México’s Congress asked Canada to remove the requirement that
Mexicans traveling to Canada must first obtain a visa.
For years Canada did not require a visa for Mexican nationals
traveling to its country. However, in June of 2009 the rules changed because of
the number of refugee claims from México. Canadian authorities said at that time
the number of refugee claims had almost tripled since 2005, making it the number
one source country for claims. In 2008, more than 9,400 claims filed in Canada
came from Mexican nationals, representing 25% of all claims received. Of the
Mexican claims reviewed and finalized in 2008 by the Immigration and Refugee
Board, an independent administrative tribunal, only 11% were accepted.
The President of México’s Chamber of Deputies, Ricardo Anaya, said
the requirement for a visa by Mexican Nationals traveling to Canada reduces
travel, noting that since the visa requirement was instituted travel by Mexicans
to Canada has decreased by 50%. He pointed out that prior to the visa
requirement each year about 300,000 Mexicans traveled to Canada, now only about
150,000 a year visit Canada.
Anaya said, “The visit to México next February by Canadian Prime
Minister Stephen Harper would, it seems, would be an extraordinary time for the
announcement of the return of what has been a common practice, no need for a
visa for Mexicans to enter Canada.
(from Azteca Noticias)
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