Tourism to Canada improved last year but has not yet returned to pre-pandemic levels after suffering from the temporary public health and travel restrictions imposed when the COVID-19 virus first made its way into the country, reports Statistics Canada. “In 2023, Canada welcomed 74.5 million international arrivals (non-resident visitors and returning Canadian residents), almost 1.5 times more compared with 2022, and over four-fifths (84.1 per cent) the number of arrivals in 2019,” noted the statistical and demographic services agency. Ahead of World Tourism Day on Sept. 27, Statistics Canada released its snapshot of the current state of the tourism industry and international visitors in Canada. It paints a picture of an industry still in recovery but gradually improving with employment rising by 0.3 per cent in the second quarter of this year alone with most of the increase due to more jobs in recreation and entertainment, air transportation and food services. “In the second quarter, the tourism sector contributed 1.6 per cent to Canada’s economic activity,” notes Statistics Canada. During that quarter, tourism spending in Canada grew by 0.7 per dent in but spending remained 6.4 per cent below the pre-pandemic levels reported during the fourth quarter of 2019. Tourism’s gross domestic product rose by 0.8 per cent during the second quarter, a faster pace than the economy overall which saw 0.5 per cent growth during the same period. With that growth in the tourism sector, more visitors are coming to Canada from other countries and the Canadian Border Security Agency (CBSA) notes the preliminary number of international arrivals to the country by air and automobile increased nine per cent year over year to 7.7 million in August. “By automobile, there were 2.9 million Canadian-resident return trips from the United States in August 2024 and 1.9 million US-resident trips to Canada,” notes Statistics Canada. “US-resident trips to Canada by automobile were up 12.9 per cent year over year in August 2024 to reach 84.4 per cent of the pre-pandemic level observed in August 2019.” Canadians are also travelling more by air to other countries with a 10 per cent bump up in that travel, year-over-year, as of August, 2024. “The number of non-resident arrivals by air was up 11.9 per cent year over year to 1.2 million in August 2024, reaching 93.9 per cent of the August 2019 pre-pandemic level,” notes Statistics Canada. “These air arrivals were almost evenly split between U.S. residents and residents of countries other than the United States.” Citizens of visa-required countries must obtain a Canada visitor visa before traveling to Canada. These countries include most nations in Africa, Asia, Eastern Europe, and Latin America. The visa is necessary regardless of the visitor’s intended duration of stay, whether it is for a few days or several months (up to a maximum of six months per visit). However, citizens of certain countries, including the United States, the United Kingdom, and many European Union member states, are visa-exempt. Foreign Nationals Of Some Countries Only Need An eTA To Visit Canada Instead of a visa, they may need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) if traveling to Canada by air. The eTA is a simpler process, usually applied for online, and allows visa-exempt travelers to enter Canada for short visits. Citizens of visa-exempt countries still need a visa if they plan to work, study, or stay longer in Canada. In addition to nationality, other factors such as the purpose of the visit, previous travel history, and overall eligibility may influence the requirement for a visa. Visitor visa applicants must meet specific requirements to demonstrate their eligibility. These requirements are designed to ensure that visitors intend to stay in Canada temporarily, have the means to support themselves, and pose no risk to Canadian society. Applicants for visitor visas must indicate they have: a valid passport; a valid purpose of to visit Canada; proof of financial support; ties to their home country; an invitation letter, if applicable; a clear criminal record check; a medical examination if required, and; their biometric information. The Canada visitor visa fee varies depending on several factors, including the type of visa and additional services required. As of 2024, the standard application fee for a single or multiple-entry visitor visa is $100 per person. In addition to the visa application fee, some applicants may need to pay a fee for biometric data collection, which includes fingerprints and a photograph. The biometric fee is $85 per person or $170 for a family applying together at the same time. The entire processing time for a visitor visa can range from a few weeks to several months. On average, applicants can expect a processing time of around two to four weeks, but this can extend to three months or more in some cases. Foreign nationals can determine whether they need a visitor visa or an eTA depending on: the type of travel document they are using to travel; the country that issued that travel document; their nationality, and; the method of travel to Canada for this trip. https://immigration.ca/canada-records-increase-in-visitor-numbers/
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Ugandan Citizen Abducted, Held in Secret Detention for Three Months, Sparks Outrage and Calls for Justice
A disturbing new case of unlawful detention has surfaced, highlighting the ongoing human rights crisis in Uganda. A Ugandan citizen was reportedly abducted and held in a secret facility, known as a “safe house,” for three months, only to be released without charge or explanation. This incident, reported by NTV Uganda, has sparked widespread condemnation and renewed calls for accountability regarding human rights abuses in the country.
While the details surrounding the abduction remain unclear, reports indicate that the individual was taken without due process and held incommunicado—an action that has long been condemned by human rights organizations. The victim’s release, with no charges filed and no clear justification, has angered activists and citizens, who view this as yet another case of egregious abuse of power by the state.
“This is a recurring pattern,” said one human rights activist. “Abductions, secret detentions, and unexplained releases have become all too common in Uganda. These acts violate fundamental human rights and erode public trust in the justice system.”
The use of “safe houses,” unregistered detention facilities reportedly operated by security forces, has been a focal point in numerous allegations of torture and illegal imprisonment. Despite repeated calls from both local and international organizations for their closure and accountability for those involved, little action has been taken to address these violations.
This case underscores the urgent need for reform within Uganda’s security apparatus and greater accountability for human rights abuses. Observers hope that drawing attention to these injustices will spur concrete action to bring those responsible to justice and ensure the protection of basic human rights.
As frustration mounts, calls for both domestic and international pressure to hold the government accountable for such crimes grow louder. “One day, there must be accountability for all these crimes against our people,” stated one social media user, reflecting the sentiments of many Ugandans.
National Unity Platform (NUP) President Robert Kyagulanyi has accused Ugandan security forces of using excessive force to disrupt a planned NUP gathering. The allegations were detailed in a statement shared on Twitter, following an event held to honor children of NUP supporters who were killed, disappeared, or detained for their political beliefs.
According to Kyagulanyi, security personnel, under the command of an officer identified as Asiimwe, carried out a preemptive operation early in the morning upon learning of the NUP’s plans. The forces allegedly stormed the premises, arrested workers, and deployed tear gas to disperse those present.
“The criminals under the command of one Asiimwe deployed early morning, arrested our workers, and threw tear gas into our premises. They’ve cordoned off the premises and blocked all people from accessing the place,” Kyagulanyi wrote.
Among those reportedly arrested were Saava Peter, Mudenya Samson, and Turyasingura Samson. Kyagulanyi claimed the detained workers were subjected to beatings and interrogated about their political affiliations, with security operatives labeling them as terrorists.
“These JATT operatives asked the workers who they support politically, branding them terrorists and criminals—their only crime being that they work with us. You can imagine the indignity!” Kyagulanyi lamented.
This incident adds to the growing tension in Uganda’s political climate, where opposition parties frequently accuse the government of stifling dissent. Despite the challenges, Kyagulanyi ended his statement with a message of defiance and optimism, proclaiming, “UGANDA WILL BE FREE.”
NUP Gathering Disrupted: Kyagulanyi Alleges Security Force Harassment and Arrests
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Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum
Sudan has demanded an official apology from Uganda over “offensive and dangerous” comments made by the chief of Uganda army staff, who threated to invade Khartoum, the Sudan Tribune has reported.
General Muhoozi Kainerugaba, son of Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni and CDF of the Ugandan army, posted two comments on the X platform on Tuesday in which he threatened “to capture Khartoum” with the support of the US President elect Donald Trump after he takes office. The posts were deleted later.
“The government of Sudan demands and official apology from the Ugandan government for the offensive and dangerous comments of the army commander,” Sudan’s foreign ministry said in a statement that the Sudan Tribune said it has seen.
Sudan Demands Apology from Uganda Over Army Chief Muhoozi Kainerugaba’s Threat to Invade Khartoum