Record number of Indian nationals deported from Canada in 2025 amid rising anti-immigration sentiment

Forced deportations of Indian nationals from Canada are on track to reach historic levels in 2025, reflecting growing anti-immigration sentiment in the country. According to data from the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA), 1,891 Indian nationals were removed from Canada by July 28, 2025. This figure is just shy of last year’s total of 1,997 deportations and suggests that 2025 could surpass 2024 as the record year for Indian deportations.

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Last year, Indians accounted for the second-highest number of forced removals in Canada, trailing only Mexicans, who saw 3,683 deportations, and far ahead of the third-largest group, Colombians, with 981 removals. The trend over recent years shows a sharp increase in Indian deportations: in 2019, only 625 Indians were removed, less than a third of the 2024 figure.

The CBSA data also highlights that Indian nationals make up the largest segment in the inventory of removals in progress, totaling 6,837 individuals. Mexicans and U.S. citizens follow with 5,170 and 1,734 individuals, respectively. Out of the total 30,733 people awaiting removal, 27,103 were refugee claimants. Indians also constitute the largest group among asylum seekers facing potential deportation.

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney has confirmed plans to expedite the deportation process. Speaking at an event in Toronto, Carney stated, “The short answer is yes, there are plans to make it faster, to allocate better resources and to improve tracking. This is part of broader reforms to Canada’s immigration system.” The reforms are aimed at both asylum seekers and foreign nationals on temporary permits.

Anti-immigration sentiment has become more pronounced across Canada. On October 10, Peel Regional Police (PRP) confirmed it was “actively engaged with the Peel Crown Attorney’s Office and the CBSA to determine whether removal of accused foreign nationals from Canada may be pursued as part of the judicial process.” This followed the arrest of eight men linked to the theft of 450 pieces of mail worth over CA$400,000. Those arrested, all Indian nationals, face a combined total of 344 charges.

With the government’s focus on strengthening immigration enforcement and deportation procedures, the number of Indian nationals removed from Canada is expected to continue rising in the coming months.