Providing biometric information mandatory for travel to Canada

Dubai - Canada has one of the highest per capita rates of immigration in the world.

All foreign nationals, including Emiratis, applying for a study or work permit (excluding US nationals) and a permanent residence to Canada will be required to provide biometric information.

Starting July 31, nationals from countries in Europe, Africa and the Middle East will be required to provide biometrics, the Embassy of Canada in Abu Dhabi said on Sunday. Later in 2018, the requirement will be extended to nationals from countries in Asia-Pacific and the Americas.

UAE passport holders travelling to Canada for tourism, business trips or family visits will not be affected as they are visa-exempt and only require a valid electronic travel authorisation (eTA).

"Accurately establishing identity is an important part of immigration decisions and helps keep Canadians safe. For more than 20 years, biometrics (fingerprints and a photograph) have played a role in supporting immigration screening and decision-making in Canada," the embassy said in a statement.

Canada has one of the highest per capita rates of immigration in the world.

Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, said: "Each year, Canada welcomes millions of visitors and accepts hundreds of thousands of students, workers and permanent residents. Canadians understand the importance of immigration to our country's economic and social well-being. By expanding our biometrics programme, we facilitate entry into Canada and protect the integrity of our immigration system, by quickly and accurately establishing a traveller's identity. A key feature of biometrics expansion is that temporary residents will only have to provide their biometrics once every 10 years."

According to the embassy, expanding biometrics will strengthen Canada's immigration programmes through effective screening (biometric collection, verification, and information-sharing with partner countries).

Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness, said: "Biometrics screening helps keep Canadians safe. The collection and verification of biometrics, along with criminal and immigration screening and biometric-based information-sharing, will help prevent identity fraud, identify those who pose a security risk and stop known criminals from entering Canada."

reporters@khaleejtimes.com