Exclusive-Canada turning away more foreigners, approving fewer visas in border crackdown

FILE PHOTO: Canada's Prime Minister Justin Trudeau speaks to the media during an announcement at the Goodyear Canada Inc tire production plant in Napanee, Ontario, Canada August 12, 2024. REUTERS/Cole Burston/File Photo

TORONTO (Reuters) - Canada is closing its doors to more visitors and temporary residents by approving fewer visas and turning away more people who reach its borders with official documents, according to government data obtained by Reuters.

The spike in rejections of foreign travellers comes as Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's Liberal government, trailing in polls ahead of an election expected next year, tries to lower the numbers of temporary residents - and possibly permanent immigrants. Migrants have been blamed for the shortage and high prices of housing.