In a bold move set to reshape the country’s deportation landscape, Canada is significantly raising the fees for deportations, starting in April 2025. The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced a dramatic hike in removal fees for foreign nationals facing deportation, marking a shift towards a more cost-recovery-focused approach to immigration enforcement.
The new fees, which range from $3,800 for unescorted removals to a staggering $12,800 for escorted removals, represent a sharp increase from the current flat fee of $1,500. This change is part of a broader strategy to ensure the costs of deportation reflect the rising operational expenses involved and to encourage greater compliance with removal orders.
Let’s dive into the key details of these changes, what they mean for foreign nationals facing deportation, and how the CBSA plans to implement the new cost structure.
A Major Fee Hike: What the New Structure Entails
Starting in April 2025, the CBSA will introduce a new cost recovery framework that better aligns with the full costs associated with deportations. The revised fee schedule is a departure from the previous system, which had not been updated since 1993. Under the new structure:
- Escorted removals will cost up to $12,800
- Unescorted removals will cost approximately $3,800
These fees cover the full range of deportation-related expenses, including:
- Airfare
- Travel documents
- Interviews
- Case management
The CBSA’s rationale behind the new fees is to ensure that the true costs of deportation are reflected. The move is also designed to encourage deportees to comply voluntarily with removal orders, as the government now expects individuals to cover the expense of their own removal.
CBSA Will Cover Costs in Some Cases
While the new fees are steep, the CBSA acknowledges that some deportees may be unable or unwilling to pay these costs. In such cases, the government will step in and cover the removal expenses. However, this assistance comes with a catch: if the individual attempts to return to Canada in the future, the government will seek to recover the costs of their deportation.
The CBSA clarified this by stating that they would pursue the recovery of these deportation fees should the individual seek re-entry to Canada, making the fee hike a deterrent for those trying to circumvent the immigration system.
Strengthening Border Security and Immigration Enforcement
Public Safety Minister David J. McGuinty emphasized that the fee increase is part of a broader plan to enhance border security and strengthen Canada’s immigration system. The Canadian government has been proactive in adjusting immigration policies to improve security and ensure effective border management. In recent months, Canada has:
- Re-imposed a visa requirement on Mexican visitors
- Aligned the hours of service between Canada and the United States at many ports of entry
This fee increase is viewed as another step in the effort to ensure that Canada’s immigration system remains robust and that foreign nationals who are deemed inadmissible are removed from the country in a timely and efficient manner.
Deportation Process and Cost Recovery Statistics
The deportation process in Canada starts with an inadmissibility report and a hearing to determine if a removal order should be issued. Deportees are entitled to due process, including the ability to appeal the removal order. Once an order is made, the CBSA coordinates the deportation, and the costs associated with this process are then passed on to the individual, except in cases where the government covers the costs due to financial hardship or non-payment.
On average, the CBSA recovers about $497,100 annually from individuals who attempt to return to Canada after being removed. The new fee structure is designed to better reflect the operational costs of deportation, which have risen significantly in recent years due to factors such as increased security measures, complex logistics, and the growing volume of deportations.
What Does This Mean for Foreign Nationals in Canada?
The implementation of these higher fees means that foreign nationals facing deportation will have to carefully consider their options. The cost of removal is now an additional consideration in the deportation process, potentially leading to an increase in voluntary compliance with removal orders.
However, for those unable to pay, the government’s willingness to cover the costs in some cases may provide some relief. It’s important for anyone facing deportation to understand their legal rights, seek expert immigration advice, and understand the financial implications of their case.
Looking Ahead: Strengthening Immigration Systems
The new deportation fees are a clear indication of Canada’s growing efforts to tighten its immigration system and reduce the financial burden on taxpayers. By implementing a more accurate cost-recovery model, the government aims to improve compliance with deportation orders and better manage the resources needed to enforce them.
As border security and immigration enforcement continue to evolve, it’s clear that Canada is committed to maintaining a fair yet firm approach to immigration issues, balancing the needs of security with the complexities of international movement.
FAQs
Q1: What are the new deportation fees in Canada?
A1: The new fees for deportation will be up to $12,800 for escorted removals and $3,800 for unescorted removals.
Q2: Will the government cover the cost of deportation if someone cannot pay?
A2: Yes, the CBSA will cover the costs in certain cases but will seek to recover these costs if the individual attempts to return to Canada.
Q3: How will the increase in deportation fees affect foreign nationals?
A3: The higher fees are expected to encourage greater voluntary compliance with removal orders, while also reflecting the true cost of deportations.
Q4: What is the reason behind raising deportation fees?
A4: The increase in fees aims to better align with the rising operational costs of deportation, including airfare, case management, and travel documents.
Q5: How does this fit into Canada’s broader immigration strategy?
A5: This is part of Canada’s broader plan to strengthen border security, improve the immigration system, and ensure effective enforcement of removal orders.
Q6: What happens if someone tries to return to Canada after being deported?
A6: The government will seek to recover the costs of deportation if an individual attempts to re-enter Canada after being removed.