Canada visa for Mexican and Czech visitors

July 14 2009 by Mark Johnstone

Canadian Immigration Minister Jason Kenney

Canada is set to impose visa requirements on two of its highest claimants of refugee status in the country.

Canada visa sanctions will be imposed on Mexico and Czech Republic. A Canadian visa will be required by both these countries as of midnight 14 July.

Immigration Minister Jason Kenney defended his country’s action by explaining that many Canadian immigration asylum requests are turned down, raising doubts about the legitimacy of the claimant’s allegation that they are victims of persecution in their homelands.

Kenney believes the move will ease the burden on Canada's refugee system.

But the move has sparked angry criticism from both Mexico and Czech Republic, who are keen to defend the genuine status of their asylum seekers.

The Czech embassy in Ottawa issues a statement in response:

"The Czech authorities perceive this decision as one-sided on the part of Canada and inadequate and unfriendly in the context of the long-term good relations between the two democratic countries."

The new law will also affect Czech tourists coming to Canada and the Czech government is set to discuss "appropriate measures to be taken" after the law is in place.

Mexico's embassy in Canada was also quick to respond, saying in a statement that the government of Mexico "regrets the decision" and that "channels of collaboration remain open."

"Mexico will continue to promote actions toward modifying the Canadian measure as soon as possible," it said.

The new Canadian visa requirements demands that Czech Republic and Mexico residents must apply for temporary resident visas in order to visit, study or work in Canada.

Extra staff have been recruited to process applications at Canada's embassy in Mexico City and the Canadian government also plans to fund three new Cannada visa application centres.

The government will allow a grace period, ending at 11:59 p.m. Wednesday July 15, for travellers already in transit.