Canada Eases Entry for Mexicans, But Will Still Require Visas Kim Mackrael - The Globe and Mail
go to original May 12, 2014

Prime Minister Stephen Harper takes part in a joint press conference with Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto at the National Palace in Mexico City on Feb. 18, 2014. (Sean Kilpatrick/The Canadian Press)

The federal government is taking steps to make it easier for Mexicans to visit Canada, but says it will leave in place a controversial visa requirement that has contributed to strained relations between the two countries.

Citizenship and Immigration Minister Chris Alexander said Monday that Mexican citizens who have travelled to Canada or the United States during the past 10 years can apply for expedited visa processing. The government said a pilot of the program, called CAN+, had an approval rate of more than 95 per cent, with most visas issued in a week or less.

The Mexican government has been pressing Canada to lift a 2009 requirement for Mexican citizens to obtain visas before they can travel. The rule was put in place to reduce the number of Mexicans claiming refugee status in Canada, but those who want to see it lifted say changes to Canada’s refugee laws mean it is no longer necessary.

Read the rest at The Globe and Mail

We invite you to add your charity or supporting organizations' news stories and coming events to PVAngels so we can share them with the world. Do it now!