Canadian authorities dep-orted 57 Irish nationals in 2012, Metro Éireann has learned.
Canadian authorities dep-orted 57 Irish nationals in 2012, Metro Éireann has learned.
The number is more than double the total number of Irish citizens the Border Services Agency (CBSA) said it removed from Canada the previous year.
In 2011 the agency said it deported 26 Irish nationals, three of whom were failed asylum seekers.
And it added that four of the 57 Irish nationals removed in 2012 “were failed refugee claimants”.
While the agency did not identify any of the deportees, including failed asylum seekers, a spokesperson said: “Canada has an internationally recognised fair system for providing refuge for those fleeing persecution in their home country.
“The CBSA places the highest priority on removal cases involving national security, organised crime, crimes against humanity and criminals. Removals of failed refugee claimants and individuals with other immigration violations are also necessary to maintain the integrity of Canada’s immigration programme.
“Everyone ordered removed from Canada is entitled to due process before the law and all removal orders are subject to various levels of appeal. Prior to removal, individuals may seek a judicial review.”
The agency stressed that “due process was completed before the 57 Irish citizens were removed from Canada.
While figures for asylum claims for 2012 are being awaited in April, 2011 saw the highest numbers with 11 Irish citizens claiming refugee status in 2011.
As the number of unsuccessful claimants continues to increase, the agency expects to carry out more deportation in the coming months.
As reported in Metro Éireann on 1 February, some of the deportees from Canada are believed to be naturalised Irish citizens in Ireland who unsuccessfully claimed asylum in Canada following their relocation.
Metro Éireann understands that the Minister for Justice is presently considering revoking the naturalisation of at least one individual whom we have decided not to identify at the moment.
In a statement, a spokesperson for the Minister for Justice said: “It would be inappropriate to comment publically on any matter relating to the affairs, operations or decisions of a foreign state, in this instance issues within sphere of responsibility of the CBSA.
“Furthermore, it would be equally inappropriate to comment on any issue relating to individual cases as, given the small number of persons it is suggested are involved, to do so could potentially lead to the identification of the persons concerned.”
