Deportations from Canada rose by 11% in 2024 as removal backlog grows

Recent data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) indicates a noticeable rise in deportations, with figures soaring to 16,860 in 2024. This represents an 11% increase from the previous year and marks the highest deportation rate since 2019, when 11,276 individuals were removed from Canada. The CBSA released these statistics on Tuesday, highlighting a significant development in the agency's enforcement actions.

As of December 31, the CBSA reported having 485,359 individuals in its removal inventory, including 120,273 from Ontario and 197,029 from Quebec. Approximately 123,000 individuals were not assigned to any specific region. The primary countries from which these foreign nationals were deported included Mexico (3,579), India (1,932), Colombia (956), and Haiti (806).

Removing individuals who lack the right to remain in Canada is vital for upholding the integrity of the nation's immigration system and ensuring fairness for law-abiding newcomers.

Reasons for Deportations and Types of Orders

Among the individuals deported last year, 13,527 were unsuccessful asylum seekers, while 2,261 were removed for violating immigration laws. The statistics also show that 771 individuals were deported due to criminal activity, with 89 linked to organized crime.

Canada's immigration regulations categorically define three types of removal orders, each with specific criteria regarding re-entry into the country:

1. Departure Orders: Individuals must leave Canada within 30 days of the order's enforcement. If they do not, a deportation order is enacted.
2. Exclusion Orders: These orders prevent individuals from returning to Canada for one year without prior written authorization. If the order arises from misrepresentation, the individual faces a five-year ban.
3. Deportation Orders: These orders permanently bar individuals from re-entering Canada unless they receive written permission.

Most of those ordered to leave do so voluntarily; however, in about 10% of cases, border officials must escort foreign nationals out of the country. The CBSA uses a comprehensive risk assessment protocol to determine whether an escort is necessary.