CIC continues to process immigration applications to Canada while Government prepares evacuation of Canadian citizens.

Immigration

The Canadian Visa Office in Beirut, Lebanon, will remain open with regular business hours. However, the office hours are subject to change given the severity of the situation.

Previously submitted applications for permanent residence will continue to be processed. The Visa Office will not be accepting new applications until further notice.

Citizenship and Immigration Canada (CIC) is currently giving priority to Canadian citizens and Canadian permanent residents and their spouses, common-law partners, conjugal partners and dependent children. Non-Canadian dependants of Canadian citizens and permanent residents will also be given priority.

Evacuation

Foreign Affairs and International Trade Canada has released an advisory notice to all Canadians warning not to travel to Lebanon.

Peter Mackay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, stated today that the government is working around the clock to begin evacuation procedures for Canadian Citizens in Lebanon who wish to leave. Priority will be given to those in greatest need.

Evacuation procedures are to begin Wednesday July 19, 2006. Sea vessels are ready to evacuate Canadians from Lebanon, en route to Cyprus and Turkey. From there, air craft will bring evacuees to Canada.

The government is in regular contact with Canadian citizens who have registered and advised the government of their presence in Lebanon. Mackay advises that all Canadian citizens register with the Canadian government office in order to receive information on evacuation options, as well as other assistance and support offered by the government. Canadians are not to go to the embassy directly.

Official Information:

DFAIT's Emergency Operations Centre has been responding to phone calls and e-mails from both Canadian currently in Lebanon, and their family and friends in Canada.

We urge Canadians affected to contact the Emergency Operations Centre. From Canada, you can call toll-free at 1-800-387-3124.

From Lebanon, Canadians can call the Embassy at 961 (4) 713-900 or collect at 001-613-996-8885 or by e-mail at either sos@international.gc.ca or berut@international.gc.ca