The Liberal government is set to go against its own advisers by lifting the visa requirement for Mexican tourists, effective December 1, 2016.
Canadian officials are working with their Mexican counterparts on final details to ensure a successful visa lift. Until November 30, 2016, the visa requirement is still in place for Mexico and – until it is lifted – Mexican citizens must continue to apply for a visa to visit, study or work in Canada. Mexicans can apply online for a visitor visa on Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada's website, or can use the services of one of the Visa Application Centres in Mexico City, Guadalajara and Monterrey.
Fears the move will spark an increase in asylum claims from Mexicans – the reason the restriction was imposed in the first place – means officials at Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) do not support the move.
But Prime Minister Justin Trudeau is ready to go ahead anyway, putting in place some strict conditions for lifting a condition which represented part of his campaign when he came to power in 2015.
IRCC officials feel the lower standard of living in Mexico will motivate Mexicans to try to move permanently to Canada. Furthermore, the officials are understood to have warned that citizens of surrounding countries could look to use Mexico's porous passport system as their own route to get to Canada and claim asylum.
Mexican President Enrique Pena Nieto is currently making a state visit to Canada as part of the Three Amigos summit with Trudeau and Barack Obama in Ottawa.
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The content of this article reflects the personal insight of Attorney Colin Singer and needs no disclaimer