Mexican citizens now need a visa to visit Canada, as new Canadian visa requirements take effect this week.

If you’re a Mexican national planning a trip to Canada — whether to go to school, to scout out potential relocation opportunities, or simply to travel — 먼저해야 apply for a Temporary Resident Visa 를 통해 멕시코 시티에있는 캐나다 대사관.

시민권과 이민 캐나다 (CIC) has created an FAQ section on its website with more information about the new visa requirements.

에 따르면 an announcement from Citizenship, 이민 및 다문화 장관 제이슨 케니, the new visa requirements are the result of a huge increase in the number of Mexicans applying for refugee status in Canada:

멕시코에서 난민 주장은 거의 이후 세 겹 2005, making it the number one source country for claims. 에 2008, 이상 9,400 claims filed in Canada came from Mexican nationals, representing 25 접수 된 모든 주장 퍼센트. Of the Mexican claims reviewed and finalized in 2008 이민 및 난민위원회, an independent administrative tribunal, 만 11 %가 받아 들여진.

“In addition to creating significant delays and spiraling new costs in our refugee program, the sheer volume of these claims is undermining our ability to help people fleeing real persecution,"장관 케니 말했다. "모든 너무 자주, people who really need Canada’s protection find themselves in a long line, waiting for months and sometimes years to have their claims heard. 이건 용납이.

“The visa requirement I am announcing will give us a greater ability to manage the flow of people into Canada and verify bona fides. By taking this important step towards reducing the burden on our refugee system, we will be better equipped to process genuine refugee claims faster.”

Mexican travelers, and the Canadian tourism industry, are understandably unhappy about the decision, 로 this article from the Canadian press 보고서.

More background information about the new visa requirement is available from Citizenship and Immigration Canada.

Photo by abdallahh (플리커)