While most Saudi Arabian students are being forced to return to the country amid a diplomatic row between Saudi Arabia and Canada, medical students have been granted leave to stay and continue their training until other arrangements can be made.
Exact numbers are somewhat unclear, but sources suggest between 8,000 and 14,000 Saudi students are enrolled at Canada's universities and colleges.
The peninsula consists of the countries Yemen, Oman, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Southern Arabia consists of Yemen and some parts of Saudi Arabia (Najran, Jizan, Asir) and Oman (Dhofar). Eastern Arabia consists of the entire coastal strip of the Persian Gulf.
Canada is considered one of the safest destinations in the world. Crime rates are low, police are trusted, easy to contact, and quick to respond. No matter where you travel some common-sense is an important part of personal safety and the security of your property. Don't leave handbags or luggage unattended.
The two share robust economic ties, with Saudi Arabia representing Canada's second largest trading partner in the Middle East, a relation that was bolstered in February 2014 with the purchase of C$15 billion worth of Canadian arms by Saudi Arabia.
Alcohol of any kind is banned in Saudi Arabia. Those who break the law are subject to hundreds of lashes, deportation, fines, or imprisonment. You may be able to access alcohol on the flight over, but if you are deemed to be intoxicated at customs, you risk arrest.
Both countries reached in an agreement in February 2014 under which Saudi Arabia would purchase C$15 billion worth of military equipment from Canada. According to the CBC, this deal included 928 light armoured vehicles, specifically, a model known as LAV-6.
Do not travel to: Within 50 miles of the border with Yemen due to terrorism and armed conflict. Terrorist groups continue plotting possible attacks in Saudi Arabia. Terrorists may attack with little or no warning, targeting tourist locations, transportation hubs, markets/shopping malls, and local government facilities.
Canada's highest-valued import from Saudi Arabia in 2013 was crude petroleum, which accounted for 97.9% of the value of Canada's imports from the country. The value of Canadian crude petroleum imports from Saudi Arabia increased from $2.1 billion in 2008 to $2.6 billion in 2013.
Yes, Saudi Arabia is safe for tourists. As with travel to any other country in the world, be respectful of local rules and customs, be mindful of your surroundings, and carry out due diligence before traveling. Be sure to consult travel advisories before your trip.
Saudi Arabia and the U.S. are strategic allies, and since President Obama took office in 2009, the U.S. has sold $110 billion in arms to Saudi Arabia. The National Security Agency (NSA) in 2013 began cooperating with the Saudi Ministry of Interior in an effort to help ensure "regime continuity".
The overall cost of living in Saudi Arabia is similar to most European countries as an expat. The Kingdom ranks 62nd out of 136 in the Global Cost of Living Index. The cost of accommodation tends to be more expensive than in Europe.
The
Canada Visa Application Centres in Riyadh, Khobar and
Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia will remain closed until further notice due to the Covid-19.
Step-by-step guide
- Identify visa type.
- Begin your application.
- Pay your fees.
- Visit a Visa Application Centre.
- Track your application.
- Collect your passport.
Hundreds of thousands of expatriates have worked in Saudi Arabia since the first major oil developments five decades ago. More than 6,400 Canadians are registered as residents in the country, the Department of Foreign Affairs says.
Collect the passport in person at the Canada Visa Application Centre. Bring a valid ID and the receipt issued at the Canada Visa Application Centre at the time of submission. Authorize someone on your behalf to collect the passport.
If you applied for your visa online, sign in to your account to check your application status. Click “check status and messages” under the “View my submitted applications or profiles” section.
The
Canada Visa Application Centres in
Riyadh, Khobar and Jeddah,
Saudi Arabia will remain closed until further notice due to the Covid-19.
Step-by-step guide
- Identify visa type.
- Begin your application.
- Pay your fees.
- Visit a Visa Application Centre.
- Track your application.
- Collect your passport.
If you are a citizen of Saudi Arabia
A police certificate request letter will be sent to you by mail after your application for Permanent Residence has been received. You must present this letter, along with valid identification and proof of legal residency in Saudi Arabia to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.Canada–Saudi Arabia relations
| Canada | Saudi Arabia |
|---|
| Diplomatic mission |
| Embassy of Canada, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia | The Royal Embassy of Saudi Arabia, Ottawa, Canada |
| Envoy |
| Ambassador of Canada to Saudi Arabia Dennis Horak (declared Persona non grata) | Ambassador of Saudi Arabia to Canada Naif bin Bandar Al-Sudairi (withdrawn) |
