I’ve never been deported, but I have witnessed someone in the neighbourhood deported back to his country.
And, the process was a bit more complex than I always thought.
Every year, countless immigrants are deported from different countries around the world for various reasons, with visa violations and crimes being the most common.
Once a removal order is issued, the host country handles sending back the deportee to their home country.
Read also: I overstayed my visa in the UK, can I return?
However, there has to be an agreement of some sort as to where the deportee will be dropped.
While the procedures for deportation vary from country to country, the result often follows a standard protocol.
Where exactly you’re dropped off when deported depends largely on the arrangement between your host country (that’s deporting you) and your home country that’s set to receive you.
Where do they drop you off when you get deported?
When deported, you’re dropped off in your home country at an airport, land border, or seaport, depending on logistics. If your home country shares a border with the deporting country, you’ll most likely be taken to a land border crossing.
In cases where sea routes are more practical, deportation will occur via a seaport.
The specific drop-off point is coordinated between your host and home country authorities.
In the case of the person I witnessed, before his deportation, the host country contacted his home country to inform them of his return.
Read also: How to check Australian visa application status
This ensured that his deportation process was carried out in the best possible manner – lawful, humane, and respectful of his rights.
The thing is; even as a deportee, you still have rights.
At first, he was taken into custody by the immigration authorities after being found guilty and his removal order was issued.
He had the right to appeal the deportation order, and he did so with legal representation.
Read also: If my UK visa is rejected when can I apply again?
Unfortunately, after exhausting all appeal options, they held him in detention while the final arrangements were made for his return home.
This was when his home country was notified, and arrangements for his arrival were made.
Both countries agreed on the details. The logistics of the deportation were handled by the host country – and they coordinated the entire process.
The date, time, and location of his return were communicated, and everything was in place to receive him.
He was finally deported by air.
Where you can be dropped when deported include:
1. Airports
The airport is often the primary drop-off point, especially if your home country is far from the host country.
The person I witnessed was escorted onto a commercial flight bound for his home country.
Read also: How to book a VFS appointment for passport submission for a Canada visa
According to some reports, upon arrival in his home country, immigration officials were present to process his entry.
The airlines and immigration enforcement authorities coordinated to ensure he boarded the correct flight and was handed over to the appropriate authorities upon arrival.
2. Land borders
This is another place where you can be dropped off when deported, but it’s only used if your host country and home country share a land border.
Read also: What are your chances of getting the UK student visa after refusal?
In this scenario, you’ll be transported via vehicles, accompanied by immigration officers, to a designated border crossing point.
Once there, you’ll be handed over to your home country’s immigration authorities, who process your entry.
3. Seaports
If you’re being deported, a seaport will only be used as a drop-off point if your home country is accessible by sea, and it’s more convenient or cost-effective to deport you this way.
I haven’t witnessed someone deported by sea, but I’ve heard that the process is similar to airports and land borders, with vessels equipped to ensure the safety of deportees.
Read also: How to check UK visa status with passport number
Upon reaching the destination seaport, immigration officials take over and complete the necessary checks and procedures.
Factors that will determine where you will be dropped when deported
Where you’re dropped off during deportation will be determined by:
- The cost of logistics
- Your legal status
- The severity of your crime or reason for deportation
- The existence of any bilateral agreements or treaties
- Humanitarian considerations, and your safety.
Your host country and home country will decide the most appropriate drop-off point.
In some cases, deportees are repatriated voluntarily with the assistance of international organizations like the International Organization for Migration (IOM) or NGOs.
Although the person I witnessed being deported wasn’t assisted by any organization, I’ve learned that when they are involved, these organizations provide necessary support to the deportees upon arrival, including healthcare and therapy.
They do their best to make a deported person’s transition easier.
Can you be deported to another country that is not your home country?
Yes, you can. While deportation involves returning someone to their home country or country of citizenship. It is not a must that you’re deported to your home country, you can be deported to a third-party country.
However, there has to be an agreement between the deporting country and the third-party country.
Except if an agreement exists, no country will accept to be a “human dumping ground” for another country.
Countries only accept their deported citizens.
Some of the scenarios where a person will be deported to a different country include:
- Third-country agreement: If there is an agreement between countries, a deportee is allowed to be sent to a third country instead of their home country. You’ll see this happen when the deportee cannot return to their home country due to safety concerns, persecution, or lack of diplomatic relations.
- Safe third country: If the deportee has sought asylum or refugee status in another country and that country is deemed safe, the deportee will be deported there instead of returning to their home country.
- Country of last residence: You can also be deported to the country where you last resided before entering your host country, especially if you have ties or legal status there.
- Stateless person: If a person is stateless (i.e., they do not have citizenship in any country), the person can be sent to a country where they have legal residency, or their host will arrange with a third country willing to accept them.
Who pays for deportation flights?
The host country pays for deportation flights, but if the deportee has financial means, they’ll be asked to cover the costs.
What would happen if someone is deported and no country wants them?
If no country accepts them, the person will remain in detention in the host country until a resolution is found, often by negotiating with other willing countries to accept them.
What happens if you refuse to be deported?
If you refuse to be deported, authorities will detain you and use force to remove you from the country and send you back to your home or receiving country.
How can someone be deported if their country of origin can’t be determined?
If a country of origin can’t be determined, the person will be detained while authorities work to establish their identity or negotiate with a third country willing to accept them.
Can deportation be Cancelled?
In summary, where you’re dropped off during deportation depends on the agreement between your host and your home or receiving country.
Read also: If my visa is cancelled, can I apply again?
It could be at an airport, land border (if your host country and your receiving country share a direct land border), or seaport, depending on the logistics and circumstances.
Whether it’s through airports, land borders, or seaports, every drop-off point has protocols to ensure you’re received by your home country in the best possible condition and transferred back home with dignity.
Leave a comment