Canada reinstating visa requirements for Mexico to curb asylum claims

Canada is reinstating visa requirements for people from Mexico in an effort to slow down a recent rise in asylum claims.

In an announcement Thursday, Immigration Minister Marc Miller said Mexicans made up 17 per cent of all asylum claimants in 2023, with the majority of those claims refused, withdrawn, or abandoned.

This reflects a significant rise since 2016 when the Canadian government first lifted the visa requirement for Mexicans. There were 260 claims in 2016 compared to a record 23,995 claims last year.

The returning requirements allow Mexican citizens flying to Canada to apply for an electronic travel authorization if they have held a Canadian visa within the last decade.

Travellers who hold a valid US non-immigrant visa will also be allowed to apply for electronic travel authorization.

Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa.

“We strive for balance between the movement of people between our two great countries, and the need to relieve pressure on our immigration system so we can provide protection to those who need it the most,” Miller said.

“We will continue to welcome Mexican temporary workers, students, visitors and immigrants who bring diverse skills and important contributions to our economy and communities.”

Miller said a high number of Mexican citizens will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada considering they are currently holding US visas.