CANADIAN HIGH COMMISSION INTRODUCES FINGERPRINT PROVISION FOR VISA APPLICATION

The Canadian High Commission in Nigeria says Nigerians applying for visa to the North American country will henceforth be required to provide their fingerprints. It said the new requirement which took effect from October 23, was introduced to check fraud, facilitate legitimate travel by making entry into the country easier. Contained in a statement by the High Commission’s Public Affairs Officer, Ezinne Uluocha, applicants will need to go in person to a visa application centre to submit their application and give their fingerprints as well as have their photograph taken. Uluocha said the new requirement would put Canada in line with other countries which are already collecting this information from visitors, including the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, countries in the European Union Schengen Zone, and Japan.It however noted that the new application process will exempt applicants under the age of 14 or over the age of 79 as well as diplomats and government officials travelling on official business.