Canada ends repatriation flights from Haiti

Posted On: May 12, 2024

Global Affairs Canada has helped around 250 people evacuate Haiti since its repatriation operation began on March 25 (new window).

In her statement, Minister Joly said this was the case has closely examined the demand for assisted departure from Haiti.

Now that many Haitians have left, the number of Canadians, permanent residents and their eligible family members who are able or willing to leave Haiti on an assisted exit flight has decreased significantly.She added.

Therefore, the last scheduled supported flight from Haiti will take place on Sunday, April 7th.

My Message […] is this: If you want to leave Haiti, now is the time. If you would like us to help you with this, contact Global Affairs Canada.

Minister Joly recognized this The security situation in Haiti remains extremely unstable.

On Monday, Global Affairs announced that it was expanding the eligibility criteria for these evacuation flights (new window) to include permanent residents and their immediate family members.

Global Affairs provided some details about the travel arrangements. The flight from Port-au-Prince to the safe location does not involve any costs for travelers. However, travelers must then pay for the ticket for the flight to Canada.

These fees will help cover some of the costs incurred by the Government of Canada in operating the flight.

Once they arrive in Montreal, travelers are responsible for arranging their own transportation, accommodation and the remainder of their tripspecifies Global Affairs.

The ministry also points this out can assist Canadian citizens with their private money transfers and, in certain exceptional cases, provide a loan to cover the costs of returning to Canada.

Rule by armed gangs

Haiti has been in a deep political crisis since the assassination of President Jovenel Moïse. (new window) in 2021.

This country is at the mercy of gangs that control almost all of its territory. The very weakened and poorly equipped state police are unable to contain these organized and well-armed groups.

Haitians saw a glimmer of hope when Prime Minister Ariel Henry announced his resignation. (new window) on March 12.

Facing opposition from part of the Haitian population and armed gangs demanding his departure, Mr. Henry finally threw in the towel.

A transitional council should take over the leadership of the country.

A mission that is only slowly being fulfilled

Kenya was to send a thousand police officers to Haiti as part of an international mission supported byUnited Nations.

A few days before his resignation, former Prime Minister Ariel Henry signed an agreement with Kenyan President William Ruto to send this mission.

However, on March 12, Kenya announced that it was suspending this mission (new window)calling the complete collapse of public order and the resignation of the Prime Minister.

In July 2023, Kenya followed the call ofUnited Nations and Haiti to carry out this mission, but it could not be carried out.

According to Global Affairs Canada, Canadians in need of consular assistance can contact the Emergency Monitoring and Response Center in Ottawa, which is open 24 hours a day, seven days a week:

Telephone: +1 613 996-8885 (Collection calls may also be accepted)

Text: +1 613 686-3658

WhatsApp: +1 613 909-8881

Telegram: Emergency Canada abroad

Signal: +1 613 909-8087

Email: haitisos@international.gc.ca