In Beirut, Samar and her husband Bilal could count on 750,000 Lebanese pounds per month, or 450 euros, thanks to Bilal's work as a truck driver. But three months ago, the father saw his salary reduced, due to the economic situation in Lebanon. However, between the rent and the education of their triplets of 10 years, Moustapha, Fatmé and Abbass, two of whom have special needs, Bilal's salary is no longer enough to pay the bills and the couple sinks a little more in debt .

Samar tried to find a job, without success, because of his health problems. In the meantime, the couple, who live in the southern suburbs of Beirut, barely manage to pay for gas and electricity. "Everything is bad because of the economic situation. Prices have gone up. Before we bought 5 kilos of rice at 5,000 pounds (3 euros), now it's 14,000 (8.40 euros)".

The family believes that the only solution is to emigrate to Canada, a country with a large Lebanese diaspora. " The situation is intolerable. I am depressed, because of all the problems. I want to leave, for the children. They say to me: 'Mom, it may be better there. Maybe there is will have a special school for us, "says Samar. Their visa application for Canada has already been rejected once.

Lebanon has more citizens abroad than at home. High bills, unemployment and poor infrastructure are pushing people to emigrate. But with the increase in applications and the imposition of strict criteria for visas, nothing can be taken for granted. Chawkat Dada is a consultant who helps families in their dealings with Canada and Australia. Since the start of the economic crisis, the number of its customers has increased by 60%: " In the past three months, there have been many requests from poor people. Because of corruption and demonstrations all over the country, I receive lots of calls. Over 100 a day! "

Samar desperately awaits news of his visa application and watches his phone non-stop. She has to get used to the idea of ​​perhaps having to leave everything behind, her parents, her mother tongue and her home: "I love my country. No one hates their country, but it's for my children. The situation is tiring. They think we want to emigrate to have fun abroad, but no one leaves their home to have fun. "

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