Immigration news update for AMER and EMEA regions
Americas
Canada: The rights of the foreign workers
The Canadian government has updated a guide on the requirements for employers hiring foreign workers in Canada. There are two programs through which the employer can hire foreign workers: the Temporary Foreign Worker Program (TFWP), or the International Mobility Program (IMP).
Updated requirements can be summarized into these categories:
- Employment agreement: for both programs, the employer is required to provide a copy of the employment agreement either in English or French. The TFWP requires that the documents are signed on or before the first day of work. The IMP requires the documents to be signed before the first day.
- Health coverage: the TFWP ensures that the employer set up health insurance coverage for any period where the foreign worker is not covered by Provincial or Territorial health care insurance.
Detailed information can be found in these guidelines: the TFWP and the IMP.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from the Government of Canada for the TFWP information and the Government of Canada for the IMP information.
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director, Immigration) or Rafael Pavanelli (Regional Immigration Manager, AMER).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Russia: Visa-free travel for citizens of Georgia
With effect from May 15, 2023, citizens of Georgia will be able to travel to Russia visa-free for up to 90 days in any 180-day period.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from Tass
Sweden: A new certification system for work permits
The Swedish Migration Agency has announced a new system for handling work permit cases which will replace the current model. The aim of the new system is to help facilitate the hiring of highly qualified workers from outside of the EU and cooperate with larger companies. The system should be implemented by the end of 2023. The processing time of work permit applications will be about 30 days.
It is important to note that the new system will still allow organizations like Crown to submit applications on behalf of clients.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from The Migration Agency
Simplified rules for EU Blue Card
The Swedish government has introduced changes to its EU Blue Card policy, which are expected to be implemented in November. The new measures will simplify the administration processes for EU Blue Card applicants:
- Individuals who have held an employment contract in Sweden for at least six months will be allowed to apply for a EU Blue Card.
- Individuals can change jobs without applying for the new EU Blue Card.
- Individuals who hold the EU Blue Card through another EU member state will be allowed to live and work in Sweden for a maximum of 90 days within a 180-day period.
- Individuals who hold the EU Blue Card issued by another EU country for at least 12 months will be allowed to apply for the authorization in Sweden through a simplified procedure.
This summary was prepared using information obtained from SchengenVisaInfo
Disclaimer: The above information is provided for general information purposes only and should not be construed as legal advice. If you have any further inquiries regarding the applicability of this information, please contact Roberta Carnaccini (Global Operations Director, Immigration) or Sabrina Crespo (Team Lead, EMEA).Â
We track policy changes in over 120 countries. Find out how we can help you in this short video.
