Canada Sees Sharp Rise In Deportations, Reaching Highest Levels Since 2015.
Canada has recorded its highest number of deportations since 2015, with nearly 7,300 individuals removed from the country by 19 November 2024. This represents an 8.4% increase compared to the previous year, as the government works to manage a growing backlog of refugee claims and enforce immigration policies.
According to data cited by Immigration News Canada (INC) and obtained by Reuters, deportations in 2024 also marked a 95% rise compared to 2022, reflecting a significant shift in immigration enforcement.
Rising Deportation Figures and Backlog
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has yet to release full-year statistics, but the trend suggests that the final number for 2024 will be even higher. As of December, 485,359 individuals were flagged for potential removal, with 120,273 cases in Ontario, 197,029 in Quebec, and 123,000 unassigned to a specific region.
The majority of deportations—approximately 79%—involved failed refugee claimants, an increase from 75% in 2023 and 66% in 2022. This shift indicates a heightened focus on processing asylum cases and enforcing removal orders.
Additionally, 11% of deportations were due to visa overstays or violations of residency terms, while 7% involved individuals with criminal convictions.
With immigration enforcement tightening and deportation numbers rising, authorities are expected to continue addressing the backlog while ensuring compliance with Canada’s immigration policies.
