DR AMERY BROWNE, Minister of Foreign and Caricom Affairs, on Tuesday keenly welcomed the Canadian Government's earlier move to make travel to Canada easier for some TT citizens, among nationals of a dozen other countries.
The initiative to allow TT – among 13 countries – to benefit from relaxed visa requirements to visit Canada was announced in a post on Tuesday on the Facebook page of the High Commission of Canada to TT. Mission sources confirmed this information to Newsday.
TT nationals who have had a Canadian visa in the past ten years or who now have a US visa can apply for entry to Canada by a quick online application electronically linked to their passports, dubbed an electronic travel authorisation (eTA).
Browne was very pleased at the news.
"Trinidad and Tobago has a large diaspora in Canada and this development is important for enhanced travel and connection for nationals seeking entry to the country."
TT nationals have a history of travel to Canada for educational or career pursuits, tourism, business and/or family connections, Browne said.
"This decision of the Government of Canada is representative of the improved travel record of TT nationals seeking opportunities to visit Canada for several reasons as mentioned previously."
He said Canada has increasingly opened avenues allowing greater access to TT nationals via measures such as the Seasonal Agricultural Workers Programme and international study options like the Student Direct Stream.
"This latest development, the inclusion of Trinidad and Tobago on the list of countries eligible for visa-free travel to Canada is a testament to the strength of the bilateral relationship between TT and Canada, a relationship, which is built upon our shared values, solid people-to-people, economic and cultural ties."
Browne drew attention to the eligibility criteria for the new initiative, as stated by the Canada Government.
"On behalf of the Government and people of Trinidad and Tobago, I wish to express our sincerest appreciation to the Government and people of Canada on this positive development; this gesture will continue to strengthen and grow our bilateral relations."
[caption id="attachment_1019938" align="alignnone" width="1024"] Staff at the Trinidad and Tobago consulate in Canada. -[/caption]
The High Commission post revealed that TT was one of several Caribbean nations among the 13 countries set to benefit from this change.
The post, in the name of Canadian High Commissioner Arif Keshani, said, "Very pleased to share that many TT nationals may now travel to Canada visa free with expansion of eTA to include TT among 12 other countries.
"Great news that further supports the strong people to people connections between our countries."
The post displayed a Canadian Government statement announcing the initiative.
"Canada is a destination of choice for people looking to visit, do business or reunite with family and friends. That’s why we are committed to improving our immigration programs and services by making them more efficient
