

Refugee aid groups were informed by federal officials on Wednesday that the 25,000 Syrian refugees slated to enter Canada by the end of February won’t be charged for their flights and medical exams.