Canada Lifts Temporary Halt on Removals to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and UAE, Effective September 2026
Summary
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced the resumption of removals to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE), with this policy taking effect on September 23, 2026. This decision means that individuals from these four countries who have enforceable removal orders will no longer be protected by a temporary halt and can be deported. This change highlights Canada's commitment to enforcing its immigration laws and requires affected individuals to proactively seek legal counsel regarding their status well in advance of the deadline.
The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has officially announced that it is lifting the temporary halt on removals to Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). This significant policy change, effective as of September 23, 2026, means that individuals from these four nations who possess an enforceable removal order will once again be subject to deportation from Canada. An enforceable removal order can stem from various grounds, including denied refugee claims, serious criminality, misrepresentation on immigration applications, or other violations of Canadian immigration law. The CBSA regularly assesses country conditions and diplomatic relations to determine where safe and orderly removals can be facilitated.
This decision provides a considerable lead time, allowing affected individuals ample opportunity to prepare. It signals that Canada has likely resolved any previous concerns regarding the safety, logistical feasibility, or diplomatic issues associated with returning individuals to these Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. For those currently holding removal orders or anticipating such an order, this development creates an urgent need to engage with immigration legal professionals. Proactive steps taken now could be crucial in exploring avenues to challenge a removal, apply for a stay, or seek alternative immigration pathways before the 2026 deadline.
Background
Canada occasionally imposes temporary halts on removals to certain countries when safety concerns, lack of appropriate travel documents, or significant diplomatic challenges prevent safe and orderly deportations. The lifting of such a halt signifies that the underlying reasons for the pause have been addressed and conditions are now deemed suitable for removals to proceed.
Who This Affects
- Individuals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE who currently hold enforceable removal orders are directly affected, as they will face deportation starting September 23, 2026.
- Asylum seekers or refugee claimants from these countries whose claims have been denied and who have exhausted all appeals must now prepare for potential removal in the future.
- Anyone in Canada from these four countries who may be deemed inadmissible in the future, for reasons such as criminality or misrepresentation, will also be subject to these revived removal procedures.
What You Should Do Now
- Urgently consult with an immigration lawyer to understand your specific situation and explore all potential legal avenues to challenge a removal order or seek a stay of removal before the 2026 effective date.
- Gather all relevant documents and evidence that could support an application for permanent residence on humanitarian and compassionate grounds or a Pre-Removal Risk Assessment (PRRA) if applicable.
- Ensure all contact information with the CBSA and IRCC is up-to-date and be prepared to comply with any reporting requirements or instructions from immigration authorities well in advance.
Key Takeaway
Individuals from Bahrain, Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE with removal orders must proactively seek legal advice now, as Canada will resume deportations to these countries starting September 23, 2026.
Source: Read official article on CIC News
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