Indians account for the largest share of removals as Ottawa steps up immigration enforcement
Canada removed 3,323 Indian nationals in the first six months of 2026, making India the largest source country for enforced removals during the period, according to data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA).
The figure, covering January to June, is already close to 88 per cent of the 3,779 Indian nationals removed from Canada during the whole of 2025. If the current pace continues, the 2026 total could set a new annual record.
Mexico ranked second during the first half of the year, with 1,573 nationals removed, followed by Haiti with 431 and the United States with 372. The CBSA recorded 10,607 enforced removals across all nationalities up to June 30.
The latest figures come as Canada continues to tighten enforcement of its immigration rules and reduce the number of temporary residents. The country has been reviewing its immigration system following a rapid rise in international students, temporary workers and other temporary residents in recent years.
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CBSA data shows that non-compliance with immigration requirements was the main basis for removals in the first half of 2026
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Of the 10,607 enforced removals, 8,551 involved non-compliance by refugee claimants and 1,303 involved non-claimants
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Criminality accounted for 624 removals, while 55 were linked to misrepresentation
India also had the largest number of cases in the CBSA’s removal-in-progress inventory, with 7,669 Indian nationals listed as of June 30. Mexico followed with 6,561 cases.
The increase comes amid closer scrutiny of immigration compliance, including concerns over misuse of temporary immigration pathways. Canadian authorities have also been investigating links between organised crime and Canada’s student and work permit systems.
For Indian students, workers and other temporary residents, the figures underline the importance of maintaining valid immigration status and complying with Canadian immigration requirements.
