Hundreds of Canadians have fled Middle East but thousands more remain: officials

Canadian Officials Helping Canadians and Permanent Residents Leave Middle East Amid Escalating Israel-Iran Conflict

As the war between Israel and Iran continues to escalate in the Middle East, hundreds of Canadians and permanent residents have fled the region with the assistance of Canadian officials. However, officials estimate that there are still thousands of Canadians and permanent residents remaining in the conflict zone.

According to officials from Global Affairs Canada (GAC), roughly 6,000 Canadians and permanent residents are currently in Israel and the West Bank, while another 5,500 are estimated to be in Iran. The exact number of individuals who have left the region is unknown, but officials mentioned that “hundreds” have departed and the government is prepared to aid those seeking to leave.

The situation in the region is described as highly volatile, making it challenging to determine the exact number of Canadians who have evacuated from each part of the conflict zone. Some individuals have left voluntarily without notifying the federal government.

Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand announced last week that the Canadian government is coordinating commercial flights out of neighboring countries, as the airspace in both Iran and Israel has been closed. Over 60 Canadians have already left Israel and the West Bank via government-arranged buses and were transported to Amman, Jordan. An additional 100 individuals are expected to depart on Tuesday with a flight scheduled from Aqaba, Jordan, to Athens. It is likely that more Canadians have left through alternative means.

While the government’s ability to assist those in Iran is limited due to the absence of a diplomatic presence in the country, GAC officials stated that there is support available at border crossings in Turkey and Armenia. This assistance includes transportation and accommodation options for Canadians and permanent residents leaving Iran.

Additionally, a Canadian diplomatic station has been established at the Iranian border with Azerbaijan. Despite the closure of the Astara crossing point for the past four years, Canadian diplomats have been able to facilitate visa applications at that crossing. Azerbaijani officials have permitted approximately 100 Canadians to cross into their territory.