Immigration

The EB-5 visa is one of the potential paths to United States permanent residency, under which a foreign investor has the possibility to achieve a green card by making a proper investment in the U.S. economy. However, the EB-5 visa lifecycle is very complicated, with many stages of immense personal, professional, and financial importance. Understanding this lifecycle is critical to making an informed decision about the opportunity presented by the EB-5 program and for the positive maximisation of associated benefits. Before Filing the I-526E Petition The official lifecycle of the EB-5 visa commences with the filing of the I-526E petition, but before that time, there are several important steps to take. Analysis of the Source of Funds (SoF) The primary one is a source of fund analysis. The EB-5 visa investment will only be made using funds acquired by legal means, and supporting documents to prove this have to be presented. This is to ensure that no unneeded delays or even an outright denial of the petition I-526E process happen. Choosing Whether to Direct or Regional Centre Investment Investors have to consider whether they will be making a direct investment or using a regional center. With regional centres, the investment is usually less risky because a regional centre would be the one to manage the actual investment and the obligation to create jobs. How to Select an Appropriate Regional Centre Project When using a regional centre, care should be taken to consider several regional centres and projects. This would be done in consideration of the location of the project, whether it could create jobs, and if it was under a targeted employment area with a priority in processing. Filing of the I-526E Petition The I-526E petition is the actual application for an EB-5 visa. The date of filing this petition is the priority date that is important to be considered, particularly with respect to visa availability and potential backlogs. Key Points Concurrent Filing with AoS:Under the EB-5 Reform and Integrity Act in 2022, foreign investors in the U.S. may file for Adjustment of Status (AoS) concurrently with the I-526E petition. That means an investor can apply for the Employment Authorisation Document and Advance Parole while waiting for the approval of the petition. Benefits of EAD and AP:The EAD allows the investor to work anywhere in the U.S., and the AP enables the investor to travel outside the U.S. with very limited restrictions. All these benefits are provided within six to eight months of filing the I-526E petition. EB-5 Investment Deployment To be eligible for I-526E approval, the investor must deploy either the required quantity of investment, which is either $800,000 for targeted employment area projects or $1,050,000 for those projects not in targeted employment areas. The majority of investors make investments immediately upon potential notification from the USCIS with regard to the receipt of the I-526E petition. I-526E Approval The I-526E application, by all expectations, may take an average of 12–18 months before approval. For investors already in the U.S., the processing means the I-485 petition for adjustment of status. For investors who do not reside in the U.S., consular processing must be used, which may lengthen the process by six to eight months. Two-Year Conditional Permanent Residence Upon approval of the I-526E, after the process of the Adjustment of Status or Consular Processing is completed, the investor and eligible dependents shall be granted a two-year conditional green card. Such conditional status by the investor shall be required to fulfil the at-risk investment and job creation requirements of this visa category to be eligible for the removal of conditions. Removal of conditions Conditions can be removed from a green card only if the investor files the I-829 petition 90 days before the conclusion of the two-year mark. The period of three to four years that the approval is pending extends the status of an investor. Such a condition as removal and issuance of an unconditional green card is considered the end of the immigration portion of the lifecycle of the EB-5 visa. Recovery of Investment The last step in the EB-5 visa’s life cycle is the return of the initial investment. It might not be guaranteed, but a well-made determination typically reaps success for the return of an $800,000 investment with an EB-5 financial professional who is regulated by the SEC and FINRA. The return on this investment usually occurs in the 4 to 6 years following the original deployment, which truly marks the end of the EB-5 visa life cycle. CONCLUSION The EB-5 visa is a process that, with the right planning, handling, and understanding about the different junctures, is synonymous with stepping on eggshells. It is from the very first step of source of funds analysis, which needs to be conducted thoughtfully, up to the very last one of investment recovery, that forms the backbone of any successful EB-5 visa process. With experience and current knowledge, investors can increase their chances of obtaining a U.S. green card and developing a financial future.

The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program (AAIP) serves as a key pathway for obtaining permanent residency in Alberta, Canada. The program aims to attract skilled workers and entrepreneurs by the Alberta government, in collabouration with the federal Canada government, to fill labour markets and respond to shortages while maximising economic growth and opening more opportunities for doing business in the province. Successful applicants under the AAIP are allowed to file for permanent residency status with their spouse or common-law partner and dependent children. The AAIP does not approve the applications of individuals but rather nominates them. Candidates accept the final decisions of IRCC on all applications for permanent residency. AAIP Workers and Entrepreneurs Teams The AAIP consists of two key streams, with each designed to look at different profiles: the skilled workers stream and the entrepreneurial stream. Within the framework of each of those two streams is a list of specific streams relating to many different candidate profiles that look at both the needs of the labour market in the province and entrepreneurial objectives. Worker Streams 1. Alberta Opportunity Stream Launched in June 2018, the Alberta Opportunity Stream applies to foreign nationals already working in the province: candidates must have a full-time job offer from an Alberta employer and meet criteria related to experience, language, education, and their employer. It presents a solid pathway for a class already in Alberta, contributing and desiring to stay in the Alberta market. 2. Alberta Express Entry StreamAlso launched in June 2018, the Alberta Express Entry Stream allows the province to nominate candidates from the federal Express Entry pool. Preference is given to candidates who have strong ties with Alberta or can contribute aggressively to the economic development of the province. This stream’s nomination carries with it an astonishing 600 points added to the candidate’s CRS score, raising their chances exponentially for receiving an ITA to apply for permanent residency. 3. Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway This is why recognition has been given to the tech sector early on, and the Alberta Accelerated Tech Pathway was established to help fast-track tech industry workers. To be eligible under this pathway, a worker should have a job offer from an Alberta employer in any of the 38 in-demand tech occupations covered under the Alberta Express Entry Stream. This stream is designed to attract top tech talent to help with leading Alberta in innovation and technology. Exclusively for Entrepreneurs 1. Rural Entrepreneur Stream The Rural Entrepreneur Stream is primarily seeking entrepreneurs who plan to start a business in rural Alberta, providing a unique opportunity for those who intend to enhance the economic development of smaller communities within the province. 2. Farm Stream This stream is for farmers who are experienced enough and with the required resources and level of expertise to start a farming operation in Alberta. Key to this stream is the requirement of a detailed and viable business proposal, thereby assuring that new agricultural businesses are well planned and sustainable. 3. Graduate Entrepreneur StreamThis stream is designed for recent international graduates who have studied in Alberta and are eager to start a business within the province. Like the Alberta Express Entry Stream, the Graduate Entrepreneur Stream will rank candidates on a point-based EOI system, and the focus will be on innovation and entrepreneurship for young professionals. 4. Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur StreamThe Foreign Graduate Entrepreneur Stream will provide opportunities for foreign graduates with a post-secondary degree/diploma/certificate issued in the last near past to start an enterprise in Alberta. Applicants must submit an application through the online portal of the AAIP. This makes the option extremely reachable for international talent with new ideas and entrepreneurial spirit. Closed Streams In June 2018, Alberta discontinued two streams that were earlier opened under the AAIP: 1. Alberta Strategic Recruitment StreamAlberta Strategic Recruitment StreamPreviously, the stream of this program was occupation-based, but this stream has been closed now for intake. 2. Alberta Employer-Driven StreamThis stream targeted applications with job offers from Alberta employers, which currently has sub-programs for skilled workers, international graduates, and semi-skilled workers.Again, this stream is no longer accepting any applicants. Next Draw for Alberta PNP There are no key dates published for the PNP draws for the Alberta Immigrant Nominee Program. At any given time, the frequency of these draws can differ or change depending on the need and quota established by the Alberta government. It is advisable to keep checking the official AINP website or subscribe to the notification to get the latest updates on upcoming draws. Conclusion The Alberta Advantage Immigration Program offers lucrative options for obtaining permanent residence in Alberta for prospective immigrants, be they skilled workers matching labour market deficiencies or entrepreneurs with vision wishing to establish or expand their business in the province. Across the many streams, AAIP provides assurance that Alberta will continue to prosper and that there will always be economic opportunity for those seeking to call this province home.

There are so many immigration streams in British Columbia Immigration that best fit prospective skilled workers, health professionals, international graduates, and entrepreneurs. You wish to establish yourself in BC’s booming job market or start up a business; this guide shall help walk you through the available immigration streams.  Skills Immigration Stream This stream is an important pathway to meet labour market demands in BC. It contains numerous subcategories that are tailor-made for different types of profiles. 1) Skilled Worker Category 1. Eligibility: Applicants need to hold a permanent full-time job offer in a skilled occupation requiring extensive professional experience. 2. Requirements: Permanent employment offered should be under NOC TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 3. Process: SIRS Registration and Scoring based on Education, Work Experience, and Job Offer: The top-scoring candidates under this category are invited to apply for provincial nominations.  2) Healthcare Professional Category 1. Eligibility: Targets physicians, nurses, psychiatric nurses, and other allied health professionals who have secured a job offer in British Columbia. 2. Requirements: The applicant needs at least two years of relevant experience along with a job offer in one of the 11 qualifying health occupations. 3. Process: Apply directly through BCPNP Online; there is no need to register with SIRS.  3) International Graduate Category 1. Eligibility: The category is for candidates who have graduated from an eligible Canadian post-secondary institution within the last three years.  2. Requirements: Candidates need to secure a full-time job offer from a British Columbia employer in a National Occupational Classification (NOC) TEER 0, 1, 2, or 3 occupation. 3. Process: Register with SIRS. Scores on high-performance indicators invite candidates to apply. 4) International Post-Graduate Category 1. Eligibility: For graduates from BC institutions with a Master’s or Doctoral degree in natural, applied, or health sciences.  2. Requirements: No job offer is required. 3. Process: Apply directly via the BCPNP Online application system. The ideal category for highly qualified people who wish to live in BC. 5) Entry-Level and Semi-Skilled Worker Category  1. Eligibility: For entry-level or semi-skilled workers in occupations such as tourism, hospitality, and food processing.  2. Requirements: The applicant must have a full-time, permanent job offer and must be already working in BC, mainly in the Northeast Development Region. 3. Process: Get registered to SIRS. The registrants should emphasise the regional and economic priorities that are already underlined.  Express Entry British Columbia Stream  This stream was designed to work in tandem with the federal Express Entry system processing applications under the Federal Skilled Worker Program, Federal Skilled Trades Program, and the Canadian Experience Class. Eligibility: This category is open to skilled workers, healthcare professionals, and international graduates who have a valid Express Entry profile, a Job Seeker Validation Code, and meet the criteria unique to each category. Requirements: A candidate must have an approved job offer, except in the International Postgraduate Category, and must also meet wage and language requirements.  Process: An application to SIRS. If the candidate is successfully nominated, he or she will be provided with a provincial nomination certificate, which is valid for six months and grants 600 points under the Express Entry Comprehensive Ranking System (CRS) score, significantly enhancing their likelihood of receiving an invitation to apply for permanent residency. Entrepreneur Immigration  For those wishing to set up and actively manage a business in BC, there are various ways to accomplish this through the Entrepreneur Immigration stream. These are as follows:  1.Entrepreneur Immigration—Basic Category  Eligibility: Typically senior managers or business owners with a minimum net worth of CAD $600,000  Requirements: A minimum investment of CAD $200,000 in a business and the creation of at least one full-time equivalent job for a Canadian citizen or permanent resident.  Process: The process is done by registration, submission of a business concept, and, upon invitation, a detailed business plan. Successful applicants get a two-year work permit, which later allows applications for permanent residence.  2. Entrepreneur Immigration—Regional Pilot  This category is for entrepreneurs who intend to establish a new business in a small community in BC.  Requirements: personal net worth of minimum CAD $300,000; business ownership experience.  Process: exploratory visit, local community endorsement, registration. Successful applicants receive a work permit; permanent residence can be applied for after the establishment of their business. 3. Strategic Projects Category This category allows foreign-controlled companies to establish operations in BC.  Requirements: The company must be established, financially stable, and must demonstrate that a significant economic benefit will accrue to the province.  Process: The company registers its interest and undertakes an exploratory visit; this is followed by lodging a detailed business proposal. It is allowed up to five principal staff members to be nominated for permanent residence.  Conclusion  British Columbia immigration streams open wide opportunities for skilled workers, health professionals, international postgraduates, and entrepreneurs who wish to explore a prosperous life in this province. Each stream serves specific needs and requires the right pathway suitable to your qualifications and aspirations.

The beauty, quality of life, and strong economic opportunity in Canada do not blur at the behest of uncertainties and doubts at various quarters of the world. Far from losing its charm, Canada as an immigration destination continues to get approached by applicants from around the world in record numbers, thanks to its immigration programs, particularly through Express Entry. The just-released 2023 Express Entry Year-End Report is replete with plenty of this trend. Canada’s Growing Popularity as an Immigration Destination This is contrary to any fallacy that Canada has lost its attractiveness as a favourite destination for immigrants. In 2023, Canada issued 110,266 Invitations to Apply during 42 draws in the period between January 11 and December 21. This was an astonishing 136% increase compared to the 46,539 ITAs issued in 2022. It is, therefore, a stupendous increase—and clearly at the very advanced level of attractiveness of Canada as a friendly and prosperous land to head for a newcomer. Record the number of Express Entry profiles submitted. The statistics also underline an impressive volume of interest under the Express Entry ITAs. The total came to 488,571 profiles submitted: 67% were found eligible, or 343,875, and 33% were not, with 144,696. This signals a strong interest in the Canadian immigration pathway, and these are parties who qualify based on the requirements set by the Comprehensive Ranking System. Express Entry System and Canadian Immigration As provided by the system, express entry remains one midst of the way to a country, a Canada-Country in nature. It continues the main pillar involving the Canadian immigration policy to be followed and provides an avenue for fast processing of the different economic applicant classes under the FSWP, CEC, and FSTP. The CRS score will outline who receives an ITA by scoring and ranking candidates out of a maximum score of 1200 points. This method is more competitive and efficient for managing immigration to Canada because ITAs are mostly likely given to those who score high. Introduction to Category-Based Selection Draws Another new feature in 2023 was the introduction of category-based selection draws within the Express Entry system. Category-based draws require considering candidates from all Express Entry programs but targeting them against specific criteria like occupation or language ability. In this regard, this change exemplifies Canada’s evolution in immigration priorities towards attracting talent that meets the needs the country’s economy has at any given time. India Leads As the Top Source Country for ITAs In the country of citizenship, India is on top for the maximum number of people receiving ITAs through the Express Entry, followed by Nigeria and China. In 2023, the highest number of Express Entry ITA receipts was from India, at 76,791, with the second-highest being Canada, at 7,394. Repetitive perceptions are, therefore, resonating in respect to both the typical and deep-seated relations between India and Canada and the consequential huge interests of Indian citizens in going to Canada. Remarkably, among the top 10 countries in 2022, Pakistan posted a very high ITA of 1,173 in 2023. This shows that ITAs from different regions are surging in Canada. In-Demand Occupations The work experience of a candidate is a major driver of eligibility for Express Entry, and some skills are highly in demand. In 2023, a large number of ITAs went to candidates in computer, tech, and finance occupations. However, 48% of all ITAs were issued to candidates in “other” occupations not specifically listed in the report, indicating a diverse range of skills being welcomed into Canada. That is the second year in a row that it was software engineers and designers who came in first: 7,259 in total and 5,183 for software developers and programmers. Of these 15 occupations identified by the authors of the report, 10 actually fall under TEER 1 of the NOC system; typically, these occupations require a university degree. Therein is proof that Canada still needs highly skilled workers. Conclusion Canada has remained an attractive destination for immigration worldwide. Far from waning, the statistics of the 2023 Express Entry ITA numbers bear testimony to the rise in Canadian immigration’s popularity. Category-based draws and unremitting high professional demand in different industries are the assurance that the earnestness of Canada in inviting the workforce base will build their economic fortune and ultimately enhance their demographic diversity. With these trends expected to continue over time, Canada will remain the destination of choice for those looking for new opportunities and, indeed, a better way of life.

Government ministers are reportedly looking into tightening the UK’s rules on the recruitment of foreign professionals working in IT, telecom, and engineering. Under the policy, arguably the biggest change since the highest levels of migration were recorded, many thousands of skilled workers, mainly from India, would be affected in various crucial positions. It has been reported that the UK government is pressing to tighten up rules on visas for foreign high-tech professionals. This can alter the current makeup of technology and engineering in the UK. It has been initiated, sources say, due to growing concerns around high migration levels and strong dependencies on international talent to fill critical skill gaps domestically. If implemented, this could have implications for thousands of Indian professionals contributing to the UK’s technology and engineering sectors. This could have far-reaching implications for thousands of Indian professionals integral to the UK’s technology and engineering industries if implemented. The role of foreign talent in the UK The country has traditionally been a destination for migrant talent, particularly in the areas of information technology, telecommunications, and engineering. These sectors have traditionally relied on foreign technology professionals to supplement their thirsty-needed skills. The current visa rules have allowed firms to hire workers from countries like India, which has emerged as a significant supplier of skilled labour to the UK. The UK government is now reviewing this dependency, under the supervision of Home Secretary Yvette Cooper. She has asked the Migration Advisory Committee to assess the extent of dependency on international recruitment in these sectors. This review is likely to drastically change the manner in which the UK deals with the inflow of foreign workers, principally from outside the EU. Changes Likely in Visa Rules Several steps are being mulled in the review, including raising the minimum salary threshold for foreign workers and introducing regional restrictions on the hiring of foreign workers. This could make it more challenging for firms to hire foreign talent, especially for posts offering lower salaries compared with India and the US, for example. The review will further explore the underlying causes of UK labour shortages and examine whether these sectors have made enough efforts to mitigate these pressures in a way that is not reliant on overseas recruitment. Impact on Indian Professionals In the event of any tightening of the rules related to visas, Indian professionals—who represent a large chunk of the UK’s foreign workforce in these sectors—will perhaps be the hardest hit. Hundreds of Indian workers have been plugging crucial gaps in the UK labour market for years. The dynamics may just change with possible competition for available positions rising and a reduction in the number of visas issued. Ganapati Bhat, an IT consultant from Bengaluru who moved here in 2007, responded to proposed changes. There is a need to take up the immigration concerns, he said, but it is also necessary to acknowledge the contribution that foreign professionals make towards the UK economy, particularly in those sectors where domestic talent is inadequate. Broader implications for immigration policy Any tightening of UK visa rules for foreign tech professionals must be considered within a broader UK immigration policy trend. It was only last week that the government postponed plans to increase the minimum threshold for British nationals and permanent residents to bring family members into the country. Applied to many Indian families, this underlined that the balancing act between immigration controls and the needs of the economy and family life continued. The fate of the sector will hang in the balance while the MAC makes its recommendations in the coming months. How this review concludes may have deep implications for the UK tech and engineering sectors but also for the entire UK approach towards managing immigration into the future. Conclusion Any tightening of UK visa rules for the recruitment of foreign technology professionals will deliver a devastating blow to the economy, particularly in sectors that are heavily dependent on international talent. Much as the government seeks to reduce migration levels, it is imperative to consider the value that foreign professionals bring to the UK, particularly helping to address skills shortages. As the situation evolves, so must stakeholders, in terms of being well-informed and prepared to adapt to any possible changes that come about from the MAC’s review.

If you think about using the Express Entry system to immigrate to Canada, one of the first questions that most potential applicants often ask themselves is whether there is the best age for which one should apply. Since age plays a huge role in the Comprehensive Ranking System, this is not really what makes the application successful or otherwise. Knowing how your age impacts your CRS score and other factors to strengthen the application will help you improve your chances of getting an invitation to apply for permanent residence in Canada. Age Factors Under the Express Entry System The Express Entry system remains one of the most viable routes through which skilled workers can migrate into Canada, with the CRS score playing a major role in determining eligibility. Age is an important component of the CRS; candidates aged 20–29 earn maximum points. Here is a breakdown of how age affects your CRS score: Applicants aged 20–29 who apply without a spouse can earn up to 110 CRS points, which is the highest possible score for their age.Age 30-34: The maximum points achievable for age drop to 105Age 35: These points drop further to 77, and a continued drop ensues as applicants get older than this age.This could be a bit discouraging to the older applicants. However, one must keep in mind that there are quite a few other factors on which the CRS score is based. Other Important Aspects of the CRS Score While age plays a significant role, it isn’t determined by that alone. Other key elements are: Language Ability: Getting high scores on language tests like IELTS and CELPIP boosts your points drastically under the CRS system.The following factors can help maximise your CRS score: higher education, advanced degrees, and additional qualifications; relevant work experience in high-demand occupations; and including a spouse in the application for extra points in education, language, and work experience. Strategies for Applicants with Lower CRS Scores If you have a low CRS score, all is not lost. Here are a few strategies that can be used to improve one’s prospects: Improve your CRS score. Spend some time developing your language ability, getting work experience, or obtaining further education. Improvement in any of these factors will raise your CRS score. Explore PNPs: Some provinces have immigration programs that have a lower CRS score requirement. This can boost your CRS score by 600 points if you are successfully nominated by any province, thus improving your prospects of getting an ITA. Re-Apply After Improvement: In the event that your initial application gets rejected, consider re-applying after profile or CRS score improvement. Consider Other Immigration Pathways: Consider alternative pathways of immigration, such as family sponsorship, study permits, or work permits, that may eventually result in permanent residency. Conclusion: Though there is no ideal age for Express Entry into Canada, knowing the age factors on your CRS scoring and other elements that would strengthen your application will definitely help a lot. Take care of your language, education, and work experience while also finding ways to settle into permanent residence in Canada.

With the US experiencing labour shortages in various industries, many cities, from New York to Denver, have been striving to draw migrants to fill critical job gaps. Extremely low unemployment rates in the US have increasingly pushed workers towards higher education and white-collar jobs, a trend that has left many of its industries—especially food service and hospitality—severely horthanded. This has created a trend wherein businesses are increasingly turning to asylum seekers and migrants with federal work permits to meet their staffing needs.  Denver’s Plan to Help Migrants and Local Businesses Denver, like most US cities, is hit hard by an acute shortage of manual labourers, particularly those in the hospitality industry. Mark Berzins, owner of 17 bars and restaurants in Denver, said that staffing kitchens has been a huge challenge. He says the majority of residents in Denver have college degrees, and none of them want to work in the kitchens, cooking and washing dishes. So he’s begun to fill those jobs with asylum seekers from South and Central America using a city-run program. So far, he has employed about a dozen people who have been granted working permits and who speak Spanish there to alleviate his chronic understaffing in kitchens.  It is a national trend, but Denver’s program is really trying to help asylum seekers improve their English and computer skills on their way to getting federal work authorization. But the city stipulates that at least one household receiving city services must attend. “It not only benefits businesses like Berzins’ but also saves the city money by transitioning migrants from public assistance to self-sufficiency.” System to Combat Worker Shortages in North Dakota As a result of the second-lowest unemployment rate in the country, state officials have created an Office of Legal Immigration in North Dakota. It is actually a new department dedicated to fighting widespread worker shortages, putting businesses in contact with migrants who have work authorization. Although North Dakota has a small foreign-born workforce, it has experienced huge growth in its immigrant population, particularly in health care jobs, which has proved important in offsetting labour shortages from an ageing population.  The Office of Legal Immigration is just getting off the ground, but eventually the department will help businesses untangle the bureaucratic knot that comes with hiring migrants and help newcomers adjust to life in North Dakota, including the harsh winters. State Senator Tim Mathern, who sponsored the legislation to create the department, puts it this way: the state needs these workers just as much as they need jobs.  Political Tensions and Economic Realities  It is this wave of migrants and legions of efforts to integrate them into the workforce that have become highly controversial. In politically conservative states like North Dakota, the welcome for asylum seekers came with tension, notably the claim that they might replace native-born workers. However, studies—including a paper from the National Bureau of Economic Research—indicate that immigration has had at best a marginally positive effect on the wages of native-born workers over the period 2019 to 2022. Moreover, US immigration is biassed towards the admittance of highly skilled workers; this generally leaves room in the labour market for lower-skilled jobs that are better filled by migrants.  Cities like New York have also had a huge influx of migrants; tens of thousands of jobs could be filled with asylum seekers who have work permits, the State Department of Labour has estimated. On Staten Island, an organisation is working to help migrants get proper certifications and trainings required for entry into official employment, which draws them out of the underground economy into stable work.  Conclusion As labour shortages continue to afflict US cities, integration of migrants into the workforce is becoming more plausible. Cities like Denver and states like North Dakota open up businesses’ most vital job vacancies and provide a chance at a new life for many of the migrants moving into the US. While political tensions still exist, the economic benefits are obvious, offering a way forward for both migrants and local economies.

As the case may be, international tourism boards, hospitality, and travel companies are beginning to make concentrated efforts to cater to this emerging set of target customers with outbound travel from tier two and three cities of India. The substantial growth in outbound travel by the people from small-town India is not new and has been making noticeable inroads across the globe. DET has said that between 19 and 23 Indian cities are connected to DET’s overall connectivity through flights; some of these places include Jaipur, Pune, Coimbatore, Lucknow, Kochi, and Surat. Bader Ali Habib, regional head (proximity markets) at DET, said that tier two and tier three cities in India have a huge potential for outbound tourism. He also said that a strategic focus should be brought about due to the higher demand from those regions for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions), weddings, honeymoons, and sports tourism. The Singapore Tourism Board also emphasizes the significance of these markets. Markus Tan, regional director for IMESA, shared that Singapore has welcomed over 629,000 Indian visitors during the first half of 2024, hence representing India as its third-largest source market. Foodie markets in destinations like Jaipur and Coimbatore are increasingly serving as key feeder markets as consumers in these aspirant cities seek their own taste of world-class experiences. Customized products and creative packaging aimed at specific markets Liam Findlay, CEO, Miral Destinations, said he saw a 40 percent surge in visitation from India in 2023, where contribution was largely coming from tier two and three markets. The Yas Island Abu Dhabi has increased its expenditure in these cities, finding potential for higher disposable incomes and an increasing propensity for travel. Cities like Chandigarh, Jaipur, Rajkot, Kolhapur, Coimbatore, and Kochi are showing interest in international travel. According to Rajeev Kale, president and country head for holidays, mice and visa at Thomas Cook, singles, DINK couples (Dual Income, No Kids), and child-friendly experiential travel help to build demand. This builds a good tailwind in demand from smaller towns, driven by rising disposable incomes and improved connectivity. The company has now designed special regional tours into its product portfolio catering to the Marathi, Bengali, Gujarati, and Tamil markets. This will offer them with the comfort of a regional language-speaking tour manager and enjoy regional delicacies. Even regional India is growing phenomenally for SOTC Travel. Daniel D’Souza, president and country head for holidays, also says the opening of several holiday stores and franchises pan India, with presence of tier two and three cities, making accessibility for their customers easy. Regional Group tours for SOTC like ‘Gurjar Vishwadarshan holidays’ are guaranteed vegetarian and Gujarati meals across the key destinations making the traveler feel at ease while on the tours in the company of fellow regional passengers. Technology and Regional Marketing Plays Rajesh Magow, co-founder and group CEO of MakeMyTrip, stated that in this period of time, searches for outbound travel from tier two and smaller towns had grown by 38% year-on-year. This growth was reported at 25% from tier two cities and 67% from tier three cities. This trend is also being harnessed by Atlys, an online visa application company. Mohak Nahta, founder and CEO, announced that they are looking to increase their market share in tier two and three cities by up to 40% in the next one year through region-specific marketing campaigns and working closely with local influencers. Traction is growing exponentially from tier two and tier three cities within Sri Lanka now, as Chamindra Goonewardene, VP Sales and Marketing of Resplendent Ceylon, confirmed. Demand is coming from places like Madurai, Surat, Coimbatore, Jaipur, Chandigarh, and new customers are looking for luxury travel experiences. It is growing interest in traveling abroad from tier two and tier three cities in India slowly changing the landscape of travel outflows. With rising incomes and increased connectivity, the world tourism boards and hospitality companies now have their eyes set on those from the small cities of India as their next big focus. With these markets growing, the travel space will need to innovate and adapt equivalence to the diverse needs and wants of small-town India.