07 Feb Ottawa extended the open work permit program for Hong Kong nationals
Ottawa extended the open work permit program for Hong Kong nationals
On February 6, 2023, the Government of Canada extended the open work permit program for eligible Hong Kong nationals. According to the expanded eligibility requirements, Hong Kong residents who have graduated within the past ten years from a post-secondary learning institution in Canada or abroad can obtain a work permit for up to 3 years. Before, only those who had graduated within the last five years were eligible for application. Moreover, Canada has created two pathways to permanent residency for qualified Hong Kong nationals and their families.
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Canadian passport scored 186 on Henley Passport Index
The Canadian passport’s strength increased this year, rising one point on the Henley Passport Index to reach a score of 186. Canada regularly ranks high on the list of countries with powerful passports, granting its citizens visa-free access to 185 destinations worldwide, which is a direct reflection of the level of freedom experienced by Canadians. According to the organization’s global ranking of passports for Q1 2023, Canada shares the same ranking with Australia, Greece, and Malta. All four countries placed remarkably on the index with an impressive score of 186.
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Experts say high immigration levels will fix the labour market in Canada
Experts agree that while Canada’s plan to amplify its immigration numbers may help alleviate some economic strain, more significant improvements are necessary to accurately ensure the labour market can fill positions with qualified permanent residents. Unprecedentedly low unemployment rates have left companies desperate for workers, and fresh immigrants will aid in alleviating this predicament, according to Ravi Jain, co-founder of the Canadian Immigration Lawyers Association. The federal government plans to welcome 1.45 million additional permanent residents over the next three years, with 465,000 newcomers in 2023 and 500,000 in 2025.