Immigration Minister orders investigation into citizenship document processing error

Neena Mae Rayos, Philippine Canadian Inquirer
June 24, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Instagram

CANADA – Canadian Immigration Minister Lena Diab has launched an urgent investigation into a system error that triggered surrender orders for dozens of “Lost Canadians” under the new citizenship-by-descent law.

“I have instructed the department the second I found out there was something, I wasn’t sure what it was, to investigate,” Diab said.

“So I can clearly tell you that at this point we are not finalizing any new applications and all applications are being reviewed. Those that are deemed to be OK are being told you’re fine.”

According to the department, emails were sent to “a few dozen” individuals who obtained Canadian citizenship by descent under a new law. This law permits people born before December 15, 2025, to claim citizenship provided they can prove a direct ancestral link. People affected who had already obtained their passports said that they were told to return them because they are no longer considered valid. As part of the investigation, all 4,100 successful citizenship claims made are being reviewed.

The minister has also clarified that individuals who have already relocated to the country under these claims retain their right to work and live in Canada throughout the investigation. As the department sifts through thousands of files to identify the root cause, the focus remains on ensuring that legitimate citizens are not stripped of their rights due to the system error.

“We are taking this seriously and we will review it and take the time that we need, ensuring that we will be clear with Canadians,” Diab said.