CBSA Announces Temporary Suspension on Removals to Lebanon

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) has announced a temporary suspension on removals to Lebanon.

In a news release dated September 27, 2024 the agency said the measure is being taken “given that the situation in Lebanon is volatile and unpredictable due to violent and intensifying clashes, including daily rocket and missile fire as well as air strikes.”

“The temporary halt, known as an Administrative Deferral of Removals (ADR), is imposed pursuant to paragraph 230(1)(c) of the Immigration and Refugee Protection Regulations, on countries that are considered unsafe due to conditions such as environmental disasters or violence.”

“The ADR does not apply to individuals who are inadmissible on grounds of criminality, serious criminality, international or huma rights violations, organized crime, or security.”

The Agency says the ADR will be lifted once the situation in Lebanon calms and the situation in the country no longer poses threat to the entire civilian population. Then, CBSA will resume removals for individuals who are inadmissible to Canada and have a removal order that is enforceable.

Over 700 people have been killed in Lebanon by increasing Israeli strikes this week. Among those killed, there were reportedly two Canadians. According to Foreign Affairs Minister Melanie Joly, there are around 45, 000 Canadian citizens in Lebanon.

“The time to leave Lebanon was weeks ago, but it you’re still there, you need to leave if you are a Canadian”, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said in a Thursday Press Conference with French President Macron in Montreal.

Visit www.africanpridemagazine.com for more