In response to a recent surge in asylum claims, Canada announced on Thursday (Feb 29) the immediate reinstatement of visas for Mexican nationals visiting the country.

"Mexican citizens will have to get a visa to come to Canada from now on," Immigration Minister Marc Miller said at a news conference and&nbsp;explained&nbsp;the need to preserve the viability of Canada's immigration and refugee system.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-men-kidnapped-32-migrants-in-mexico-for-extortion-president-says-676763" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-men-kidnapped-32-migrants-in-mexico-for-extortion-president-says-676763&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiespOz9NCEAxX8TWwGHTxQCdIQFnoECAEQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw1JRZwV_Ykl0QnloIlUXU0P" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/armed-men-kidnapped-32-migrants-in-mexico-for-extortion-president-says-676763" target="_blank">Armed men kidnapped 32&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;in&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;for extortion</a>

While Mexican citizens will generally require a visa to enter Canada, there are exceptions. Those who have held a Canadian visa in the past decade or possess a valid visa for the United States can opt for a simplified electronic travel authorisation.

The decision comes as immigration data reveals a significant increase in refugee claims from Mexicans, constituting 17 per cent of all claims in Canada in 2023.&nbsp;

This surge contrasts sharply with the 260 claims recorded in 2016 when a previous visa requirement was lifted. However, most of the recent claims were either rejected or withdrawn by the applicants.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-migrant-caravan-in-mexico-heads-to-us-border-escalating-challenges-amid-blinkens-visit-673325" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-migrant-caravan-in-mexico-heads-to-us-border-escalating-challenges-amid-blinkens-visit-673325&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiespOz9NCEAxX8TWwGHTxQCdIQFnoECAYQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw2r8kjiy75qzPyNs_R50Bff" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/massive-migrant-caravan-in-mexico-heads-to-us-border-escalating-challenges-amid-blinkens-visit-673325" target="_blank">Massive&nbsp;migrant&nbsp;caravan in&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;heads to US border</a>

Minister Miller highlighted that some Mexican nationals have been using Canada as a transit point to enter the United States. He acknowledged the comparatively lower numbers compared to migrants arriving at the US' southern border but emphasised the need to address the situation.

Notably, this reinstatement echoes a measure previously imposed in 2009 by a conservative government to curb a similar uptick. However, it was lifted in 2016 during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's liberal administration.

The province of Quebec recently expressed concern about the situation, sending a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, asserting that the migrant influx had reached a breaking point and urging&nbsp;immediate action to manage the flow.

Also read:&nbsp;<a data-ctorig="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mexico-agree-to-strengthen-efforts-to-curb-record-migration-674653" data-cturl="https://www.google.com/url?client=internal-element-cse&amp;cx=006054055338965708568:09spwrlibei&amp;q=https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mexico-agree-to-strengthen-efforts-to-curb-record-migration-674653&amp;sa=U&amp;ved=2ahUKEwiespOz9NCEAxX8TWwGHTxQCdIQFnoECAUQAg&amp;usg=AOvVaw3RJXQzAWTCdUG0cd30isHT" dir="ltr" href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-mexico-agree-to-strengthen-efforts-to-curb-record-migration-674653" target="_blank">US,&nbsp;Mexico&nbsp;agree to strengthen efforts to curb record&nbsp;migration</a>

Minister Miller acknowledged the dissatisfaction expressed by the Mexican government in response to the newly reintroduced visa requirement.

"We attach great importance to our close ties with Mexico," he said. "Mexico is and will remain an important partner."

(With inputs from agencies)

In response to a recent surge in asylum claims, Canada announced on Thursday (Feb 29) the immediate reinstatement of visas for Mexican nationals visiting the country.

In response to a recent surge in asylum claims, Canada announced on Thursday (Feb 29) the immediate reinstatement of visas for Mexican nationals visiting the country. "Mexican citizens will have to get a visa to come to Canada from now on," Immigration Minister Marc Miller said at a news conference and explained the need to preserve the viability of Canada's immigration and refugee system. Also read: Armed men kidnapped 32 migrants in Mexico for extortion While Mexican citizens will generally require a visa to enter Canada, there are exceptions. Those who have held a Canadian visa in the past decade or possess a valid visa for the United States can opt for a simplified electronic travel authorisation. The decision comes as immigration data reveals a significant increase in refugee claims from Mexicans, constituting 17 per cent of all claims in Canada in 2023. This surge contrasts sharply with the 260 claims recorded in 2016 when a previous visa requirement was lifted. However, most of the recent claims were either rejected or withdrawn by the applicants. Also read: Massive migrant caravan in Mexico heads to US border Minister Miller highlighted that some Mexican nationals have been using Canada as a transit point to enter the United States. He acknowledged the comparatively lower numbers compared to migrants arriving at the US' southern border but emphasised the need to address the situation. Notably, this reinstatement echoes a measure previously imposed in 2009 by a conservative government to curb a similar uptick. However, it was lifted in 2016 during Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's liberal administration. The province of Quebec recently expressed concern about the situation, sending a letter to Prime Minister Trudeau, asserting that the migrant influx had reached a breaking point and urging immediate action to manage the flow. Also read: US, Mexico agree to strengthen efforts to curb record migration Minister Miller acknowledged the dissatisfaction expressed by the Mexican government in response to the newly reintroduced visa requirement. "We attach great importance to our close ties with Mexico," he said. "Mexico is and will remain an important partner." (With inputs from agencies)

Canada reinstates visa requirements for Mexican travellers

Mexican security forces are searching for about 50&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;who were kidnapped from a commercial bus, authorities said Wednesday.

The kidnapping took place in the central state of San Luis Potosi, the Attorney General's Office there said. The bus, whose two drivers were also missing, was discovered further north in the border state of Nuevo Leon on Tuesday, it added, without specifying when the incident took place.

President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told a press conference the National Guard has been deployed to try to locate the&nbsp;migrants.

On Tuesday, Nuevo Leon's security agency tweeted that nine&nbsp;migrants&nbsp;- aged from 18 to 35 and from Honduras and Venezuela - had been rescued.

The San Luis Potosi Attorney General's Office said it was verifying whether the nine were part of the larger group that was kidnapped.

San Luis Potosi has seen a growth in the involvement of organized crime in the trafficking of&nbsp;migrants, increasing numbers of whom are crossing through on their way to the United States, fueled by the recent withdrawal of a COVID-era border policy that allowed US&nbsp;authorities to swiftly expel many&nbsp;migrants.

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Mexican security forces are searching for about 50 migrants who were kidnapped from a commercial bus, authorities said Wednesday. The kidnapping took place in the central state of San Luis Potosi, the Attorney General's Office there said.

Mexican security forces are searching for about 50 migrants who were kidnapped from a commercial bus, authorities said Wednesday. The kidnapping took place in the central state of San Luis Potosi, the Attorney General's Office there said. The bus, whose two drivers were also missing, was discovered further north in the border state of Nuevo Leon on Tuesday, it added, without specifying when the incident took place. President Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador told a press conference the National Guard has been deployed to try to locate the migrants. On Tuesday, Nuevo Leon's security agency tweeted that nine migrants - aged from 18 to 35 and from Honduras and Venezuela - had been rescued. The San Luis Potosi Attorney General's Office said it was verifying whether the nine were part of the larger group that was kidnapped. San Luis Potosi has seen a growth in the involvement of organized crime in the trafficking of migrants, increasing numbers of whom are crossing through on their way to the United States, fueled by the recent withdrawal of a COVID-era border policy that allowed US authorities to swiftly expel many migrants. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Fifty migrants kidnapped from Mexican bus

According to reports, the US Department of Defence has denied a request to&nbsp;the Washington mayor&nbsp;for National Guard to assist in the reception of migrants arriving from across the border.

Washinton DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser had requested federal agencies for National Guards after undocumented migrants flooded the state from Arizona and Texas. Migrants from the US-Mexico border have been flooding the US in recent weeks.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/washington-dc-overburdened-with-migrants-mayor-says-it-has-reached-a-tipping-point-501685">Also Read:&nbsp;Washington DC overburdened with migrants</a>

Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rejected the DC mayor's request informing that support would "negatively impact" the readiness of troops. The development comes after Texas Governor Greg Abbott had put migrants on buses to Washington.

Watch: First bus carrying 50 migrants arrives in NYC

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The White House this week warned&nbsp;Abbott&nbsp;against "meddling" in federal affairs after the Texas governor authorised state law enforcement officers to detain migrants who had illegally crossed the border from Mexico.

In June, at least 50 undocumented migrants were found dead in an abandoned truck near the Texas city of San Antonio as President Joe Biden blamed "criminal" professional smugglers" for the tragedy. The US Department of Homeland Security opened criminal investigation into the incident. Migrants from El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and&nbsp;Guatemala, were also found inside a tractor-trailer at a highway checkpoint in Laredo, Texas and several more near Sierra Blanca.

The US Supreme Court had ruled that undocumented migrants do not have the&nbsp; constitutional right to a bond hearing that could permit their release after spending six months in detention. Three years ago, the lower court had declared that the migrants had the right to be heard&nbsp;after being held for six months.

(With inputs from Agencies)

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According to reports, the US Department of Defence has denied a request to the Washington mayor for National Guard to assist in the reception of migrants arriving from across the border.

According to reports, the US Department of Defence has denied a request to the Washington mayor for National Guard to assist in the reception of migrants arriving from across the border. Washinton DC's Mayor Muriel Bowser had requested federal agencies for National Guards after undocumented migrants flooded the state from Arizona and Texas. Migrants from the US-Mexico border have been flooding the US in recent weeks. Also Read: Washington DC overburdened with migrants Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin rejected the DC mayor's request informing that support would "negatively impact" the readiness of troops. The development comes after Texas Governor Greg Abbott had put migrants on buses to Washington. Watch: First bus carrying 50 migrants arrives in NYC The White House this week warned Abbott against "meddling" in federal affairs after the Texas governor authorised state law enforcement officers to detain migrants who had illegally crossed the border from Mexico. In June, at least 50 undocumented migrants were found dead in an abandoned truck near the Texas city of San Antonio as President Joe Biden blamed "criminal" professional smugglers" for the tragedy. The US Department of Homeland Security opened criminal investigation into the incident. Migrants from El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico and Guatemala, were also found inside a tractor-trailer at a highway checkpoint in Laredo, Texas and several more near Sierra Blanca. The US Supreme Court had ruled that undocumented migrants do not have the constitutional right to a bond hearing that could permit their release after spending six months in detention. Three years ago, the lower court had declared that the migrants had the right to be heard after being held for six months. (With inputs from Agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE

Pentagon rejects Washington mayor's request for National Guard amid migrant crisis

Mexico said Monday it will discuss a <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/mexico-holds-off-trumps-fire-but-seen-vulnerable-to-new-pressure-225987">"safe third country" agreement with the United States </a>-- in which migrants entering Mexican territory must apply for asylum there rather than the US -- if the flow of undocumented immigrants continues.

Amid speculation about the contents of Mexico's deal to curb migration in order to avert President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he had rebuffed the US demand for such a measure, but agreed to revisit the matter in 45 days.

"In the meeting with the vice president of the United States, they were insistent on the safe third country issue," Ebrard told a press conference, three days after reaching a last minute deal to avoid punitive tariffs over the surge of Central American migrants arriving at the US-Mexican border.

"We told them -- I think it was the most important achievement of the negotiations -- 'let's set a time period to see if what Mexico is proposing will work, and if not, we'll sit down and see what additional measures'" are needed, he said.

Ebrard, who led the Mexican negotiating team in marathon talks in Washington, spoke as Trump renewed his tariff threat over a secret provision in the deal.

Trump tweeted that part of the deal would require approval by the Mexican Congress -- he did not give details -- and that "if for any reason the approval is not forthcoming, Tariffs will be reinstated!"

The comment came as he fended off criticism over a New York Times report that said the key terms of the migration deal had in fact been agreed on months ago.

Speaking later on CNBC, Trump said the secret provision was "a very powerful tool."

"I'm going to tell you that most people understand -- that the people having to do with borders and illegal immigration and immigration of any kind -- they understand exactly what that is," he said.

"But we purposely said we wouldn't mention it for a little while ... It has to be brought by their legislative body, it's got to be taken to a vote. So we didn't bring it up, but most people know that answer."

Mexico said Monday it will discuss a "safe third country" agreement with the United States -- in which migrants entering Mexican territory must apply for asylum there rather than the US -- if the flow of undocumented immigrants continues.

Mexico said Monday it will discuss a "safe third country" agreement with the United States -- in which migrants entering Mexican territory must apply for asylum there rather than the US -- if the flow of undocumented immigrants continues. Amid speculation about the contents of Mexico's deal to curb migration in order to avert President Donald Trump's threat of tariffs, Foreign Minister Marcelo Ebrard said he had rebuffed the US demand for such a measure, but agreed to revisit the matter in 45 days. "In the meeting with the vice president of the United States, they were insistent on the safe third country issue," Ebrard told a press conference, three days after reaching a last minute deal to avoid punitive tariffs over the surge of Central American migrants arriving at the US-Mexican border. "We told them -- I think it was the most important achievement of the negotiations -- 'let's set a time period to see if what Mexico is proposing will work, and if not, we'll sit down and see what additional measures'" are needed, he said. Ebrard, who led the Mexican negotiating team in marathon talks in Washington, spoke as Trump renewed his tariff threat over a secret provision in the deal. Trump tweeted that part of the deal would require approval by the Mexican Congress -- he did not give details -- and that "if for any reason the approval is not forthcoming, Tariffs will be reinstated!" The comment came as he fended off criticism over a New York Times report that said the key terms of the migration deal had in fact been agreed on months ago. Speaking later on CNBC, Trump said the secret provision was "a very powerful tool." "I'm going to tell you that most people understand -- that the people having to do with borders and illegal immigration and immigration of any kind -- they understand exactly what that is," he said. "But we purposely said we wouldn't mention it for a little while ... It has to be brought by their legislative body, it's got to be taken to a vote. So we didn't bring it up, but most people know that answer."

Mexico to discuss 'safe third country' deal with US if migration does not slow