Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand revealed plans to assist Canadians in the Middle East amidst escalating tensions, including seeking permission from the United Arab Emirates for evacuation flights. Anand emphasized the rapidly changing situation and the challenges faced in various countries regarding airspace accessibility.
As of Wednesday morning, over 2,000 Canadians have sought government aid to depart the region following recent conflicts between the U.S., Israel, and Iran. Anand outlined the evacuation strategies for Canadians in the UAE, Qatar, Lebanon, Israel, and Iran.
In the UAE, where the highest number of requests originated, efforts are underway to organize chartered flights subject to UAE government approvals. Similar arrangements are being made for other countries, with cost-recovery measures in place for Canadian travelers. In Qatar, limited flight options prompted Qatar Airways to arrange bus transportation for departing Canadians.
Lebanon saw successful evacuations with reserved seats on commercial flights, with additional seats available in the coming days. In Israel, bus services to Egypt are facilitating onward travel for Canadians. For those in Iran, diplomatic limitations require alternative measures, with consular assistance available in neighboring countries for border crossings.
Anand highlighted collaboration with other nations to facilitate repatriation efforts and encouraged Canadians to register with the Registration of Canadians Abroad service for timely updates and assistance. The minister underscored the lower number of evacuation requests compared to total registrations, urging affected Canadians to seek support through designated channels.
For further assistance or inquiries, Canadians in the Middle East can contact the provided hotline or email address. The government continues to monitor the situation and coordinate evacuation plans for affected citizens.
