As the Canadian government announces plans to evacuate citizens from the Middle East amid escalating conflict, a Montrealer residing in Qatar is anxiously awaiting assistance while considering self-evacuation options. Maher Chebib, who moved to Doha in the late 1990s for work, finds himself and his family in a precarious situation as missiles are intercepted overhead and airspace closures complicate departure efforts.
Government Evacuation Plans Announced
Foreign Affairs Minister Anita Anand revealed on Thursday that Ottawa is initiating evacuation planning for Canadians stranded in the Middle East. The strategy includes chartered flights, block bookings on commercial airlines, and land transportation arrangements. However, Anand emphasized that these plans "will depend on the particular country," specifically noting challenges when "airspace is open or not."
This announcement comes as Global Affairs Canada advises Canadians in Qatar to shelter in place due to heightened security threats. The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran shows little sign of abating, with Iran vowing to intensify retaliation and multiple Middle Eastern states reporting interceptions of Iranian missiles and drones throughout Thursday.
Frustration Over Communication Gaps
Chebib, who previously lived in Dollard-des-Ormeaux, expresses significant frustration with what he perceives as inadequate communication from Canadian authorities. "If the Canadian government arranges for evacuation, I'm on that flight," he states. "Because we're not hearing anything from Canada, a lot of us are booking self-evacuations."
Like over 100,000 Canadians in the region, Chebib has registered his presence with Global Affairs Canada. Yet since the Middle East conflict erupted on February 28, he reports receiving minimal updates. "I don't think they're doing enough to inform Canadians," Chebib asserts. "The position is, we will let you know when it's time to let you know. No, please let us know, even if there is no news, give us no news."
Practical Evacuation Challenges
With Qatari airspace closed, leaving the country has become extraordinarily difficult. Chebib explains that departure would likely require driving to Saudi Arabia, where his family would attempt to secure flights from Riyadh or Jeddah. The closer Dammam airport presents nearly impossible booking circumstances, with travelers reportedly waiting 15 to 20 hours at the airport before managing to board flights.
The evacuation subject has become "the subject of discussion" among Canadians in Qatar, according to Chebib, as practical obstacles mount alongside security concerns.
Security Concerns in Qatar
Chebib describes hearing "maybe two or three booms" in recent days as Iranian retaliatory strikes target Qatar, with a particularly loud explosion occurring on Thursday. While he currently feels safe in his home, he acknowledges the unpredictable danger: "We could be hit by debris or something like that. You never know."
"Qatar is a nice place and it's usually safe," Chebib reflects. "I think this is an aberration, but it sours our feelings quite a lot." He expresses concern about the conflict's duration, noting that "it doesn't seem to have an end in sight from what we hear from Trump, Netanyahu and the Iranians."
Future Plans and Retirement Considerations
Looking beyond the immediate crisis, Chebib hopes to relocate somewhere near Montreal. He has attempted to return to Canada since first moving to Qatar but has been unable to secure employment. "If I move to Canada, you see my grey hair, I will retire," he remarks with resignation.
The Canadian government's evacuation planning follows earlier efforts to reserve seats on commercial flights out of Lebanon, indicating a broader regional approach to citizen safety. As Chebib and thousands of other Canadians await clearer guidance, the balance between government assistance and individual initiative remains uncertain in this volatile Middle East situation.
