Canada Warns Canadians and Expands Emergency Support for Thousands Stranded Across the Middle East as Flights Slowly Resume in United Arab Emirates and Qatar

The Government of Canada says it is continuing to closely monitor developments across the Middle East while prioritizing the safety and security of Canadians currently in the region.

Officials emphasized that protecting Canadian citizens abroad remains a top concern as tensions and security risks continue to affect travel and mobility in several countries.

Canadian authorities say they are maintaining close oversight of the evolving situation and remain prepared to provide assistance to citizens who may need help leaving the region or obtaining emergency support.

Emergency Assistance Available for Canadians Abroad

Canadians in need of urgent help overseas can contact the 24-hour Emergency Watch and Response Centre operated by Global Affairs Canada. The centre provides round-the-clock support to citizens facing emergencies outside the country.

Those requiring assistance can reach the centre through several communication channels, including telephone, email, SMS, WhatsApp, and Signal messaging services.

Registration System Tracks Canadians Overseas

Canada’s voluntary Registration of Canadians Abroad system currently lists more than 110,600 Canadians registered in the region as of March 11. The system allows the government to share safety updates and coordinate assistance during emergencies.

Officials note that registration figures do not necessarily reflect the total number of Canadians present in a country, since participation is optional and some individuals may leave without updating their status.

Authorities say the number of registrants has been gradually declining as Canadians depart and remove themselves from the registry.

Thousands Have Already Returned to Canada

Since late February, nearly 8,000 Canadians, permanent residents, and family members have returned to Canada through a combination of direct and indirect travel routes from the Middle East.

In addition, the Government of Canada has helped nearly 1,000 Canadians and permanent residents leave the region by facilitating their movement to safe third countries.

Officials say these departures have been coordinated through a range of measures designed to help travelers navigate the challenging conditions affecting regional travel.

Types of Assistance Provided by Canada

According to Global Affairs Canada, consular teams have been supporting citizens through several practical measures.

These include helping people obtain travel documents and passports, assisting with visa requirements for border crossings, and providing reception services at border points.

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Authorities have also coordinated ground transportation such as buses to safe third countries or locations with available commercial flights.

In some cases, the government secured blocks of seats on commercial flights when airspace conditions allowed and even chartered an aircraft from the United Arab Emirates to Istanbul, Turkey to assist travelers.

International Cooperation During the Crisis

Canada says it has been working closely with international partners to support safe departures during the emergency.

As part of those efforts, seats on coordinated flights have also been offered to citizens of countries including Jordan, Kuwait, Australia, Ireland, Egypt, Denmark, and New Zealand.

Canadian officials also supported evacuation coordination efforts by several partners—including the European Union, France, the United Kingdom, the United States, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand—at key border crossings with Iran.

Fewer Requests for Assistance as Flights Resume

Officials say demand for government-coordinated transportation is gradually declining as commercial flights begin resuming in parts of the region.

On March 11, the Emergency Watch and Response Centre received just over 400 calls, marking the lowest daily number since the crisis began. At its peak last week, the centre handled nearly 1,400 calls per day.

Most recent inquiries have come from Canadians located in the United Arab Emirates and Qatar, where commercial air travel has largely resumed.

No Canadian Casualties Reported

At this time, the Canadian government says it has no reports of Canadian citizens being injured or killed as a result of the ongoing hostilities in the region.

Officials continue to monitor developments and remain ready to provide assistance if the situation changes.

Travel Advice for Canadians

Authorities are urging Canadians currently in the Middle East to stay informed about evolving safety conditions and to follow official travel advice issued by Global Affairs Canada.

Travelers can receive updates through government channels, including the official travel advisory platforms and social media accounts such as @TravelGoC and @CanadaFP.

Officials also stress that decisions about travel ultimately remain the responsibility of individuals.

Impact and Consequences

The crisis in the Middle East has significantly affected travel patterns for Canadians in the region. Flight disruptions, airspace closures, and security concerns have forced many travelers to rely on government assistance or alternative routes to return home.

The situation has also placed additional pressure on diplomatic and consular services as authorities coordinate evacuations, document support, and emergency communications with thousands of citizens abroad.

What’s Next?

Canadian officials say they will continue monitoring the situation closely and adjust assistance programs depending on demand and regional travel conditions.

If commercial flights continue to resume across more countries, the need for government-organized departures may decrease. However, Canada says it remains prepared to coordinate additional transportation and support if security conditions worsen or travel disruptions return.

Summary

Canada is continuing to monitor the evolving security situation in the Middle East while providing assistance to Canadians seeking to leave the region.

More than 110,000 citizens remain registered in the government’s overseas registry, though thousands have already returned home since late February.

Through diplomatic cooperation and consular services, the Government of Canada has helped facilitate departures, coordinate flights, and provide emergency support for Canadians affected by the crisis.

Bulleted Takeaways

• The Government of Canada says it is closely monitoring the situation in the Middle East.
• Over 110,600 Canadians are registered in the voluntary Registration of Canadians Abroad system.
• Nearly 8,000 Canadians and family members have returned to Canada since February 28.
• About 1,000 Canadians and permanent residents were assisted in leaving the region for safe third countries.
• Global Affairs Canada has provided help with travel documents, visas, transportation, and flights.
• Canada has worked with international partners including the European Union, United States, and United Kingdom to coordinate evacuations.
• Call volumes to the emergency response centre have dropped as flights resume in places like the United Arab Emirates and Qatar.
• Officials say no Canadians have been reported injured or killed in the ongoing hostilities. 🌍