Thousands of Saudi Arabian students have to leave Canada because their governments are fighting

The diplomatic feud between Canada and Saudi Arabia means that around 8,000 Saudi students studying in Canada have to leave the country by August 31 — leaving them scrambling to sell off their belongings.

The Saudi government announced on August 7 that it would recall students on government grants or scholarships from Canada. Since then, students have been trying to sell all their belongings online and in garage sales — from pots and pans to chairs to cars.

The Ummah Mosque and community center in Halifax, Nova Scotia, held two garage sales on August 12 and August 17 to help students to help the students sell their belongings.

Imam Abdullah Yousri, who runs the mosque, said he decided to hold the sales when he saw so many students were trying to get rid of their stuff online.

He told the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation: “They’re selling their cars, their homes, their furniture — everything. So we thought this is the best way to help them to do so.”

He added on the Facebook event page for one of the garage sales: “Such garage sale is open for all the community but especially our Saudi student brethren to assist them in the sale of their belongings.”

Here’s what the first garage sale looked like.

Those selling their cars online also revealed their sadness at having to part with their vehicles.

One student selling a 2018 Nissan Rogue S on Facebook in Ontario said he was “an unfortunate Saudi Student who is been forced to leave Canada due to the clash with Saudi Arabia.”

“When I have purchased this car, it meant to be my everlasting but sometimes you have no option. It is still like-new brand car, everything is awesome and perfect,” he added. “I have oil sprayed it this summer to be ready for the winter, but sadly I won’t even stay for the fall!”