Indians seeking Canadian visas face fingerprinting

Though Canada has not confirmed it yet, it is likely to soon introduce fingerprinting for Indian citizens seeking Canadian visas. The new measure is part of Canadian plans to boost border security and check immigration fraud. India, which is the second biggest source of immigration for Canada, will be the first country to be subjected to fingerprinting. Though most Indo-Canadians welcomed the move, they cautioned the Canadian government about its implementation. Mississauga-based immigration consultant Sheetal Jhuti said: "I personally don't think fingerprinting is a big deal. The process and procedures to safeguard visas is not an issue. Let there be more safety." But there are two issues for the Canadian government to address first, Jain told IANS. "One, deal with granting of visitor visas in India in a better and positive manner as the denial rate is ridiculous. Two, biometrics should be implemented for everybody, not a select few. India's borders make it relevant unfortunately, but it [India] is not the largest source country for refugee or unwanted elements." Toronto-based Arvind Vijh, director for India Services Group at Deloitte, saw no problem with the Canadian move. "Those abusing the system need to be stopped. Fingerprinting makes air travel safer for everyone since [the] identity of every traveller is verified." Calling it a positive development for business travellers, he said: "Once biometrics are in the system, business people should be able to get long-term multiple-entry visas. This move will increase business flows and opportunities.'' Kalyan Sundram, of the Canada-India Foundation, told IANS: "Biometrics is here to stay, even though it is being debated in India. It is important for the Canadian government to fully test it out internally [like any product] before putting together a fair schedule of global implementation, which avoids misinterpretations in friendly nations like India." From / Gulf News