Fingerprinting for Indians applying for Canadian visas

India, being the second largest source of immigration population in Canada, is also the biggest source of fraud and misconduct.

So, for the security reasons and to prevent immigration fraud, these measures have been taken by the immigrating authorities of Canada.

Currently Canada relies on the photograph of the person to check and match the identity.

This biometric check will be done at the border entry areas.

Though the move has been welcomed by both the countries, it might adversely affect the Indo-Canada relations.

Rana Sarkar, president of the Canada-India Business Council, said, “Any policy that lumps India in with troubled countries is bad optics.”

Expert Views
Giving her views on the biometric system, Sheetal Jhuti, Mississauga-based immigration consultant, 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.”

Arvind Vijh, director for India Services Group at Deloitte, favoring the system, said, “Those abusing the system need to be stopped. Fingerprinting makes air travel safer for everyone since identity of every traveler is verified.”

“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.”

Kam Rathee, vice-chairman of the Canada-India Education Council, didn’t favor the introduction of biometrics.

Opposing the system he said, “Canada should introduce fingerprinting all across the board for all suspect countries at the same time instead of singling out India. Putting India in the same list as rogue countries and not including China and Mexico in it will be a setback to Canada- India business relations, which we are so strenuously trying to nurture.”