Canada Deports Record Number of Indian Nationals in 2026

The Canada Border Services Agency deported 3,323 Indian nationals during the first six months of 2026, making India the most deported nationality during this period. This figure represents nearly 88% of the total 3,779 Indian nationals removed in all of 2025, placing the current year on track to set a new annual record. Indian nationals have surpassed Mexican nationals, who saw 1,573 removals in the same timeframe, as the group facing the most deportations.

Authorities attribute the surge to visa fraud, overstays, non-compliance with immigration rules, and unsuccessful asylum applications. The trend coincides with efforts by the Treasury Board of Canada to tighten immigration policies and reduce the number of temporary residents, including foreign workers and international students. While the agency states these actions reflect general enforcement rather than an India-specific policy, the removals occur amid strained diplomatic relations between India and Canada.

Separate assessments by the agency identified that the Lawrence Bishnoi syndicate, with Goldy Brar as a key figure, exploited student and work permits to expand criminal operations. These activities are linked to extortion-related violence in Calgary, Edmonton, Surrey, and the Greater Toronto Area. Currently, 7,669 Indian nationals remain in the removal in progress inventory, the highest count for any nationality.