Why Canada deported 366 Nigerians in 2025 and what it means for migrants

Canada has intensified its immigration enforcement efforts, deporting 366 Nigerian nationals between January and October 2025, according to official data from the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA). The figures also show that 974 Nigerians are currently in the “removal in progress” category, meaning deportation procedures have been initiated but not completed. Nigeria is now ranked among the top 10 nationalities deported from Canada in 2025 and is the only African country on that list.

What the data shows

The latest deportation figures, updated through November 25, 2025, reflect a notable rise in removals compared to recent years. Earlier trends showed fluctuating deportation numbers of Nigerians from Canada, with lower figures from 2019 to 2022 and Nigeria absent from the top deportation list in 2023 and 2024. The sudden return of Nigeria to the top 10 list underscores a shift in Canada’s immigration enforcement priorities.

Statistics from the CBSA reveal that most of those deported, around 83 per cent, were failed refugee claimants whose asylum applications were denied under Canadian immigration law. A smaller proportion of deportees, approximately 4 per cent, were removed on grounds related to criminality.

Why deportations are happening

Under Canada’s Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, authorities are legally obligated to remove any foreign national who has an enforceable removal order. Individuals may be deemed inadmissible and subject to deportation for various reasons, including:

• Failed or fraudulent asylum claims
• Misrepresentation of facts in applications
• Overstaying visas or breaching residency requirements
• Security or criminal concerns
• Other violations of immigration rules

The recent spike in deportations comes amid a broader policy shift toward stricter immigration controls in Canada. Officials say the measures aim to reduce pressures on housing and labour markets and enhance border security. The CBSA is reportedly deporting nearly 400 foreign nationals per week, the fastest pace seen in more than a decade.

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What this means for Nigerians abroad

For Nigerian migrants and nationals abroad, the deportation figures serve as a stark reminder of the risks associated with irregular migration or staying in a country without lawful status. Many people leave their home countries seeking better opportunities, education, or refuge from insecurity. However, jumping to conclusions about asylum eligibility or entering without proper documentation often leads to legal jeopardy rather than stability.

Canada remains a popular destination for Nigerians, outside traditional hubs like the United Kingdom and the United States, due to its education opportunities, quality of life, and potential pathways to permanent residence. According to past data, over 71,000 Nigerians became Canadian citizens between 2005 and 2024, and thousands more enter annually as students, skilled workers, or permanent residents.

The Case for Following the Right Immigration Pathways

This situation underscores an essential lesson for migrants: following lawful routes to immigration and permanent residency is critical to avoid deportation or prolonged legal battles.

Here’s why choosing the right path matters:

• Legal protection: Entering and staying in a country with a valid visa, permit, or residency status protects individuals from being subject to removal orders.
• Clarity of status: Processes like skilled worker visas, study permits, family sponsorship, and refugee status, when legitimately pursued, offer clearer legal standing and due process.
• Employment and stability: Lawful status often enables access to work rights, social benefits, healthcare, and financial services.
• Long-term prospects: Proper immigration channels can lead to permanent residence and citizenship, securing long-term stability for individuals and families.

Migrants tempted to seek quick entry or irregular routes often underestimate the legal scrutiny and enforcement that many countries now apply. As Canada’s policies show, irregular or unauthorised stays can lead not only to deportation but also to future bans on return and prolonged restrictions on seeking refugee status.

Final Thoughts

The 2025 deportation figures from Canada highlight the importance of adhering to immigration laws and understanding the regulations of host countries. For aspirant migrants, students, and professionals, researching visa requirements, consulting with immigration lawyers, and using official channels for migration advice are essential steps that can safeguard one’s future abroad.

Immigration can open doors to education, work, and a secure life, but doing it the right way helps ensure that dream does not turn into a distressing experience.