Canada Lifts Temporary Halt on Removals to the UAE: What This Means for Affected Individuals

As of September 23, 2026, the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has lifted the temporary halt on removals to the United Arab Emirates (UAE), alongside Bahrain, Kuwait, and Qatar. This change affects individuals with enforceable removal orders who are deemed inadmissible in Canada. The temporary halt, known as an Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR), had been in place since March 24, 2026, due to humanitarian concerns.

Key Takeaways

• The CBSA has resumed removals to the UAE as of September 23, 2026.
• Individuals with enforceable removal orders may now be deported from Canada.
• The ADR was initially imposed due to humanitarian concerns in the region.
• Different types of removal orders dictate the conditions of departure and potential return.

Background on the Temporary Halt

The Administrative Deferral of Removal (ADR) was a temporary measure introduced by the CBSA to defer removals to certain countries, including the UAE, due to conditions that could threaten civilian safety. This measure was intended to protect individuals from being returned to potentially dangerous situations.

Who is Affected?

Individuals from the UAE with enforceable removal orders are directly impacted by this change. These include those with departure, exclusion, or deportation orders who have exhausted all legal appeals, stays, or risk assessments. The lifting of the ADR means these individuals may now be required to leave Canada.

Types of Removal Orders

Canada issues three types of removal orders:

• Departure Order: Individuals must leave Canada within 30 days and confirm their departure. Compliance allows for potential future re-entry, subject to meeting entry requirements.
• Exclusion Order: Individuals must leave immediately and are barred from returning for one year, or five years if the order was for misrepresentation, unless they obtain an Authorization to Return to Canada (ARC).
• Deportation Order: Individuals must leave immediately and are permanently barred from returning unless they obtain an ARC.

Practical Preparation for Affected Individuals

Individuals facing removal should ensure they understand the type of removal order they have and the implications. Seeking legal advice can provide clarity on their specific situation and potential options, such as applying for an ARC if eligible.

Unanswered Questions

While the ADR has been lifted, questions remain about the specific conditions in the UAE that led to the initial deferral. Individuals concerned about their safety upon return may need to explore further legal avenues or humanitarian considerations.

Next Steps

For those affected, it is crucial to stay informed about their rights and obligations under Canadian immigration law. Consulting with immigration professionals can provide guidance tailored to individual circumstances. For more information on navigating immigration processes, visit our document checklists feature.

In conclusion, the lifting of the removal halt to the UAE marks a significant change for those with enforceable removal orders. Affected individuals should take proactive steps to understand their situation and seek appropriate legal advice.