Immigration news update for all regions
Americas
Canada: Launch of pilot program for recruitment in the Philippines
The Ministry of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, launched CAN Work Philippines, a pilot program for eligible Canadian employers to recruit in the Philippines.
This program allows to simplify the work permit processing for the Canadian employers and helps them schedule group appointments for medical examinations and biometrics for future employees, in order for them to pass to Canada.
The program is available to eligible Canadian workers, who hire around 50 workers, or important openings in sectors such as construction, agri-food, and healthcare.
Most of Canada’s work force growth comes from immigration and for a long time now, the Philippines has been a significant source of immigration work force for Canada, as most of the work permits are also received by Filipinos.
This summary was prepared using information from the Government of Canada
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 Director of Immigration) and Rafael Pavanelli (Regional Immigration Manager, AMER).
Asia-Pacific
India: Issuing eVisas to Canadian nationals resumed
The Consulate General of India in Toronto announced on November 22, 2023, that India has now resumed issuing e-visas to Canadian nationals holding regular or ordinary passports. Holders of other types of Canadian passport will continue to need to apply for a visa via the Indian Consulate General office in Toronto.
This summary was prepared using information from the Consulate General of India Toronto
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 Director of Immigration) and Debra Jane Beynon (Regional Immigration Manager, APAC).
Europe, Middle East and Africa
Sweden: Deadlines to submit Fast Track certifications
December 14, 2023, is the last day to submit applications under the Fast Track certification. Between December 15 and January 28, the Migration Agency will be working on the backlog of applications already submitted by then. Applications can be submitted between December 15 and January 28 and these applications are going to be handled within the new model way of sorting cases for work permits based on occupation and industry. Also, they are going to be processed within 30 days, if submitted complete, however, they will start being processed only from January 29. So, in other words, they will be put “on hold” until there.
This summary was prepared using information directly provided to Crown by the Swedish Migration Agency.
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 Director of Immigration) and Milena Krebs (Team leader, EMEA).
United Kingdom: Chancellor’s Autumn 2023 – Immigration commitments
The statement sets out Government priorities for next year, which also includes: commitments relevant to the immigration sector, namely to explore more opportunities for trade negotiations.
- To expand existing one and establish new Youth Mobility Visa Schemes, which allows certain foreign nationals to work and live in the UK for limited period of time.
- To expand and clarify activities allowed under the business visitor visa in an intra- corporate setting.
- To permit more activities for legal services sector under business visitor visa.
Simplify arrangements for those coming on business visit visa to undertake a permitted paid engagement.
More information on planned changes is scheduled to be released in January.
This summary was prepared using information from the UK Parliament
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 Director of Immigration) and Joanna Sogeke (Team Leader, EMEA).
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