Canada Resumes Deportations to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE

Canada has lifted its temporary suspension of removals to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has resumed enforcing removal orders for individuals from these four countries who are legally required to leave Canada.

As of September 23, 2026, individuals with enforceable removal orders may once again face deportation to these countries.

The change follows the CBSA's decision to end the temporary Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR), which was introduced on March 24, 2026, due to humanitarian and safety concerns.

Why Did Canada Suspend Removals to These Countries?

On March 24, 2026, the CBSA introduced an Administrative Deferral of Removal for Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE.

An ADR is a temporary measure that allows Canada to suspend removals to countries experiencing humanitarian crises or dangerous conditions that could threaten the lives and safety of civilians.

The measure was intended to protect individuals from being returned to countries where the general population could face serious safety risks.

With the four countries now removed from the CBSA's exclusion list, the temporary suspension has ended, and removals can resume.

Who Could Be Affected by the New Removal Rules?

The change affects individuals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE who have enforceable removal orders.

An enforceable removal order means that an individual is legally required to leave Canada and that no outstanding legal appeal, stay of removal, or risk assessment prevents the CBSA from enforcing the order.

Individuals who have exhausted all available legal options may now be required to leave Canada.

The CBSA can enforce three types of removal orders: departure orders, exclusion orders, and deportation orders.

Understanding Canada's Three Types of Removal Orders

1. Departure Order

A departure order is generally the least restrictive type of removal order issued by Canada.

Individuals who receive a departure order must leave Canada within 30 days after the order becomes enforceable and confirm their departure with the CBSA.

If they comply with these requirements, they may be eligible to return to Canada in the future, provided they meet the applicable immigration and entry requirements.

However, if they fail to leave Canada within the required period or do not properly confirm their departure, the departure order automatically becomes a deportation order.

2. Exclusion Order

An exclusion order requires an individual to leave Canada and confirm their departure with the CBSA.

Individuals subject to an exclusion order are generally prohibited from returning to Canada for one year.

If the exclusion order was issued because of misrepresentation, the individual is generally prohibited from returning for five years.

Individuals who wish to return before their exclusion period ends must apply for and obtain an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).

3. Deportation Order

A deportation order is the most restrictive type of removal order.

Individuals who receive a deportation order must leave Canada and confirm their departure with the CBSA.

Unlike departure and exclusion orders, a deportation order permanently prevents an individual from returning to Canada unless they obtain an Authorization to Return to Canada.

Individuals who return without the required authorization may face another deportation order.

Can Canada Still Deport Individuals During an Administrative Deferral of Removal?

An Administrative Deferral of Removal does not protect every individual from deportation.

Even when an ADR is in effect, the CBSA may continue removing individuals who are inadmissible to Canada on certain serious grounds, including:

• Membership in a designated regime.
• Serious criminality or other applicable criminal grounds.
• International or human rights violations.
• National security concerns.
• Involvement in organized crime.
  
  

These exceptions allow Canada to enforce removal orders in certain cases despite a temporary suspension.

What Does This Change Mean for Affected Individuals?

The removal of Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE from the CBSA's ADR exclusion list means that individuals from these countries can no longer rely on that temporary measure to delay their removal.

Those with enforceable removal orders who have exhausted their available legal remedies may now face removal from Canada.

However, the end of an ADR does not eliminate an individual's ability to pursue other legal remedies or protections for which they may qualify.

Affected individuals should understand the type of removal order issued against them, their current legal status, and any available immigration options.