The PMO just lost the
Czech & Mexican
voteConservative Party of Canada, Xenophobia !!!!!!.
Czech ambassador recalled over new visa rules
Last Updated: Tuesday, July 14, 2009 | 7:58 AM ET Comments264Recommend102
CBC News
The Czech government has responded to new visa requirements imposed on its citizens by Ottawa by recalling its ambassador and saying it will require some Canadians to have visas when they visit the Czech Republic.
"It’s quite a normal diplomatic step that we are taking," Deputy Foreign Minister Helena Bambasova told CBC News. "We want to consult what steps should be taken, what reaction should be done, what can we do about that because I have to admit, we are rather disappointed by the decision of your government."
The Czech government is also proposing to slap visa requirements on Canadian diplomats and Canadians visiting the Czech Republic on business. Bambasova said her government will consult with the European Union, suggesting they may try to get member countries to respond similarly.
"All the 27 member countries have no visa arrangements for the Canadians and since it has been violated or Canada decided to behave otherwise to one of the conditions, a decision has to be taken. But I don’t want to foresee what that will be," Bambasova said.
EU spokesman Michele Cercone said the European Commission plans no immediate action, but "regrets" Ottawa's decision and was seeking consultations with Canadian officials shortly.
"We expect the measures introduced by Canada to be temporary, and we hope that full visa free travel between the EU and Canada is re-established soon," Cercone said.
Surge in refugee claims
The Czech government made the moves as new Canadian visa requirements came into effect on Tuesday for citizens of Mexico and the Czech Republic. The Canadian government has said the visa requirements are in response to a surge in refugee claims by visitors from those countries.
The change took effect at 12:01 a.m. ET on Tuesday. For the first 48 hours, Mexicans and Czechs will be able to apply for entry on arrival in Canada. However, after 11:59 p.m. Wednesday, all visitors from those countries must have a visa when they arrive at a point of entry.
Mexico is now the No. 1 source of refugee claims, with the number almost tripling to more than 9,400 since 2005, the Immigration Department said in a release Monday. The figure represents one-quarter of all claims made.
The Czech Republic ranks second with nearly 3,000 refugee claims filed since the visa requirement for visitors from that country was lifted in October 2007. That compares with fewer than five claims in 2006, the department said.
Visitors from the two countries will have to satisfy visa officers that their visit to Canada will be temporary and they won't overstay their approved time. They'll also need to have enough money to cover their stay, be in good health, have no criminal record and pose no security risk.
The Immigration Department said it is working to increase its visa processing capacity in Mexico City, but the sudden imposition of the requirement will mean short-term delays in travel as resources are put in place.
Visitors from the Czech Republic will need to submit their applications to the Canadian visa office in Vienna, Austria, which currently serves citizens from several European countries.
Czech Premier Jan Fischer has called the Canadian step one-sided and wrong, adding he would ask the European Union to help restore the visa-free status.
In a statement, the Mexican government said it regretted Canada's decision and will promote actions to modify the decision. So far, Mexico has not announced it will take any measures in response.
Mexican authorities blamed the rise in bogus claims on "the unrestricted operation of intermediary groups and organizations" which charge fees to assist people in making their cases.
"These organizations have encouraged this practice among Mexicans acting in good faith, charging fees for advisory, logistical and training services to then present fraudulent cases," the government statement.
Tourism industry already 'suffering'
Canadian tour companies also slammed Ottawa's decision, saying it will have a negative impact on their struggling industry.
"This is happening at a time in which the tourism industry in this country is suffering quite dramatically," said Hume Rogers, the manager of Ottawa's Capital Hotel and Suites.
He said the policy change is being imposed at the last minute, just as the peak season is about to begin for tour groups from Mexico, a significant market for Canada.
Rogers said the new rules will affect restaurants, tour operators, charter bus companies and attractions, and will have a serious affect on employment.
"This is coming at the worst possible time," Rogers said.