Canada has resumed removals to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), allowing the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) to enforce removal orders against inadmissible individuals from these countries. The change took effect on September 23, 2026, following the removal of the four countries from the CBSA’s list of destinations temporarily excluded from removals.
The decision ends a temporary suspension introduced in March 2026 through an Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR). With the suspension lifted, individuals from these four countries who have enforceable removal orders may be required to leave Canada.
The development means that Canada resumes removals to these destinations under its existing immigration enforcement framework, subject to applicable legal requirements and individual circumstances.
Canada Resumes Removals to Four Middle Eastern Countries
As of September 23, 2026, the CBSA has resumed removals to:
- Bahrain
- Kuwait
- Qatar
- United Arab Emirates (UAE)
The change is reflected on the CBSA’s official Enforcing removals from Canada webpage, where the four countries were removed from the list of destinations covered by the temporary suspension.
The previous suspension was introduced on March 24, 2026, when the CBSA announced a temporary halt on removals to these countries.
With the suspension lifted, Canada resumes removals for individuals from these countries who are inadmissible under Canadian immigration law and have enforceable removal orders.
What Was the Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR)?
An Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR) is a temporary measure used by the CBSA to postpone removals to a particular country during a humanitarian crisis.
An ADR may be imposed when conditions in a country could seriously threaten the lives or safety of the civilian population.
The measure temporarily prevents certain removals to the affected country. However, it does not provide permanent immigration status or automatically cancel an individual’s removal order.
The ADR covering Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE was introduced on March 24, 2026. Following its removal from the CBSA’s exclusion list, Canada resumes removals to these countries for individuals with enforceable removal orders.
Who Can Be Removed From Canada?
Individuals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE may face removal if they are found inadmissible under Canadian immigration law and have an enforceable removal order.
An enforceable removal order means that the individual has exhausted the applicable legal appeals, stays, or risk-assessment processes that could prevent removal.
Depending on the circumstances, the CBSA may enforce a departure order, exclusion order, or deportation order.
However, the lifting of the ADR does not mean that every individual from these countries will automatically be removed. Each case remains subject to the applicable immigration rules and legal procedures.
Three Types of Removal Orders in Canada
Canadian immigration law provides for three main types of removal orders. Each carries different obligations and consequences for individuals required to leave the country.
1. Departure Order
A departure order is the least severe type of removal order.
Individuals generally have 30 days after the order takes effect to leave Canada and confirm their departure with the CBSA.
If they comply with the order, they may be able to return to Canada in the future, provided they meet the entry requirements.
If they fail to leave within the required period or do not confirm their departure as required, 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.
The individual is generally barred from returning to Canada for:
- One year after an exclusion order.
- Five years if the exclusion order was issued because of misrepresentation.
Individuals who wish to return before the applicable exclusion period ends must generally apply for and obtain an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).
3. Deportation Order
A deportation order requires an individual to leave Canada and confirm their departure with the CBSA.
It generally results in a permanent bar on returning to Canada.
An individual subject to a deportation order must apply for and obtain an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) to return lawfully. Returning without the required authorization may result in another deportation order.
Important Exceptions to the Removal Suspension
Even when an Administrative Deferral of Removal is in place, it does not necessarily prevent the CBSA from removing individuals who are inadmissible on certain serious grounds.
These exceptions include individuals inadmissible because of:
- Membership in a designated regime.
- Criminality.
- Violations of international or human rights.
- National security concerns.
- Organized crime.
The ADR covering Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE did not prevent removals in these categories.
With the temporary suspension lifted, Canada resumes removals to the four countries for individuals whose removal orders are enforceable, subject to the applicable legal framework.
What the Change Means for Affected Individuals
The resumption of removals means that individuals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE who have enforceable removal orders may now face removal from Canada.
The consequences depend on the type of removal order issued and the individual’s immigration circumstances.
A departure order, exclusion order, and deportation order carry different requirements and restrictions on returning to Canada.
Individuals who have received a removal order should understand the terms of their order and whether any legal appeals, stays, or risk-assessment procedures remain available in their particular circumstances.
The lifting of the ADR does not itself determine the outcome of an individual’s immigration case.
FAQs : Canada Resumes Removals
1. When did Canada resume removals to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE?
The CBSA resumed removals to these four countries on September 23, 2026, following their removal from the agency’s temporary exclusion list.
2. Why were removals temporarily suspended?
The CBSA introduced an Administrative Deferral of Removal on March 24, 2026, as a temporary measure in response to conditions that could seriously threaten civilian lives or safety.
3. Who can be removed after the suspension was lifted?
Individuals from the four countries who are inadmissible under Canadian immigration law and have enforceable removal orders may face removal.
4. What happens if someone does not comply with a departure order?
A departure order generally requires the individual to leave Canada within 30 days after it takes effect and confirm their departure with the CBSA. Failure to comply can result in the order automatically becoming a deportation order.
5. Can someone return to Canada after receiving a removal order?
The possibility of returning depends on the type of removal order. Exclusion orders generally impose a one-year or five-year bar, while deportation orders generally require an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC) before the individual can return.
6. Does the end of the ADR mean everyone from these countries will be removed?
No. The change allows the CBSA to enforce applicable removal orders against individuals who meet the legal requirements. It does not mean that every citizen or resident of these countries will be removed.
Final Takeaway On Canada Resumes Removals
The CBSA has lifted the temporary suspension on removals to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE, effective September 23, 2026.
Canada resumes removals to these countries for individuals who are inadmissible and have enforceable removal orders. The consequences depend on the type of removal order and the individual’s circumstances, while certain serious inadmissibility cases remain subject to separate enforcement provisions.
Source : CIC News
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