Rejected immigrants and refugees in Canada will be allowed to temporarily stay longer given the pandemic situation.

Border closures and limited availability of international flights has made travel more difficult. Additionally, continued deportation would put CBSA officials and those being deported at risk of infection. Serious criminals will still be removed, but they will be dealt with on a case-by-case basis.

People will still be allowed to leave the country if they wish. However, the recent Canada-U.S. border closure might complicate travel for those trying to return to the U.S. Speaking to CBC news, immigration lawyer Orlagh O’Kelly commented on the decision to halt deportations. "There's a lot of other areas on which CBSA should and obviously is focusing their resources,” she said.

All in-person refugee claims and in-person permanent resident landing appointments will also be delayed until April 13.

Source: CBC.ca