In 2024, Canada deported 16,781 individuals, marking an increase from 15,124 in 2023. Of these, approximately 1,929 were Indian nationals, accounting for 11.5% of the total deportations. This represents a significant rise from 1,129 Indian nationals deported in 2023, which was 7.5% of that year’s total. Notably, the number of Indian nationals deported in 2024 was more than three times higher than in 2019, when 625 individuals (5.6%) were removed. According to the Reuters news Agency, the majority of these deportations involved individuals whose refugee claims had been denied. In 2024, about 79% of the 7,300 people deported between January 1 and November 19 fell into this category. This is an increase from approximately 75% in 2023 and 66% in 2022.
The rise in deportations corresponds with a significant uptick in asylum applications since 2020. In response, the Canadian government has increased its budget for deportations, pledging C$30.5 million over three years to support these efforts.
It’s important to note that some deportations have occurred while appeals on risk determinations were still pending, raising public concern. The Trudeau government has adopted a firmer stance on immigration amidst rising refugee claims and concerns over potential impacts on housing shortages.
Additionally, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has been organizing removal data by region. For instance, in the Greater Toronto Area Region, there were 5,086 enforced removals in 2024, up from 4,300 in 2023.
These developments highlight Canada’s evolving immigration policies and enforcement actions in response to changing migration patterns and domestic concerns.