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Impact of Immigration on US Jobs
Immigration

The Positive Impact of Immigration on US Jobs: A Lifeline for America’s Future

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The eve of the 2020 election saw Donald Trump tell voters that they faced a choice between a “TRUMP RECOVERY” versus a “BIDEN DEPRESSION.” But since President Joe Biden actually took office, the United States has added 15.7 million jobs. Trump has tried to pooh-pooh this good news by arguing that the jobs being added are all going to illegal immigrants. In fact, recent employment growth has indeed featured a lot of immigrants, but it is not drawing jobs away from native-born workers. Cracking the Employment Numbers  To truly understand the effect of immigration on jobs, consider a few things: Monthly employment estimates: These estimates separate native-born from foreign-born workers but do not distinguish those without legal status. 12-month averages are used for adjusting seasonal variation. Surge in Immigration: The standard numbers might be too low because recent immigration has surged. That doesn’t significantly alter the overall picture. Comparison Starting Point: Comparing job growth since 2020 to the pre-pandemic year of 2019 makes much better sense. While some of this job growth reflects recovery from the pandemic slump, the majority is attributable to immigrants. Immigrants and Job Growth The crucial question is whether the jobs filled by immigrants would have been available to native-born workers if immigration had been lower. If immigrants were taking jobs from native-born workers, we would expect to see a rise in unemployment among the native-born. However, the unemployment rate among native-born workers is near an all-time low.  Labour Force Participation  Anti-immigrant arguments argue that immigrants have pushed native-born Americans out of the labour force. Although there has been a modest decline since 2019, the share of native-born adults in the labour force was expected to decrease further due to population rowth. In 2019, the Congressional Budget Office projected that the rise in retirements for baby boomers would indeed lower the labour force participation rate. This means that virtual stagnation of the employment of native-born workers is a supply-side issue rather than one of job opportunities. Immigration and Economic Benefits Immigration has so far permitted large rises in aggregate employment because it is working-age immigrants who are moving to America. Had it not been the case, such large increases would not have been possible without immigrants. Since most of the immigrants bring different sets of skills and undertake different types of jobs, there is limited competition for native-born workers.  Wages and Inflation Unlike people used to think, immigrants don’t compete much with native-born workers; rather, they complement the labour market with their different skills. Despite high levels of immigration, there has been tremendous wage growth for the worst-paid workers during the past years. Fiscal Benefits In fact, immigrants, and especially working-age adults, pay taxes for years before they are eligible for most federal benefits, including Medicare and Social Security. Undocumented are even more beneficial to the budget because they pay payroll taxes but are not eligible for future benefits. Conclusion  At times, there are cases when it puts pressure on the labour market for the native-born or increases house prices. On the whole, however, the impact of immigration is positive on the economy of the United States. It helped limit inflation and facilitated rapid employment growth. These scare stories about immigration are not borne out by the facts.

Israel e-visa
Immigration

New Israel E-Visa Scheme for Indian Tourists Set to Launch by Year-End

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In a bid to strengthen tourism ties, Israel is all set to introduce an exclusive e-visa scheme for tourists from India by the end of this year. Under this new initiative, the visa procedure would be made easy and hassle-free to attract a substantial number of tourists from the country. As of now, Israel does not have the facility of e-visas for any country, and thus this development would prove to be really historic in its own ways. Ambitious Goals of Tourism in Israel According to Amruta Bangera, the Director of Marketing at Israel Ministry of Tourism, India, the country looks to welcome 70,000 Indian tourists in the year 2025 and 100,000 in 2026. The strategic step toward meeting any such ambitious targets would be an e-visa program. As of September 2023, Israel had seen around 41,800 Indian visitors, which was actually a strong recovery from the pandemic.  Why an E-Visa Programme? Israel recognizes the potential of the Indian market. “India is the first country for which we are launching e-visas because we firmly believe in the vast opportunities the Indian market presents,” said Bangera. “We intend to target the huge number of tourists going out from India,” she stressed. With the introduction of e-visas, visiting Israel will be easier for Indians. This will get rid of all the physical processes involved in obtaining a visa for travel. Facilitation of access will increase the influx of tourists to this lovely destination and help the tourism sector grow. Partnerships and higher capacity on flights:  In view of this initiative turning successful, Israel is negotiating with prominent airlines, IndiGo and Air India, to increase their flight capacity. Air India has already increased the number of flights from India to Israel from three to four and is looking at daily flights from Delhi and probably even Mumbai. This increase in frequency will lend more variety, flexibility, and convenience in travel options for visitors from India. Marketing and Promotion Efforts Complementing the initiative of e-Visa, Israel is fast-tracking its marketing campaigns. A digital campaign is planned that will specifically target Indian tourists, besides seminars, roadshows, and linkups with travel agents. The idea is to bring out the message that Israel is a safe place to visit with many attractions for good times.  Key Markets in India Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kochi, and Hyderabad have been identified as the most promising markets in India for Israeli tourism.Of particular note, 50% of the total tourists who visited Israel this year came from South India. Pilgrimage continues to dominate with about 48 percent of Indian visitors, followed by leisure at 30 percent, MICE at 12 percent, and others at 10 per cent. Safety and security  Pini Shani, the Deputy Director General and Head of the Marketing Administration at Israel Tourism, was keen to reassure that the country has been giving paramount importance to tourist safety. From Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, via the Dead Sea and Galilee, all major tourist places are fully operational and buzzing with activity 24 hours a day to ensure that That all guests have a safe and great experience.  Conclusion  The launch of the e-visa programme to India ushers in a new frontier in Israel-India tourism ties. With improved accessibility, increased flights, and some serious marketing, the country is all set to become one of the top spots for visitors from India. Stay tuned for more updates as Israel prepares to welcome a new wave of tourists with open arms.

Japan Preclearance System
Immigration

Japan Preclearance System: New Measures to Ease Entry Amid Record Tourist Influx

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Japan is now on the way to making its immigration process easier with a new preclearance system in place as it is seeing a surge in tourism. Beginning January 2025, this initiative will start with tourists from Taiwan and help make travel a lot easier by allowing most of the immigration procedures to be completed before departure. This happens at a time when Japan hits an all-time high in tourists, thus vastly improving its economy.  Record tourist numbers drive economic growth.  Tourism’s new high: This half-year visitation rate has reached as much as approximately 17.8 million, according to the Japan National Tourism Organisation, and this is definitely the highest the country has ever received in terms of tourists. June is already the fourth month in a row that over 3 million travellers visited the country, which surged primarily due to the weakened yen that turned Japan from an expensive nation into a country with an affordably priced currency for international tourists.  Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said that with this tourism boom, the spending of foreign visitors could reach ¥8 trillion ($51 billion) in 2024. He stated that he wanted to encourage local areas to develop tourism while avoiding overtourism issues by not having popular spots congested. Kishida also urged the use of technology to reduce overcrowding at airports and destinations, promote national parks, and promote sports tourism. It targets 60 million visitors every year by 2030. Japan Preclearance System to Make the Immigration Process Smooth One of the essential developments associated with the immigration process in Japan is the newly introduced preclearance system. The system targets reducing waiting times by having tourists go through most of their screening before they even leave, thus making entry procedures smoother. The scheme would first be introduced to tourists from Taiwan, with other countries following suit. The timing of this new system could hardly be worse, with a huge rush for travel. ANA Holdings Inc. announced the introduction of new European routes from Haneda, including Milan, Stockholm, and Istanbul. The carrier also resumed daily flights to Paris and Munich in July before the Paris Olympics and is planning to restart the Haneda-Vienna route in August. Overcoming Obstacles and Local Backlash Certainly, challenges abound, including a shortage of jet fuel that has hit foreign carriers. The Japanese government is now working to avoid a possible crisis with stepped-up production and imports. Prime Minister Kishida told the council to urgently take measures to secure supplies.  The tourism inflows have also brought growing discontent among some residents. In Kyoto, the local district council banned visitors last year from narrow private streets in the Gion district. Here, authorities in Fujikawaguchiko erected barriers to prevent tourists from taking photos at a convenience store with Mt. Fuji in the background. The measures represent a balancing act between tourism promotion and the preservation of residents’ quality of life.  Economic Impact and Future Prospects The tourism boom is breathing much-needed life into Japan’s economy, which has been reeling under the effects of a weak yen. It hit a 38-year low against the dollar—something that, on the one hand, is bringing tourists in droves but has also stoked inflation and hurt domestic consumer spending. In the April-June quarter, foreign visitors spent ¥2.14 trillion, showing that tourism has a huge economic impact.  If record numbers of tourists are to continue making the transpacific flight to Japan, it will have to be on the government’s coattails, with seamless immigration procedures and attempts to mitigate some of the more negative influences visitors are having on locals. This new preclearance system shows a very forward-thinking mindset for dealing with the challenges and opportunities that come with increased tourism.

Canada Study Permit
Immigration

Canada Study Permit: No Guarantee of Permanent Residency Status

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The Canadian government now warns foreign students that study permits do not guarantee permanent residence status in that country. In a discussion with Bloomberg, Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Minister Marc Miller told Bloomberg that a study visa wasn’t a way to permanent residency following record inflows of foreign students in Canada. “He said, “That should never be the promise. “People should come here to educate themselves and then perhaps return home to apply those skills in their own country,” he said. “However, that hasn’t been the case lately.” Understanding the Government Stand The Canadian government also considers the labour market requirements now while deciding the routes to PR. Miller stated, “The justification for allowing uncontrolled or uncapped draws from abroad is no longer valid.” This step is towards a more controlled approach to immigration, keeping pace with the nation’s financial and social capacities. Challenges and Criticisms  Despite such clarifications, the stand taken by the government has been criticised.Toronto-based immigration lawyer Ravi Jain says if the government is serious, it should stop touting this path to permanent resident status for students through express entry in its social media marketing. He also pointed out the issue of bad advice from non-lawyer immigration consultants in India and suggested that, just as in the United States and Germany, the limitation of the practice of immigration law to qualified lawyers in this country might ensure more honest and trustworthy guidance for prospective students. Impact on International Students  The Naujawan Support Network has joined the fight for students’ rights by stating at an international level that the government is setting a scenario for a mass deportation of 70,000 international students. They said that the PR pathways have become very restrictive and uncertain, therefore making many international students who have been contributing to Canada’s economy and local communities during the last couple of years extremely distressed. Current Trends in Study Permits Canada, however, will continue to grant a large number of study permits. Ottawa is expecting fewer than 300,000 new study permits this year, compared to 437,000 in 2023—according to Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada, a total of 216,620 study permits were issued as of May 2024, reflecting an increase compared to the same period in 2023. Conclusion:  With the growing number of students coming to Canada, what prospective students need to know is that securing a study permit is not precisely a ticket to permanent residence status in a country presently mired in immigration policies. Rather, it is making a student aware of policy changes and seeking reliable legal advice that places them better in terms of their educational and immigration plans in Canada.

International Students in UK
Immigration

Visa Changes and Tuition Fees: How Political Shifts Affect International Students in the UK

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Traditionally, no country has been as attractive to international students as the United Kingdom. In addition to prestigious universities that act as magnets, the excellence and richness of the cultural environment are irresistible. Nothing remains the same in UK international education. These shifts occur with changing political power and reflect priorities and policies that have been enunciated by successive governments. That may have the most profound effects of all on institutions, international students, and the wider educational ecosystem. Within that context, the article is going to deconstruct how political transitions may influence the UK’s international education sector by drawing on the most recent trends and historical patterns. Visa Policies and International Student Recruitment Visa policy changes are definitely among the most immediate and high-impact changes attending political transitions in the UK. For example, in the period following the Brexit event under the government of Boris Johnson, the introduced Graduate Route visa then allowed international students to stay and work in can stay in the UK for a maximum period of two years post-graduation.The new policy was expected to make the UK more inviting to global talent and offset any future Decline in EU Student Enrolments after Post-Brexit Changes. On the other hand, earlier regimes have been far more oppressive. Changes made in 2012 by the then Home Secretary Theresa May tightening visa conditions and curtailing the possibilities for post-study work led to a sharp decline in the number Moreover, more foreign students have traveled to the UK from countries like India. These fluctuations show just how sensitive international student recruitment really is to both supportive and deterrent visa policies. Tuition fees and financial considerations Political transitions also affect tuition fee structures and the financial support available for international students. In 2012, the then-ruling Conservative-Liberal Democrat coalition tripled tuition fees, which had deep impacts on both domestic and international students. In contrast, for international students, their universities usually set their fees, which vary enormously; therefore, the government policy on funding arrangements is hugely instrumental in shaping these costs. The latest Labour Party manifesto promised to reduce tuition fees while increasing funding for universities. If these policies were supported and passed, no doubt they would dramatically alter the financial scene, making many more international students capable of considering studying in the UK and hailing from diverse economic backgrounds. It also conditions how universities and research institutions can attract and retain international talent. The previous Conservative government has very strongly emphasized developing research and innovation, for example, through the establishment of the Industrial Strategy and the creation of UK Research and Innovation. To consolidate that leadership in these respects on the world scene, the country is challenged by funding fluctuations and uncertainties—particularly around Brexit and the loss of EU grants for research. In this regard, universities have had to negotiate these changes by finding alternative sources of funding and collaborations that will assist them in pursuing their research agendas. Immigration and internationalism Governmental discourses around political rhetoric and societal attitudes toward immigration and internationalism also strongly influence the international education landscape. Theresa May’s hostile environment policy engendered a sense of the UK as unwelcoming, very different from the more open and inclusive rhetoric to come next that aimed at being an attractive destination for global talent. Cultural shifts, which are influenced by political narratives, may make a difference in the decisions taken by prospective international students. A more avant-garde government that espouses diversity, inclusiveness, and global engagement will make the UK more attractive; protectionist or isolationist policies are a turn-off. Recent government changes give telling examples of these dynamics. After the coming of the Graduate Route visa by Boris Johnson, applications surged, reflective of a policy shift to pin hopes on highly-minded talent underpinning the economy and innovative sectors. To this contrast, under Theresa May, it was witness to a considerable drop in international students from countries like India, with visa restrictive policies and hostile environment rhetoric. This was to the detriment of successive governments’ efforts to ensure that the reputation of the UK as friendly destination for international students is maintained. Under Rishi Sunak, efforts have been geared towards researching and developing a more aggressive presence in the global education market. Needless to say, the way this pans out or is modified with time remains to be seen. Prospects for International Education in the UK While the UK resolves its post-Brexit identity and adjusts to other global challenges—not least of which is the COVID-19 pandemic—the sector will continue to be dynamic and fluid. Indeed, any future political change will bring new policies and new priorities, all of which have the potential to further reconfigure the landscape. The immigration policy to be adopted by future governments will also be important and will go on to determine how attractive the UK remains to international students. Different fee structures and mechanisms for financial support have their own implications for accessibility and affordability. Further research and innovation will therefore be imperative if the competitive edge of the UK is to be maintained. Conclusion: This will call for a more detailed and granular exploration of how the changing politics will affect international students in the UK with regards to visa policies, tuition fees, immigration attitude, and funding towards higher education. With every turn of the political wind comes a different situation for international students and their opportunities in the UK. Students, educators, and policymakers need to adapt to these changes so that the UK remains at the forefront of destinations to which talent wishes to move.UK international students

Belarus Visa Free Policy
Immigration

Belarus Visa Free Policy: New Access for Citizens of 35 European Countries

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Belarus visa free policy for 35 European countries in a bid to break out into the international world and boost tourism. According to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, the chief details that its website statement concerns are the visa-free regime that speaks of openness, peace, and good neighbourliness. The Policy  This will grant all citizens of these 35 European countries—the European Union member states and the United Kingdom—the right to stay in Belarus for up to 30 days at a time without needing a visa, from July 19, 2024, until December 31, 2024. This act will be part of an all-inclusive approach towards easing staff exchanges and making Belarus more attractive in this direction. List of 35 European Countries The visa-free policy applies to the following countries:  1. Austria 2. Belgium 3. Bulgaria 4. Croatia 5. Cyprus 6. Czech Republic 7. Denmark 8. Estonia 9. Finland 10. France 11. Germany 12. Greece 13. Hungary 14. Ireland 15. Italy 16. Latvia 17. Lithuania 18. Luxembourg 19. Malta 20. Netherlands 21. Poland 22. Portugal 23. Romania 24. Slovakia 25. Slovenia 26. Spain 27. Sweden 28. United Kingdom 29. Iceland 30. Liechtenstein 31. Norway 32. Switzerland 33. Albania 34. North Macedonia 35. Montenegro  Policy Extensions and Conditions According to Belarus’ State Border Committee, the new visa-free policy extends existing visa-free arrangements for the citizens of Poland, Lithuania, and Latvia, introduced in 2022. This prolonged policy will permit the entry into the territory of Belarus several times for the citizens of these countries, provided that their total stay does not exceed 90 days within a calendar year. Important Notes  This policy does not apply to special passports, such as diplomatic and official passports. It is applicable only to ordinary passport holders from the listed countries, who can benefit from this initiative.  Conclusion Belarus has adopted a visa-free procedure for 35 European countries, proving its commitment to increasing international cooperation and promoting the country’s image of being friendly and hospitable. The easing of travels for the citizens of Europe is sure to increase the number of visitors and strengthen its ties with neighbours.

New Zealand Immigration
Immigration

New Zealand Immigration: AEWV and Student Visa Changes for Spouse Support 

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It has changed the New Zealand Accredited Employer Work Visa, which will drastically affect the visa applications of partners and dependent children. The change will add consistency and clarity to visa applicants and visa holders as part of broader changes brought in earlier within the AEWV regime. This blog examines the details of these changes, how they affect AEWV holders, and the new opportunities for the spouses of students pursuing higher qualifications in New Zealand.  AEWV Rule Changes  The New Zealand Government has made some critical changes to the AEWV rules as of June 26, 2024, mainly affecting those in ANZSCO occupation levels 4 and 5, for which there is no residence pathway. The critical points are as follows:  Restriction on supporting visa applications: AEWV holders of ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 are not in a position to support work, visitor, or student visa applications for their partners and dependent children. This effectively implies that these family members have to apply independently for a visa to join their AEWV-holder relatives in New Zealand.  Visa Support Based on Job and Earnings: The type of visa that can be supported for families by an AEWV holder depends on the Green List status of their job, their earnings, and their level of skill under ANZSCO. Higher-rated skills, as well as Green List occupations, generally provide more visa support options.  Grandfathering of existing applications: If, before June 26, 2024, the AEWV holder has already sponsored their family member’s visa, then the new occupation would not be required to meet the new ANZSCO skill level requirements. This protection ensures that those already undertaking planning are not disadvantaged due to the introduction of the change. Pathway for Dependents of Student Visa Holders  Along with changes to AEWV, New Zealand is also introducing an updated policy for student spouses. Spouses of students studying for any of the following qualifications are now eligible to apply for a flexible-term work visa that allows flexibility in working in New Zealand. Details are as follows:  Eligible Qualifications: If the student is studying for a Level 7 or 8 qualification on the Green List—graduate certificates and diplomas, bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate certificates and diplomas, and bachelor’s degrees with honours—this will support the work visa application of their spouse under the category of Partner of a Student Work Visa.  Types of Work Visas: The work visa may be granted to the spouse, open or conditional. An open work visa simply means the spouse can work for any employer without salary requirements; otherwise, the conditional work visa may have some specified job-related criteria attached to it.  Conclusion:  These changes to New Zealand’s AEWV and student visa support rules demonstrate that the government is working to continually make immigration easier and harmonise different types of visas. The changes will, without a doubt, pose difficulties for many and, at the same time, open up new opportunities for families that want to start life in New Zealand. If you are an AEWV holder or a student with a spouse, such changes can be very important in making your way around your immigration journey.

Skilled Indian Workers in Germany
Immigration

Skilled Indian Workers in Germany: Addressing Critical Labor Shortages

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Germany has already marched forward to attract more skilled Indian workers as an indispensable solution for labour gaps in that country. According to Schengen News, Germany strides ahead to court India persistently and continues to source its large talent base towards meeting its ever-growing requirement of skilled manpower. This blog provides insights regarding this new initiative, strategic collabouration between German and Indian authorities, and which sectors are most hit by labour shortages.  Germany’s New Initiative for Skilled Indian Workers The country is looking to solve its labour gap by adopting a policy that will see large numbers of skilled workers imported from India. This has been confirmed by no less a person than the country’s Labour Minister, Hubertus Heil, who said, “Germany wants to hire a high number of skilled workers from India.” The German Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry of Labour, German businesses, state governments and other ministries are working out this skilled-labour strategy jointly with the Indian side in view of German-Indian government consultations in the fall. A multi-faceted strategy will not only make things easier regarding recruitment but is also supposed to ensure that Germany finally manages to handle its labour market challenge effectively. Need for Indian Talent Minister Heil told Indian students at the Free University of Berlin that it was a welcome addition to Germany’s economy and an important role that Indian professionals could play. “We are inviting bright minds and helping hands from India to Germany,” he said and added that this initiative will benefit both countries.Indeed, the German labour market is facing huge problems; its demographic structure places a question mark over its long-term future. Skilled workers from India, on the other hand, will be an important factor.  Challenges of the Labour Market in Germany A study from the IAB said that Germany will need seven million workers to keep its economy going by 2035. According to a new EURES report on shortages and surpluses, a labour shortage currently exists in more than 70 professions. The main sectors seriously lacking in workers are as follows: Transport ManufacturingConstruction Health Engineering Information Technology (IT)  These sectors are the keystones of Germany’s economic stability and growth, so a lack of skilled workers would threaten these sectors most vitally.  Strategic Collaboration  The Indian Skilled Worker Strategy is a collaborative development effort between different stakeholders. Cooperation between the German Foreign Office, the Federal Ministry of Labour, German businesses, and state governments offers an all-inclusive approach towards solving labour shortages in that particular country. In essence, the agenda of this strategy is to create a smooth channel through which these skilled Indian workers can be integrated to benefit both countries in the German labour market. Conclusion  This proactive step taken by Germany to attract skilled Indian workers testifies to how grim the situation is in terms of labour shortages and stability in its economy. By opening up to skilled professionals from India, Germany intends to fill up vital gaps across sectors that will help keep the country’s growth on track. This would be very helpful not only to Germany but also to the skilled Indian workers who strive to build an international career.

Residence Permits in Finland
Immigration

Automated Monitoring System for Residence Permits in Finland Implemented

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Add Your Heading Text Here A Finnish authority has initiated the establishment of a post-decision automated monitoring mechanism for specialist residence permits to reinforce compliance and smooth procedures. That will help verify that holders of such permits continue to meet the requirements of their specialist residence permit, hence maintaining the integrity associated with the immigration regime of the country. It describes the key points of the new system, what it means for foreigners who work in Finland, and the broader background of automated monitoring in the context of Finnish immigration.  Salient Features of the Automated Monitoring System  It is further provided that permits issued on or after January 1, 2023, shall cover such important areas as an automated monitoring system of specialist residence permits.  It ensures that the salary of the holder is at a level commensurate with the required income threshold, which is an important criterion for continuing to be a specialist residence permit holder.  Work Duties and Education Requirements: The system verifies that permit holders continue to fulfil work duties and education requirements—important criteria of the specialist permit.  Application and Scope  A residence permit for special specialists is issued to aliens working on specialist tasks that require special know-how in Finland. Here are some key details:  Validity: In the case of a specialist, a permanent residence permit may be granted for a maximum of two years. Nevertheless, the permit is constantly valid throughout the entire employment relationship.  The requirements for a specialist residence permit include proof of specialised competence and the threshold income. The detailed requirements are available on the website of the Finnish Immigration Service.  Broader context and BAL analysis  The Finnish Immigration Service has been monitoring the decisions made since 2017. Automated monitoring for specialist residence permits has been taken as a step in the continuation of the successful implementation that has been initiated with student and startup entrepreneur permits monitoring. This system is part of a broader government initiative to fight labour exploitation and ensure compliance with immigration regulations.  Future Expansion  The Finnish government is currently expanding automated monitoring to cover all work-based residence permits in a rather proactive drive towards the protection of labour rights and an increase in transparency and efficiency during the immigration process.  Conclusion  An automated monitoring system for specialist residence permits in Finland is one of the key steps in immigration management in the country. It will help ensure that holders of the permit continue to meet or attain the set criteria, raising standards of immigration compliance and protection from labour exploitation. Over time, it will come out to be more reliable and of high integrity for the Finnish immigration framework.

Philippines Cruise Visa
Immigration

Philippines Cruise Visa: New Waiver Programme for Foreign Tourists

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The Philippines has instituted a Cruise Visa Waiver Programme, a giant step toward the enlargement of its tourism sector, which will now facilitate visa-required foreign tourists who come for vacations on cruise ships. According to the Bureau of Immigration, this program is courtesy of the Philippine government, through a collaboration with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Justice, pushing forward the establishment of the Philippines as Asia’s premier cruise playground. This blog tackles information about the Philippine Cruise Visa Waiver Programme, the benefits that will be accorded to tourists, and what this could do to boost the tourism industry. The Cruise Visa Waiver Programme The Cruise Visa Waiver Program was formally launched with the expedition on July 16 in the same buildings of the Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Authority in Pasay City. Present were Secretary of Tourism Christina Garcia Frasco, TIEZA COO Mark Lapid, and BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco. Under the said program, foreign nationals who need visas shall have easy entry to appreciate the country’s picturesque sceneries and culture. Objectives and benefits “This cruise visa waiver program is a very important one in re-energizing the tourism industry post-pandemic,” said BI Commissioner Norman Tansingco, and he added more color: “This cruise visa waiver program will significantly enhance our thrust to position the Philippines as the premier cruise hub in Asia.” “It will ensure that every passenger on board cruise ships can easily reach out and enjoy the picturesque country,” and this is a great chance not only to tap more tourist traffic but also for the growing industry disposition toward tourism. Key Features of the Philippine Cruise Visa The Philippines Cruise Visa Waiver Programme allows visa-required foreign nationals to enter the country for a limited duration strictly for cruise tourism purposes. Key features of the programme include: Non-Convertible and Non-Extendable: The visa waiver is strictly for cruise tourism and cannot be converted to other types of visas or extended beyond the stipulated duration. Same liner for arrival and departure: The guests would arrive and depart by the same cruise vessel, which would make entry and exit easiest for them. How far this would help tourism and economic recovery 2023 proved quite strong in terms of cruise visits, with over 101,000 passengers and 123 port calls to the Philippines. For 2024, a total of 117 cruise calls and an estimated 118,000 passengers are targeted with the newly implemented Cruise Visa Waiver Programme, which is foreseen to greatly benefit the tourism sector, hence contributing to the country’s economic recovery. “The pandemic had a deep impact on our tourism sector, but with these initiatives, such as the Cruise Visa Waiver, we are optimistic that we could rebound stronger,” said Tansingco. “This program. says we really are doing things for the convenience of our tourists, we’re not going to do something which jeopardizes national security.” Conclusion The Philippines Cruise Visa Waiver Programme is a giant leap in the process of revitalization of the country’s tourism and being one of the premier cruise destinations in Asia. The program looks at easing entry arrangements for foreign nationals requiring a visa to attract more cruise tourists and help the economy bounce back. Enchanting landscapes and rich cultural heritage predispose the Philippines to be a leader in cruise tourism.

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