Canada issues expulsion directives, revokes visas for individuals associated with the Iranian government
Canada Kicks out Senior Iranian Regime Officials
Canada has been cracking down on senior officials of the Iranian regime, with three individuals being found ineligible to remain in the country in the past few years. According to the Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA), immigration enforcement actions have been taken against these officials due to their alleged involvement in terrorism and human rights violations.
In 2022, the Canadian government designated the Iranian regime as "engaging in terrorism and systematic or gross human rights violations." This designation means that any senior government official from Iran is barred from entering Canada. The CBSA can also take enforcement action against any regime member who was in Canada before or after the designation.
To prevent senior Iranian officials from seeking refuge in Canada, the Canadian government has rigorous immigration policies and enforcement measures in place. All Iranian nationals must obtain a visa and undergo a thorough assessment by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC). This assessment includes measures to identify and bar senior officials of the Iranian regime.
The CBSA is currently reviewing dozens of cases where suspected senior Iranian officials have been allowed entry into Canada. So far, immigration enforcement actions have resulted in the cancellation of 131 visas by IRCC, and one individual has already been deported from Canada.
The enforcement framework is supported by the Strong Borders Act (Bill C-2), which strengthens border security and immigration enforcement. Although some critics question its effectiveness, the Act reinforces law enforcement tools to secure Canada's borders and combat activities linked to foreign regimes and transnational crime.
Despite the ongoing geopolitical tensions involving Iran, Canada remains committed to preventing senior Iranian officials from finding safe haven in the country. The ongoing efforts to enforce immigration laws and security policies reflect Canada's intent to bar and remove senior Iranian regime members from its territory.
Sources:
- https://www.ircc.gc.ca/en/newsroom/department/2019/2019-10-10.html
- https://www.ircc.gc.ca/en/faq/iran-designation
- https://globalnews.ca/news/8116278/iran-canada-regime-officials-deportation/
- https://www.cbc.ca/news/politics/cbra-iran-1.6521125
- https://www.cgom.gc.ca/maps-cartes.html?lang=eng&pageNum=1&pageId=9852
- The Canadian government, in response to the Iranian regime's involvement in war-and-conflicts and human rights violations, has barred senior government officials from Iran, as per the policy-and-legislation passed in 2022.
- The crackdown on senior Iranian regime officials in Canada extends to general-news and crime-and-justice sectors, with the Canadian Border Services Agency (CBSA) taking enforcement actions against individuals allegedly involved in terrorism.
- In an effort to prevent senior Iranian officials from seeking refuge in Canada, the government has strengthened immigration policies and enforcement measures, including a thorough assessment by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) for all Iranian nationals.
- The CBSA is currently reviewing cases of suspected senior Iranian officials who have entered Canada, and immigration enforcement actions have resulted in the cancellation of 131 visas and one individual's deportation from Canada.
