MPs Criticize Outsourcing Visa Applications To China

Contract With Firm Owned by Beijing Police Has Created Privateness & Espionage Considerations

The Federal authorities is going through scrutiny from Members of Parliament over a contract it has with a Beijing police-owned firm that processes Canadian visa functions.

The contract is with Beijing Shuangxiong International Service Firm, which has been finishing up visa processing companies for the Canadian authorities since 2008. The Beijing Municipal Public Safety Bureau runs this firm.

Regardless of being lively for 13 years, Conservative MP Jasraj Singh Hallan lately introduced up the partnership in the course of the Home of Commons immigration committee.. Hallan requested Immigration Minister Marco Mendicino if the federal government was contemplating the potential danger of espionage attributable to inadequate screening of employees in China.

NDP immigration critic Jenny Kwan additionally criticized the contract, stating:

“The reality is all the construction stinks and this can be a big battle of curiosity for the security of candidates.”

In response to the criticism, Mendicino has mentioned that he’s assured that there are not any privateness points to be involved about, and that Beijing Shuangxiong International Service Firm is satisfactorily defending the private info of those that apply for a Canadian visa.

Mendicino added that the federal authorities is intently monitoring Shuangxiong International Service Firm and conducting common audits and safety screenings of all staff who work there.

“We’re eyes huge open on this situation and we are going to proceed to handle these dangers going ahead,” he mentioned.

Throughout the identical committee assembly, Mendicino was additionally requested concerning the more and more tense scenario in Hong Kong and whether or not Canada would take steps to make sure residents may go away Hong Kong and are available to Canada in mild of “draconian” Chinese language safety legal guidelines and anticipated adjustments to the electoral system that will limit Hong Kong’s  independence.

Mendicino responded, saying that the federal authorities is actively working with allies to observe the scenario in Hong Kong.

“At this troublesome second, Canada stands shoulder to shoulder with the folks of Hong Kong and shares the grave considerations of the worldwide group.”

Mendicino added that no one arrested in relation to protests in Hong Kong can be banned from coming to Canada.

“No Hong Kongers will probably be prevented from coming to Canada or claiming asylum, as a result of they’ve participated in peaceable protests,” he mentioned.

Arghavan Gerami

Arghavan Gerami is the Founder and Senior Counsel at Gerami Legislation Skilled Company (‘PC’), a full-service immigration regulation agency in Ottawa, Ontario. Since 2011, Ms. Gerami has targeted her follow on immigration and refugee litigation. Previous to that, Ms. Gerami labored on the Ministry of Lawyer Normal and the Division of Justice and had the privilege of serving the Honourable Mr. Justice M. Evans on the Federal Courtroom of Enchantment on immigration and administrative regulation appeals. Ms. Gerami contributes to the Immigration Legislation Part of the Canadian Bar Affiliation, the Canadian Affiliation of Refugee Attorneys, and the United Nations Excessive Commissioner for Refugees. Ms. Gerami has additionally printed quite a few journal articles and offered at numerous immigration and refugee regulation conferences and occasions throughout Canada.