Staff reporter

The government of Canada would offer biometrics collection service in Thimphu on March 16 and 17.

This, according to officials of the High Commission of Canada in New Delhi, is to help those who intend to avail a Canadian visa for visit, studies, work or permanent residence.

The biometrics collection service, according to a press release from the High Commission, was a key commitment made at the first Canada-Bhutan bilateral consultation last November. “Its aim is to facilitate travel for Bhutanese visitors to Canada and advance people to people ties between the two countries.”

It stated that collecting biometrics provides the government a reliable and accurate tool to establish traveller’s identity. “It improves the ability to process applications and entry of people upon arrival in Canada.”

Meanwhile, the service is being offered on a pilot basis and applicants who paid the biometrics fee and received an instruction letter.

Canadian High Commission officials said people interested to avail biometrics service on March 16 and 17 must apply for visa online before March 8.