CBSA Temporarily Halts Removals to Lebanon Amid Escalating Violence

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced a temporary suspension of removals to Lebanon due to the escalating violence and instability in the region. This decision follows a significant deterioration in Lebanon's security situation, marked by daily rocket and missile fire as well as air strikes.

This suspension, officially termed an Administrative Deferral of Removals (ADR), is implemented under paragraph 230(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations. The ADR is designed for countries experiencing severe conditions such as violence or environmental disasters, making them unsafe for return.

However, this deferral does not extend to individuals deemed inadmissible to Canada on grounds of criminality, serious criminality, human rights violations, organized crime, or security concerns. For these individuals, the removal orders remain enforceable.

The CBSA will lift the ADR once the situation in Lebanon improves and the general risk to civilians subsides. At that point, removals for those with enforceable removal orders will resume.

Key Points:

• The CBSA is legally obligated to remove inadmissible individuals from Canada.
• Those subject to removal orders have access to due legal process before enforcement.
• There are currently 15 ADRs in effect globally, which can be viewed on the CBSA website.
  

This temporary measure underscores Canada's commitment to ensuring the safety of individuals facing removal, while balancing its legal obligations.