Canada should rethink over introduction of visas for Czechs- EU

On Tuesday, the Czech Republic called for a joint action against Canada after it imposed visas for nationals of Czech Republic due to continuous flood of Roma asylum applicants.

On Tuesday, the Czech Republic called for a joint action against Canada after it imposed visas for nationals of Czech Republic due to continuous flood of Roma asylum applicants.

Prime Minister of Czech Republic, Jan Fischer, told reporters that steps towards introducing a solidarity clause would be initiated by the foreign minister, which will make sure that all EU countries introduce visas for Canadians.

Although the EU asked Canada to discard the requirement, it ruled out the possibility of any immediate action. Fischer said that the Czechs would introduce visas for diplomats of Canada which is the maximum they can do at present as EU norms does not allow them to impose visas on nationals of Canada.

Immigration minister of Canada, Jason Kenney, said that it is observed on a regular basis that people who actually need protection of Canada find themselves at a distant position, which makes them wait for months or even years to finally have their claims heard. Therefore, the visa process would enable them to keep a track on who is entering Canada as a legitimate visitor and who might try to take advantage of refugee system in wrong way, the minister said.

On the other hand, a spokesperson for justice issues at the executive arm of the EU, said that they hope that procedures introduced by Canada are temporary and that full visa travel would soon be reestablished between Canada and the EU. He added that the EU would not impose any reciprocal measures on citizens of Canada at this moment.