Canadian immigration reforms toughen refugee policy

Mr Kenney claims Canadian immigration authorities have processed a disproportionate amount of refugee claims from what are regarded as safe, democratic nations in recent years. In 2011, Mr Kenney cites 5,800 claims for refugee status from EU nationals, mainly Roma migrants, from Hungary and Slovakia.

Mr Kenney claims this in stark contrast to the US which received just 30 applications from Hungarian citizens which is due to Canada's perceived reputation as lax on immigration.

"This is not about Hungary, it's about Canada," said Mr Kenney. "We have people showing up at [the Canadian Border Security Authority office] at the airport when they make their asylum claim asking where they can get their welfare cheque from."

Canada currently accepts more refugees per capita than any other country in the world but has been gradually introducing tougher legislation to combat abuse of the system.

Previous rules include introducing Canadian visa requirements for travellers from Mexico and the Czech Republic after false claims for refugee status increased.

Under the new legislation, Mr Kenney will be able to place countries on a 'safe list' which will prevent citizens of these countries appealing rejections for refugee status.

The legislation will now require all Canadian visa applicants to provide biometric data such as fingerprints and photos.

Mr Kenney believes this measure will bring Canadian immigration policy in line with similar policies in the UK, the US, Australia and the EU.

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The Canadian Visa Bureau is an independent migration consultancy specialising in helping people make their application to the Canadian Embassy.