A family from Jalandhar returned to India after its refugee claim and humanitarian appeal were rejected, ending years of life in Quebec
An Indian-origin family from Punjab has been deported from Canada after eight years, following the rejection of its refugee claim and a subsequent appeal to remain in the country on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
The Kumar family, comprising Harish Kumar, his wife Sonika and their two sons, Gouresh, 12, and Japesh, 14, left Canada on 7 September and returned to India, according to a report by The New Indian Express.
The family moved from Goraya in Jalandhar to Canada in April 2018 and had been living in Quebec, where they sought asylum. Harish Kumar said he had left India because he feared for his life.
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In his refugee application, Kumar alleged that police had harassed him and filed false cases under pressure from a political leader
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He also claimed he was illegally detained between 12 and 19 August 2017 and subjected to severe torture
The family’s refugee claim was rejected, followed by the refusal of its request to remain in Canada on humanitarian and compassionate grounds.
During their time in Canada, both parents worked and paid taxes while raising their children. Harish was employed as a truck driver, while Sonika also worked alongside caring for the family.
The deportation has been particularly difficult for the two boys, who spent most of their childhood in Quebec. Japesh, who was six when the family arrived, told Canadian media that he had grown up there, built friendships and knew little about life in India. His younger brother also said he was unfamiliar with the country and would have to start over.
Mustafa Hennawy, an activist with the Immigrant Worker Centre, criticised the deportation, highlighting Harish’s work as a truck driver during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Canadian authorities informed the family on 4 September that they would be removed on 7 September. The Canada Border Services Agency said it proceeds with deportation when a removal order remains in force and the person is taken into custody.
The case highlights the difficulties faced by families whose asylum claims are rejected after years of residence in Canada.
