By October 19, 2025 – The number of Indian nationals being forcibly removed from Canada has surged to record highs, continuing a worrying trend that has been growing steadily since 2019. According to data from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), 1,891 Indian nationals had already been deported by July 28, 2025, putting India among the top countries affected by Canada’s enforcement actions.
This figure is set to surpass the previous record of 1,997 removals in 2024, reflecting a sharp increase over just a few years. To put the trend in perspective, in 2019, only 625 Indians were deported from Canada—less than a third of last year’s figure. Among foreign nationals removed in 2025, Mexicans lead with 2,678, while Indians are next in line. Other countries with significant numbers include Colombia, with 981 removals in 2024.
Why Are Indians Being Forcibly Removed?
The surge in deportations is tied to Canada’s broader immigration enforcement and reform measures, which aim to remove foreign nationals who have violated laws, overstayed visas, or are involved in criminal activity. Prime Minister Mark Carney, responding to a media query in Toronto earlier this week, confirmed that the government is focusing on deporting foreign nationals, including both asylum seekers and individuals on temporary resident permits.
“That’s part of a broader set of reforms that we are making to the immigration system here in Canada,” Carney said, noting that removals will be made faster through better resources and improved tracking.
The increase in deportations has been coupled with growing anti-immigration sentiment across certain parts of Canada. For example, Peel Regional Police recently stated that they were coordinating with the Peel Crown Attorney’s Office and CBSA to determine whether accused foreign nationals could be deported as part of the judicial process. This came after the arrest of eight Indian men allegedly involved in the theft of 450 pieces of mail worth over CA$400,000, facing a total of 344 charges collectively.
Indians Form the Largest Cohort of Deportees and Asylum Seekers
Indians not only top the list in forced removals, but also in removal inventories in progress. According to CBSA data, as of mid-2025, 6,837 Indians were in the process of deportation, followed by 5,170 Mexicans and 1,734 U.S. citizens.
Of the total 30,733 cases in progress, 27,103 involve refugee claimants, indicating that the majority of removals target asylum seekers whose claims have been rejected. Indians also form the largest cohort among asylum seekers under review, highlighting both the community’s significant presence in Canada and the impact of stricter immigration enforcement policies.
Factors Driving the Spike in Deportations
Several factors have contributed to the rising number of Indian nationals being forcibly removed from Canada:
- Immigration Reforms: The Canadian government has emphasized faster processing and stricter enforcement for foreign nationals who overstay visas or violate immigration rules.
- Criminal Investigations: Indian nationals have been disproportionately represented in cases involving fraud, theft, or other crimes, prompting coordinated efforts between law enforcement and CBSA.
- Policy Focus on Asylum Seekers: Rejected asylum claims have increasingly led to deportation orders, with Indians forming the largest group within this category.
- Anti-Immigration Sentiment: Rising public and political pressure in Canada has reinforced stricter measures against perceived immigration violations.
Implications for the Indian Community in Canada
The upward trajectory of forced removals has created a climate of uncertainty for Indians living in Canada, especially those in temporary or precarious immigration statuses. Advocacy groups have expressed concern that increased deportations, particularly of asylum seekers and long-term residents, may undermine community stability and family unity.
While the Canadian government frames the deportations as part of law enforcement and immigration integrity, the growing numbers raise broader questions about immigration policy, minority rights, and fair treatment of Indian nationals in Canada.
Conclusion
The statistics highlight a dramatic increase in the forced removal of Indian nationals from Canada, with numbers rising from 625 in 2019 to nearly 1,900 in just the first seven months of 2025. Indians now account for the largest group both in completed deportations and in ongoing removal proceedings, reflecting a combination of policy reforms, enforcement measures, and societal attitudes.
As Canada continues to refine its immigration policies and expedite deportations, Indian nationals and advocacy groups are likely to monitor the situation closely, seeking transparency and protection for vulnerable members of the community.
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