The arrivals hall at Beirut's international airport. (Credit: João Sousa/L'Orient-Le Jour)
Elie* had to tell his family that he would not be able to travel to Lebanon for Christmas, for the second year in a row.The 28-year-old, who has been living in Montreal since Aug. 2021, has been waiting for six months to obtain his Canadian work permit and visa.“What hurt the most was the sadness of my parents and family when I told them that they will not see me during the most joyful time of the year and that everyone will celebrate on their own, as best they can,” said Elie, who was pushed abroad by Lebanon’s economic crisis. Read more: Five Lebanese Christmas traditions — and a very cute Syrian one Some Lebanese expatriates will not return at the end of the year, due to unaffordable flight tickets, visa or residence permits still pending and even their rejection of their home country.Among them is Mia*, who obtained her...
Elie* had to tell his family that he would not be able to travel to Lebanon for Christmas, for the second year in a row.The 28-year-old, who has been living in Montreal since Aug. 2021, has been waiting for six months to obtain his Canadian work permit and visa.“What hurt the most was the sadness of my parents and family when I told them that they will not see me during the most joyful time of the year and that everyone will celebrate on their own, as best they can,” said Elie, who was pushed abroad by Lebanon’s economic crisis. Read more: Five Lebanese Christmas traditions — and a very cute Syrian one Some Lebanese expatriates will not return at the end of the year, due to unaffordable flight tickets, visa or residence permits still pending and even their rejection of their home country.Among them is Mia*, who...
Humanitarian convoy reaches Rmeish, Ain Ibl, Dibil despite obstacles