New Visas Required for Mexican and Czech Citizens

Citizenship and Immigration Canada announced - without warning - that Mexican and Czech citizens now require a temporary resident visa before entering Canada.

During the peak of tourist season and the depths of the recession, this government decision makes little sense. Canada hosts over 260,000 Mexican tourists per year, and it is quite likely that many of them will seek other destinations that won't require the hassle, paperwork and fees to get a visa. This will hurt Canadian business.

The government claims that the requirements were imposed because Mexicans and Czechs make an inordinate number of refugee claims once they enter, and that the US has imposed visa requirements on Mexican citizens.

The better option in my view would be to place restrictions on refugee applications rather than severely restrict the ability of citizens of these countries to enter Canada.

Matching US requirements was not needed in Canada - we do not have the same issues with illegal Mexican workers here that they do in the US.

Looking at the bigger picture, there is no doubt that Canada will require greater immigration in future to replace our population. Preventing more people from visiting Canada means fewer will experience this country and ultimately decide to immigrate during the times we'll need them most.