Canada is to make it compulsory for international movers from certain countries to have to provide biometrics when they relocate there for study or work.
Jason Kenney, minister for Citizenship, Immigration and Multiculturalism, said that biometrics – the unique set of physical attributes that can be used to identify someone – would help the country deliver a more efficient system of immigration.
“Biometrics has proven to be one of the most effective ways to identify individuals entering the country,” he expanded. “By providing immigration officials with greater certainty, biometrics will facilitate legitimate travel to Canada.”
From next year, residents from countries like Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, Jamaica, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia and Yemen, to name but a few, will have to provide fingerprints and a photograph when they apply for a visitor, student or work visa.
This will mean that when a certain approved individual from one of these countries arrives in the North American country, officials will be able to check that they are in fact that same person.
In adopting this measure, Canada will be boosting its service to reflect similar systems in place in countries like the UK, the US, Australia and New Zealand.
“Biometrics will strengthen and modernise Canada’s immigration system,” Mr Kenney added. “Our doors are open to legitimate travellers and, through the use of biometrics, we will also be able to protect the safety and security of Canadians.”