Disaster in South and Southeast Asia

The Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) is working with other government agencies both in Canada and in countries affected by this disaster to provide assistance to Canadian citizens, permanent residents and their dependents.

CBSA officers at ports of entry will be flexible when dealing with people returning from regions affected by the tsunami and earthquake disaster, while at the same time, exercising vigilance for the possible fraudulent use of stolen or lost documents.

Canadian missions abroad are issuing various travel documents to assist in the return of Canadian citizens, permanent residents and others. Persons arriving on temporary Canadian travel documents are to be referred for a more thorough examination to confirm their identity and surrender their temporary travel document.

Until further notice, the Canada Border Services Agency is temporarily deferring removals to the following countries affected by the disaster:

• Sri Lanka;
• Maldives;
• India: The provinces of Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Kerala, Orissa, the territories of Pondicherry and Andaman and the Nicobar Islands;
• Indonesia: The provinces of Aceh and Sumatera Utara;
• Seychelles;
• Thailand: The provinces of Ranong, Phangnga, Phuket, Krabi, Trang and Satun (and offshore islands).

The Immigration and Refugee Protection Act (IRPA) specifically requires the removal of individuals under removal order to be carried out as soon as reasonably practicable.

In order to preserve the safety and security of Canada, removals of criminals, war criminals and those who have been determined to be a risk for Canada's national security will continue.

The CBSA will also facilitate the removal of people who wish to return to the affected countries.

CBSA will continue to monitor country conditions and will update the list above as necessary.

For more information, consult our fact sheet on removals.

For more information about Canadian relief efforts in Asia, visit the Canada Site or the Canadian International Development Agency Web site.