Citizens from Mexico wanting to go to Canada are getting some bad news as they will not be required to get a visa to enter the country. This sudden policy came after a surge in asylum claims that were rejected or abandoned, according to the northernmost North American country's immigration minister, Marc Miller.

If a Mexican traveler has held a Canadian visa within the last 10 years, they can also get travel authorization and apply for an electronic travel authorization (eTA). This is also applicable if they currently hold a US non-immigrant visa.

"With the high number of Mexican citizens currently holding US visas, the majority will continue to enjoy visa-free travel to Canada," the Canadian government announced on its official website. "Those who do not meet these conditions will need to apply for a Canadian visitor visa."

The Canadian government explained that the reimposition of visa requirements "is an important step to preserve mobility for hundreds of thousands of Mexican citizens, while also ensuring the sound management of our immigration and asylum systems."

The application process and requirements needed for Mexicans will not change for Mexican citizens seeking a work or study permit will not change, according to the official website, adding that "Mexican citizens who want to work in Canada will continue to have access to a wide number of existing labor pathways, including the Temporary Foreign Worker Program and the International Mobility Program."

The announcement was made by Minister Miller who announced the new Canadian immigration policy in English, Spanish, and French.

Canada Sees Immigration Surge and Rise in Asylum Claims, Many Coming from Mexico

Canada lifted its visa requirements back in December 2016 in order to make it easier for people from Mexico to make asylum claims in Canada. However, since then, Canada has seen a significant rise in asylum claims from the region, according to CTV News.

READ MORE: Mexico Elections: 2 Mayoral Candidates of the Same City Shot Dead, Within Hours Apart

Mexicans make up 17% of all asylum claimants in 2023. They also have the highest number of claims that were either rejected by Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada or withdrawn by the applicants themselves.

Last year, Canada saw 25,236 asylum claims. The Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) accepted 2,894, while 2,424 were rejected. Around 1,240 Mexican claimants withdrew, while another 560 people abandoned their claims.

"We need an effective visa system," said Minister Miller. "A change was needed."

Mexico President AMLO Reacts to Canada Imposing Visa Requirements Again

Meanwhile, Mexican President Andrés Manuel López Obrador expressed his regret on Canada's decision to reimpose a visa requirement for Mexican citizens on Thursday, according to the Associated Press.

"They could have looked for other options," he told reporters during his daily morning news conference. However, he also assured that the reimposition of visa requirements would not lead to Mexico breaking off relations with its fellow North American country. He also added that his administration would look for alternatives.

READ MORE: Mexico President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador Says Law Does Not Apply To Him

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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