From Welcome to Warnings: Canada Deports 366 Nigerians as Nearly 1,000 More Face Removal

Canada’s long-standing reputation as one of the world’s most welcoming destinations for migrants is facing renewed scrutiny following fresh data showing a sharp rise in deportations, with Nigerians significantly affected. Between January and October 2025, Canadian authorities deported 366 Nigerian nationals, according to figures released by the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), while an additional 974 Nigerians are currently listed as “removal in progress” and awaiting deportation. The numbers highlight a tightening of immigration enforcement that is sending shockwaves through migrant communities, particularly among Nigerians who have historically viewed Canada as a land of opportunity.

The CBSA data places Nigeria ninth among the top 10 countries with the highest number of removals in 2025, making it the only African country on the list. This distinction has drawn attention both in Canada and Nigeria, raising questions about the changing realities of migration, asylum claims, and border control in a country often associated with openness and multiculturalism. While deportations of Nigerians have fluctuated over the years, the 2025 figures represent a notable rebound after a period of decline.

Records show that Nigeria experienced 339 deportations in 2019, a number that dropped significantly to 199 in 2022 amid global disruptions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic and shifts in immigration processing. However, the trend has reversed sharply, with 2025 deportations marking an eight per cent increase compared to 2019. Immigration experts say this rise reflects not only a post-pandemic normalization of enforcement activities but also a deliberate policy shift by Canadian authorities toward stricter compliance and faster removals.

The Nigerian deportations form part of a broader immigration crackdown by Canada, where nearly 400 foreign nationals are being deported every week. In the 2024–2025 fiscal year alone, Canada removed more than 18,000 people at an estimated cost of $78 million, underscoring the scale and financial implications of the enforcement drive. The CBSA has emphasized that removals are a necessary component of maintaining the integrity of Canada’s immigration system, particularly in cases where individuals have exhausted legal avenues to remain in the country.

According to the agency, the majority of those deported are failed refugee claimants whose applications for asylum were denied after due process. A smaller proportion were removed on criminal or security grounds, including overstaying visas or violating the conditions of their permits. Officials insist that deportation is not arbitrary, stressing that individuals are given multiple opportunities to regularize their status or appeal decisions before enforcement action is taken.

For many Nigerians caught in the process, however, the experience has been traumatic. Community advocates in Canada say the rising numbers reflect deeper systemic issues, including misinformation about asylum eligibility, desperation driven by economic hardship back home, and lengthy processing times that leave migrants in limbo for years. Some Nigerians arrive in Canada believing that making a refugee claim guarantees long-term stay, only to face rejection and eventual removal when their cases fail to meet the legal threshold.

The situation has also reignited debate within Nigeria, where deportation figures are often interpreted as a reflection of domestic challenges. Analysts note that high emigration from Nigeria is fueled by unemployment, insecurity, inflation, and declining living standards, pushing many young people to seek better prospects abroad by any means available. Canada, with its student visa pathways, skilled migration programs, and reputation for fairness, has remained a top choice.

Ironically, the surge in deportations is occurring alongside Canada’s continued reliance on Nigerian migrants to fill labor gaps and boost population growth. Despite the enforcement crackdown, Nigerians remain among the top sources of new permanent residents and citizens in Canada. Thousands arrive each year through study permits, work visas, and economic immigration streams, particularly in sectors such as healthcare, technology, and engineering. This dual reality — increased deportations on one hand and sustained inflows on the other — illustrates the complexity of Canada’s immigration landscape.

Immigration lawyers argue that the current trend sends mixed signals. While Canada continues to court skilled migrants and international students, the aggressive removal of failed claimants underscores a tougher stance on irregular migration. Some fear that the rising deportation numbers could damage Canada’s image in countries like Nigeria, where success stories of migration are often shared widely on social media, sometimes masking the risks involved.

Canadian authorities, however, maintain that enforcement does not contradict openness. Government officials have repeatedly stated that a fair immigration system must be both compassionate and firm, welcoming those who qualify while ensuring that rules are respected. They argue that allowing people to remain in the country after failed claims undermines public confidence and disadvantages those who follow legal pathways.

For the 974 Nigerians currently awaiting removal, uncertainty looms large. Many have lived in Canada for years, built relationships, and in some cases started families. Community groups have called for humanitarian considerations, especially for individuals with strong ties to Canadian society. At the same time, the CBSA has signaled that removals will continue as long as individuals have no legal right to stay.

The developments serve as a cautionary tale for prospective migrants, particularly Nigerians considering asylum as a route to Canada. Experts urge would-be migrants to seek accurate information, understand eligibility criteria, and explore legitimate immigration options rather than relying on assumptions or hearsay. As Canada balances its need for immigrants with stricter enforcement, the message is becoming clearer: while the doors remain open, they are no longer without consequences for those who fall outside the rules.

As 2025 draws to a close, the rising deportation figures highlight a turning point in Canada’s immigration narrative. For Nigerians at home and abroad, the numbers tell a sobering story of opportunity intertwined with risk, hope shadowed by enforcement, and a global migration system that is becoming increasingly unforgiving.