Editor,
A new requirement for visas for Mexican and Czech nationals was imposed while I was on official business in Taiwan and Hong Kong, among other things, to promote tourism.
Tourism is critical to the riding I represent. While in Asia, I highlighted the allure of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games in meetings with the President of Taiwan and other leaders.
Recent letter writers have raised a concern about the new visa requirement, particularly in light of Mexicans seeking to travel here.
Since 2005, the number of Mexican refugee claimants has almost tripled from about 3,400 in 2005 to more than 9,400 in 2008. In that year, Mexicans accounted for more than 25 per cent of all refugee claims filed in Canada. Refugee claims are assessed by the Immigration and Refugee Board ("IRB"), an independent administrative tribunal.
In 2008, the IRB accepted 606 refugee claims from Mexico, representing an overall rejection rate of 89 per cent for Mexican refugee claims. Citizenship and Immigration Minister Jason Kenney is therefore taking measures to reduce the abuse of the system. Visa requirements make it easier to assess who is coming to Canada as a genuine visitor and who may be trying to get to Canada merely to file an unsubstantiated refugee claim.
In July 2009, Minister Kenney therefore implemented a new visa requirement for Mexican Nationals travelling to Canada. Last week, I met with Minister Kenney to assess how the new requirement is affecting our riding and what people should do who have valid reasons for visiting Canada from Mexico.
Minister Kenney has assured me that our government has taken the steps necessary in order to ensure processing capacity is in place to meet the increased demand, and to minimize unnecessary delays for travelers. In fact, 55 extra case officers have been hired to work in the Canadian Embassy in Mexico.
Mexican nationals who travel to Canada regularly are encouraged to apply for multi-year, multiple-entry visas. For the most part, walk-in applicants are receiving their visas within 24 hours. Applicants who send in their applications are receiving visas within a week.
I am staying in touch with Minister Kenney on this matter. Please watch our website for future developments: www.johnweston.ca
John Weston, MP
West Vancouver - Sunshine Coast - Sea-to-Sky Country
