News Briefs – Temporary Resident Visas now Required for Citizens Of Malaysia

The Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced today that citizens of Malaysia will require a Canadian temporary resident visa to travel to Canada as of 00:01 EDT, September 24, 2002.

Minister Announces Creation of Advisory Committee on the Immigration Consulting Industry

Following up on his commitment to address problems within the immigration consulting industry, the Honourable Denis Coderre, Minister of Citizenship and Immigration, announced the creation of an advisory committee to identify specific concerns and provide recommendations for his consideration.

The role of the committee, which will operate at arm's length from the Department of Citizenship and Immigration, will be to identify the various problems within the immigration consulting industry -- both in Canada and abroad -- and to propose options to the Minister.

Unlike lawyers, Consultants have not been required to have any documented qualifications, and have not been liable for penalty in the case of wrongful actions.