The Federal Immigration Ministry rejects the Mexican government’s claims that an agreement between the two countries has already led to a drop in asylum applications.
The controversy comes amid growing pressure on Ottawa to re-impose visas on Mexican citizens.
Mexico’s Foreign Ministry said last week that the drop in applications in December was due to undefined “joint measures” taken by the two countries.
According to data from the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada department, the number of asylum applications made by Mexican citizens fell by 500 in December compared to the previous month.
However, the ministry recalls that this decline is usual at this time of year.
“Requests fluctuate each month for various reasons, such as flight availability and costs,” the ministry said Friday. “We remain concerned about the upward trend in the number of Mexican asylum seekers. That is why the Government of Canada is monitoring these trends and is committed to protecting the integrity of its immigration system and the safety and security of Canadians. »
Ministry data shows the number of asylum applications from Mexico has increased by 2,000% since the Liberals were elected, from 110 applications in 2015 to 23,995 in 2023.
This is partly explained by the government’s decision in 2016 to lift the visa requirement, making it easier for Mexican nationals to apply for asylum in Canada.
The ministry’s data also shows a 46% increase in asylum applications from Mexican citizens from 2022 to 2023.
Canadian Minister Marc Miller did not confirm Thursday whether Canada had changed its policies, only indicating that the two countries were exploring various solutions.
“We cannot speculate on future political decisions. Any new developments will be made public,” assured the ministry.
Conservatives have urged liberals to reinstate visa requirements for Mexicans, arguing the change has led to fraud, abuse and strain on the asylum system.
The Biden administration also warned that human traffickers linked to Mexican cartels could exploit Canada’s visa waiver regime to bring people into the United States.
The Mexican Foreign Ministry has argued that it is important to preserve the economic benefits derived from facilitating travel between the two countries.