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  • Trade wars intensify as US tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China take effect

    Trade wars intensify as US tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China take effect

    Mounting trade wars between the United States and its largest economic partners deepened on Tuesday as US tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China kicked in, sparking swift retaliation from Beijing and Ottawa.

    Steep US tariffs on Canadian and Mexican goods came into effect as a deadline to avert President Donald Trump’s levies passed without the nations striking a deal, in a move set to snarl supply chains.

    Trump had unveiled — and then paused — blanket tariffs on imports from major trading partners Canada and Mexico in February, accusing them of failing to stop illegal immigration and drug trafficking.

    In pushing ahead with the duties, Trump cited a lack of progress in tackling the flow of drugs like fentanyl into the United States.

    The duties stand to impact over $918 billion worth of US imports from both countries.

    Trump also inked an order Monday to increase a previously imposed 10 percent tariff on China to 20 percent — piling atop existing levies on various Chinese goods.

    Beijing condemned the “unilateral imposition of tariffs by the US” and swiftly retaliated, saying it would impose 10 and 15 percent levies on a range of agricultural imports from the United States, from chicken to soybeans.

    Those tariffs will come into effect next week.

    Economists caution that tariffs could raise consumer prices while weighing on growth and employment.

    Asian markets fell on opening Tuesday, with Japan’s Nikkei index dropping more than two percent and Hong Kong’s Hang Seng down 1.5 percent after Trump’s latest tariff actions.

    The Tax Foundation estimates that before accounting for foreign retaliation, tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China this time would each cut US economic output by 0.1 percent.

    And sweeping duties, particularly on Canada and Mexico, are set to upset supply chains for key sectors like automobiles and construction materials, risking cost increases to households.

    This could complicate Trump’s efforts to fulfill his campaign promises of lowering prices for Americans.

    On Monday, Trump told reporters that Canada and Mexico should “build their car plants, frankly, and other things in the United States” in order to face no tariffs.

    Former US officials see Trump’s tariffs over drugs like fentanyl as a means to tackle socio-economic problems — while providing legal justifications to move quickly.

    Washington is also seeking leverage and to rebalance trade ties, analysts say.

    But using emergency economic powers to impose tariffs on Canada, Mexico and China is a novel move, and could trigger lawsuits.

    – ‘Existential threat’ –

    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau on Monday pledged to impose retaliatory 25 percent tariffs on Washington, saying in a statement: “Canada will not let this unjustified decision go unanswered.”

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum said her country has contingency plans.

    If Trump continues with his tariff plans, KPMG chief economist Diane Swonk warned ahead of them going into effect: “We could easily reach the highest effective tariff rate since 1936 by the beginning of 2026.”

    Both consumers and manufacturers stand to bear the costs of additional tariffs, which could diminish demand and trigger layoffs as businesses try to keep costs under control, she told AFP.

    Robert Dietz, chief economist at the National Association of Home Builders, told AFP the group expects a possible “combined duty tariff rate of above 50 percent on Canadian lumber” as proposed duties add up.

    Even as the United States also plans to expand forestry, Dietz said, prices will likely rise in the short-run.

    Anecdotally, some builders expect they could face higher costs of $7,500 to $10,000 per newly built single family home, he said.

    – Industry pushback –

    Trump’s doubling down on tariffs has already drawn industry pushback.

    The US-China Business Council, a group of around 270 American firms that do business in China, warned in a statement that sweeping tariffs would hurt US firms, consumers and farmers “and undermine our global competitiveness.”

    “Any use of tariffs should be strategic and targeted, focusing on specific US national security goals and unfair Chinese economic practices,” the council’s president Sean Stein said.

    The National Retail Federation, meanwhile, warned that as long as tariffs on Canada and Mexico are in place, “Americans will be forced to pay higher prices on household goods.”

    While Washington has targeted China over chemicals for illicit fentanyl, many of the components have legitimate uses, too — making prosecution tricky.

    Trudeau has said that less than one percent of the fentanyl and undocumented migrants that enter the United States come through the Canadian border.

  • Trump Announces New Tariffs on Mexico, Canada & China Over Fentanyl Crisis

    Trump Announces New Tariffs on Mexico, Canada & China Over Fentanyl Crisis

    President Donald Trump announced Thursday that the U.S. will impose a 25% tariff on goods from Mexico and Canada, effective March 4th, alongside an additional 10% duty on Chinese imports. The move, justified by Trump as a response to the continued flow of deadly drugs, particularly fentanyl, into the United States, marks a significant escalation in trade tensions.

    Speaking to reporters in the Oval Office, Trump stated that the new tariffs on Chinese imports would be added to the 10% tariff already levied on February 4th in response to the fentanyl crisis, resulting in a cumulative 20% tariff. He initially announced the new duties on his Truth Social platform, emphasizing that drugs, “namely fentanyl,” were still entering the U.S. at “very high and unacceptable levels.”

    “I don’t see that at all. No, not on drugs,” Trump responded when asked if Mexico and Canada had made sufficient progress in curbing fentanyl shipments.

    A White House official confirmed that discussions are ongoing with China, Mexico, and Canada, noting that while progress has been made on migration issues, “there are still concerns on the other issue of fentanyl deaths.”

    Implications:

    The human cost of the fentanyl crisis is undeniable. According to the Centers for Disease Control, synthetic opioids, primarily fentanyl, were responsible for 72,776 deaths in the U.S. in 2023. The emotional impact on families and communities across the nation is profound, fueling a desperate search for solutions.

    Economic Impact: These tariffs could disrupt supply chains, raise prices for consumers, and potentially harm businesses in all three countries.
    Diplomatic Relations: The move could strain relations with key trading partners and complicate efforts to address other shared challenges.
    Effectiveness: It remains to be seen whether tariffs will effectively curb the flow of fentanyl, or if they will simply shift trafficking routes and create new challenges.

    Read Also: Oil Markets Roil as Trump’s Tariffs Trigger Supply Chain Fears

    Background

    This action mirrors Trump’s previous approach of escalating tariffs during trade disputes, as seen during his first term with China. However, Chinese President Xi Jinping has so far refrained from engaging in negotiations specifically over fentanyl, opting for limited retaliatory tariffs on U.S. energy and farm equipment.

    Mexico’s extradition of drug lord Rafael Caro Quintero, convicted in 1985 for the murder of a U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration agent, highlights the ongoing efforts to combat drug trafficking.

    Trump’s decision to impose new tariffs is a high-stakes gamble that could have far-reaching consequences. While the desire to address the fentanyl crisis is understandable, the effectiveness of tariffs as a solution is questionable. The potential for economic disruption and strained diplomatic relations must be carefully weighed against the potential benefits.

  • Canada’s Marsch ‘ashamed’ of Trump’s 51st state jibe

    Canada’s Marsch ‘ashamed’ of Trump’s 51st state jibe

    Canada’s American-born manager Jesse Marsch is “ashamed” of US President Donald Trump’s repeated comments about making Canada the 51st state.

    Tensions have been rising between the neighbouring countries over recent weeks following Trump’s 51st state remarks as well as proposed severe trade tariffs between the nations.

    The former Leeds United boss took charge of Canada in May 2024 and could face the US in the final of the CONCACAF Nations League next month.

    “If I have one message to our president, it’s lay off the ridiculous rhetoric about Canada being the 51st state,” said Marsch, who was born in Wisconsin and played twice for the US national team during a long MLS career.

    “As an American, I’m ashamed of the arrogance and disregard we’ve shown one of our historically oldest, strongest and most loyal allies.”

    Canada and the US recently met across two fixtures in the 4 Nations ice hockey competition, with the former winning the final.

    Their first game descended into chaos with three fights breaking out between players in the first nine seconds, while the US national anthem was loudly booed.

    American supporters also jeered the Canadian national anthem, which was sung with different lyrics in protest about Trump’s statements.

    After Canada won in overtime, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau wrote on X: “You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game.”

    Marsch has won six of his 13 games in charge of Canada, who are seeking their first piece of silverware since 2000 in the Nations League.

    Canada meet Mexico in the semi-finals on 21 March and the winner will face either the US or Panama in the final two days later, with all the games being played at SoFi Stadium in California.

    “Canada is a strong, independent nation that is deep-rooted in decency and it’s a place that values high ethics and respect, unlike the polarised, disrespectful and often now hateful climate that is in the US,” Marsch added.

    “When I look forward to a month from now I know this will fuel our team, the mentality and will that we have to play for our country, the desire to go after this tournament in every way and to show on and off the pitch exactly what Canadian character is.”

    Mexico manager Javier Aguirre and Panama coach Thomas Christensen were at the same media event as Marsch in California while America were represented by USA Soccer vice-president Oguchi Onyewu, who refused to be drawn into any political comments.

  • Canada beats US in revenge hockey rematch played on political thin ice

    Canada beats US in revenge hockey rematch played on political thin ice

    Canada has beaten the United States after the two countries battled it out on the rink in a championship game that proved to be about more than just ice hockey.

    The 4 Nations Face Off final ended 3-2 in overtime.

    On any ordinary day, this fixture would have been a significant one for the two neighbouring countries who have long been friendly rivals on the ice.

    But heating up the rivalry this time was the looming threat of an economically damaging trade war, as well as Donald Trump’s persistent musings to annex Canada and make it the 51st state.

    Trump himself was invited to attend the game in Boston by Team USA’s general manager Bill Guerin. The US president was unable to make it, but made a point of calling the team to wish them good luck.

    He also repeated his desire to absorb Canada, writing in a Truth Social post ahead of the game that he hoped the country “will someday, maybe soon, become our cherished and very important, Fifty First State”.

    Canada’s public safety minister David McGuinty later told reporters he took Trump’s quip as a sign that the president was “worried about the outcome” of the game.

    After Canada’s victory, outgoing PM Justin Trudeau – dubbed “Governor Trudeau” by Trump – posted on X: “You can’t take our country – and you can’t take our game.”

    For fans across North America, the final was a “dream match-up,” ice hockey writer Daniel Nugent-Bowman told the BBC. Not since the 2014 Winter Olympics had the top men’s ice hockey players from Canada and the US faced off in such a consequential game.

    Both countries boast some of the biggest stars in the National Hockey League (NHL), like Canadians Mitch Marner and Connor McDavid, and Americans Auston Matthews and Jack Eichel. The game was a chance for this new generation of players to prove themselves.

    But in Canada, the game was also a personal one, giving both die-hard and casual fans an opportunity to bask in national pride at a time when the country’s sovereignty looks to be threatened by its closest neighbour.

    The first game between Canada and the US of this tournament, played on 15 February in Montreal, saw the American national anthem booed by Canadian fans, despite the announcer asking fans beforehand – in both English and French – to show respect to the opposing team.

    Vocal protests of the US anthem have become a common sight at sports games in Canada over the past month since Trump threatened a 25% tariff on all Canadian goods.

    When it came to singing the Canadian anthem, fans – including Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau – belted it out at the top of their lungs.

    Three fist fights then broke out on the ice in the first nine seconds of the game between the American and Canadian players. It was an astonishing sight, even by ice hockey standards where fights are common.

    Matthew Tkachuk, a Team USA player who was among those involved in the brawls, told reporters afterwards that his team needed to deliver a message that “It’s our time right now.”

    Perhaps the loudest message sent that day was Team USA’s decisive 3-1 win against Canada.

    Few Canadians would dispute how integral ice hockey is to the country’s national identity.

    The sport has served as a backdrop to some of the most patriotic moments in Canada’s history, like Sidney Crosby’s overtime gold medal goal at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver.

    Historically, Canada has had the upper hand against the US. The two countries have met 20 times in best-on-best tournaments since the 1976 Canada Cup, with Canada winning 14 of those games.

    Canadian fans boo US anthem as tariffs spur ‘buy local’ pledge
    Three fights in first nine seconds as US beat Canada
    Trump tariffs ‘made something snap in us’ – many Canadians see US rift beyond repair

  • Trump slams tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China

    Trump slams tariffs on Canada, Mexico, China

    President Donald Trump announced broad tariffs Saturday on major US trading partners Canada, Mexico and China, claiming a “major threat” from illegal immigration and drugs — a move that sparked promises of retaliation.

    Canadian and Mexican exports to the United States will face a 25 percent tariff starting Tuesday, although energy resources from Canada will have a lower 10 percent levy.

    Goods from China, which already face various rates of duties, will see an additional 10 percent tariff.

    Trump’s orders also suspended exemptions allowing low-value imports from the three countries to enter the US duty-free.

    The announcement threatens upheaval across supply chains, from energy to automobiles to food.

    Trump invoked the International Emergency Economic Powers Act in imposing the tariffs, with the White House saying “the extraordinary threat posed by illegal aliens and drugs, including deadly fentanyl, constitutes a national emergency.”

    The aim is to hold all three countries “accountable to their promises of halting illegal immigration and stopping poisonous fentanyl and other drugs from flowing into our country,” the White House added.

    China’s commerce ministry said in a statement it would take “corresponding countermeasures” and file a claim against Washington at the World Trade Organization.

    Mexican President Claudia Sheinbaum announced that her country would impose retaliatory tariffs.

    Sheinbaum said she had told her economy minister “to implement Plan B that we have been working on, which includes tariff and non-tariff measures in defense of Mexico’s interests.”

    Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau — who spoke with Sheinbaum — separately said his country would hit back with 25 percent levies of its own on select American goods worth Can$155 billion (US$106.6 billion), with a first round on Tuesday followed by a second one in three weeks.

    “We’re certainly not looking to escalate. But we will stand up for Canada, for Canadians, for Canadian jobs,” he said, as he warned of a fracture in longstanding Canada-US ties.

    British Columbia Premier David Eby announced that his province would specifically retaliate against “red” US states led by members of Trump’s Republican Party.

    Trump has repeatedly expressed his approval of tariffs as a policy measure, and has signaled that Saturday’s action could be the first volley in further trade conflicts to come.

    This week, he also pledged to impose future duties on the European Union.

    He has also promised tariffs on semiconductors, steel, aluminum, oil and gas.

    “Tariffs are a powerful, proven source of leverage for protecting the national interest,” the White House said.

    – ‘Opening salvo’ –

    “The tariff action announced today makes clear that our friends, neighbors and Free Trade Agreement partners are in the line of fire,” said Wendy Cutler, vice president at the Asia Society Policy Institute and a former US trade negotiator.

    “The move today is an opening salvo on the tariff front,” she told AFP.

    Economic integration between the United States, Mexico and Canada — who share a trade pact — means stiff tariffs will have “a strong and immediate impact” in all three countries, she said.

    Imposing sweeping tariffs on the three biggest US trading partners in goods carries risks for Trump, who won November’s election partly due to public dissatisfaction over the economy.

    Higher import costs would likely “dampen consumer spending and business investment,” said EY chief economist Gregory Daco.

    He expects inflation would rise by 0.7 percentage points in the first quarter this year with the tariffs in place, before gradually easing.

    “Rising trade policy uncertainty will heighten financial market volatility and strain the private sector, despite the administration’s pro-business rhetoric,” he said.

    Economists also expect growth to take a hit.

    Trump’s supporters have downplayed fears that tariffs would fuel inflation, with some suggesting his planned tax cuts and deregulation measures could boost growth instead.

    – ‘Drive up costs’ –

    Doug Ford, premier of Canada’s economic engine Ontario, warned of potential job losses and a slowdown in business with tariffs.

    He told CNN Saturday: “We’re going to stand up for what’s right.”

    US Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer has warned new tariffs could “further drive up costs for American consumers.”

    Canada and Mexico are major suppliers of US agricultural products.

    The tariffs are also expected to hit the auto industry hard, since automakers and suppliers produce components throughout the region.

    Analysts have warned that hiking import taxes on crude oil from countries like Canada and Mexico threaten US energy prices too.

    Nearly 60 percent of US crude oil imports are from Canada, according to a Congressional Research Service report.

  • Canada pauses new applications for refugee sponsorship program 

    Canada pauses new applications for refugee sponsorship program 

    The Government of Canada has announced a temporary halt on new applications for the Private Sponsorship of Refugees (PSR) Program from Groups of Five and community sponsors.

    This decision, effective from November 29th, 2024, until December 31st, 2025, aims to address the growing backlog of applications and improve processing times for applicants and sponsors.

    In Canada, the “Group of Five” refers to a group of five or more Canadian citizens or permanent residents who come together to privately sponsor a refugee. They are responsible for helping the refugees settle in Canada by providing financial and emotional support for at least one year. 

    Canada’s PSR Program has been helping private groups sponsor refugees for over 40 years, offering them a fresh start and support for integration. However, its growing popularity has led to a surge in applications, causing processing delays. Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) reports that the increasing backlog is now a significant challenge.

    “Processing times have become increasingly lengthy, creating uncertainty for both refugees and their sponsors,” IRCC said in a statement.

    Challenges faced by the PSR program   

    • The PSR Program, which has been a cornerstone of Canada’s humanitarian immigration efforts, now faces pressures due to the high number of applications.
    • INC reports that the application inventory has grown faster than it can be processed, and the demand for spaces in the program exceeds the current limits set by Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan.
    • As a result, IRCC has decided to suspend new applications from Groups of Five and community sponsors until December 2025. This will allow the system to catch up with the existing workload and improve the predictability of processing times.

    What does the pause mean for sponsors and refugees?   

    • Reports inform that the pause directly impacts Groups of Five and community sponsors, who will not be able to submit new refugee sponsorship applications during the suspension period.
    • However, this decision does not affect applications already in the system.
    • Refugees whose applications have been submitted before November 29th, 2024, will continue to be processed. In addition,
    • Canada plans to resettle 23,000 privately sponsored refugees in 2025, reaffirming its commitment to meeting targets under the Immigration Levels Plan.

    Why the pause is necessary   

    The government’s decision to pause new applications aims to balance the demand for the PSR Program with the capacity to process applications.

    The current backlog has created delays, which can be stressful for both refugees and their sponsors. The pause is part of an effort to stabilize the program, ensuring that Canada can meet its resettlement goals without further increasing the backlog.

    IRCC has indicated that it will use this time to consult with stakeholders about possible improvements, including digital solutions and more efficient processing systems.

    The future of refugee sponsorship in Canada  

    While the pause is temporary, it raises questions about the long-term future of Canada’s PSR Program.

    Advocacy groups and sponsors have long pushed for reforms to make the system more efficient. IRCC has expressed its intention to use the suspension to explore these reforms and make the program more responsive to the needs of refugees.

    “This measure is about ensuring fairness and efficiency in the system,” IRCC said, adding that it is a necessary step to build a stronger program that can serve both refugees and sponsors effectively in the future.   

    Despite the suspension, INC reports that Canada remains committed to humanitarian efforts and will continue to lead in resettling refugees.

    While some groups may find the pause disappointing, it provides an opportunity for the government and stakeholders to work together to improve the PSR Program.

    What to know 

    • New applications for the PSR Program from Groups of Five and community sponsors will not be accepted from November 29th, 2024, to December 31, 2025.
    • Existing applications will continue to be processed, and 23,000 privately sponsored refugees are expected to arrive in 2025.
    • The pause will allow IRCC to address the backlog and improve processing times.
    • Future discussions will focus on potential reforms to the PSR Program, including digital solutions and more efficient processing systems.
  • Rising onward migration of skilled immigrants threatens Canada’s economy

    Rising onward migration of skilled immigrants threatens Canada’s economy

    Canada is facing an increasing challenge as a growing number of skilled immigrants, including permanent residents, are leaving the country.

    Despite being a long-time destination for talented workers, many highly educated immigrants are opting to migrate elsewhere.

    This trend, known as “onward migration,” is raising alarms about the potential negative impact on Canada’s economy and workforce.

    As the government lowers its immigration targets in response to public concerns over housing and affordability, the departure of skilled workers could deepen existing workforce shortages and limit long-term economic growth.

    According to Immigration News Canada (INC), in the past year, Canada experienced significant population growth, driven by high immigration levels, international students, and temporary foreign workers.

    However, the federal government has revised its immigration policies, citing strain on social services and infrastructure.

    Reports tell that for the first time in decades, Canada has reduced its permanent immigration targets, cutting the 2024 target from 500,000 to 395,000 by 2025. While this reduction addresses some concerns, it overlooks the critical issue of retaining immigrants who have already arrived.

    Why skilled immigrants are leaving Canada 

    Contrary to popular belief, reports inform that many of those leaving Canada are not struggling to integrate, they are often highly educated professionals who were specifically selected for their skills to meet the country’s labor needs.

    Many immigrants are leaving for better opportunities abroad or due to dissatisfaction with their experiences in Canada.

    Some of the dissatisfying experiences are linked with: 

    Housing affordability and cost of living 

    • A major reason for onward migration is Canada’s housing affordability crisis. In cities like Toronto and Vancouver, INC reports that many immigrants find it increasingly difficult to secure affordable housing.
    • With costs rising and limited options available, some skilled workers are choosing to leave for more affordable countries, where they can build a more stable future.

    Underemployment and career barriers 

    It is noted that skilled immigrants often face barriers to fully utilizing their qualifications.

    • Factors such as regulatory challenges, delayed credential recognition, and a lack of Canadian work experience often push newcomers into low-paying jobs unrelated to their fields.
    • This underemployment drives many skilled workers to seek better opportunities in countries with more streamlined processes for career advancement.

    Better opportunities abroad 

    • Observations have cited that countries such as the United States, Australia, and Germany,  are actively competing for skilled talent.
    • Offering higher salaries, faster immigration pathways, and better support systems for newcomers, these nations have become attractive alternatives to Canada.
    • For many skilled immigrants, the pull of these opportunities outweighs the challenges they face in Canada.

    Economic impact of onward migration 

    • The loss of skilled immigrants poses a serious threat to Canada’s economy; as immigrants play a vital role in critical sectors like healthcare, technology, and construction, where labor shortages are already a pressing issue.
    • Losing these workers would not only inflame existing shortages but also limit the potential for innovation and growth.
    • INC notes that immigrants make up a significant portion of Canada’s healthcare workforce, and their departure could worsen shortages of doctors, nurses, and other professionals.

    Public opinion and changing attitudes toward immigration 

    • According to reports, recent surveys show growing skepticism toward immigration among Canadians, citing concerns about housing availability, healthcare access, and job competition.
    • This shift in public opinion has also influenced the federal government’s decision to cut immigration targets.
    • However, experts warn that a reduction in new arrivals may not be enough to address the deeper issue of retention, as immigrants who are already in Canada may still choose to leave.

    What Canada can do to retain immigrants 

    • To tackle the challenge of onward migration reports state that Canada needs to focus on retention as much as attraction.
    • Policy changes could include improving housing affordability, simplifying the process for recognizing foreign credentials, and investing in social services like healthcare and education.
    • Additionally, regional immigration programs aimed at encouraging newcomers to settle in smaller communities could help alleviate pressure on larger cities and create more balanced opportunities across the country.
  • Canada, Germany, and New Zealand stand as key destinations for skilled workers in 2025

    Canada, Germany, and New Zealand stand as key destinations for skilled workers in 2025

    Canada, Germany, and New Zealand are becoming prime destinations for skilled workers seeking new opportunities in 2025.

    These countries offer strong economic prospects, competitive salaries, and efficient immigration pathways, making them attractive options for professionals looking to relocate.

    According to the DAAD Scholarship, these nations also provide clear routes to citizenship, ensuring long-term success for workers.

    They are as listed below:

    Canada: strong economy and clear immigration pathways

    Reports inform that Canada stands out for its competitive salaries and immigration systems, which are designed to attract skilled professionals. The average salary in Canada is CAD 60,000 annually, with tech and STEM roles offering six-figure salaries. The country’s immigration pathways, including the Express Entry, Global Talent Stream, and Provincial Nominee Programs, have contributed to it being a top choice for skilled workers.

    The Express Entry system typically processes most applications in six months or less once a complete application is submitted. This quick processing time is one of the reasons it is popular.

    In addition to strong economic prospects, reports inform that Canada offers a stable economy with low inflation, ensuring that workers’ earnings retain value. With just three years of permanent residency, workers can apply for citizenship.

    Germany: a growing economy with various visa options

    Germany is another top destination for skilled professionals, especially in fields like engineering, IT, and manufacturing. The average salary in Germany is €50,000 annually, and industries like engineering and IT offer higher pay. Germany’s immigration system includes options like the Chancenkarte (Opportunity Card), which allows skilled workers with at least two years of experience to directly enter the job market.

    • Germany’s Opportunity Card has made it easier for skilled workers to find employment. It provides a direct route for professionals to settle and work in Germany.
    • The country also offers other work visa options such as the EU Blue Card and visas for shortage occupations. According to reports, the country’s stable economy and manageable inflation allow workers to retain purchasing power.

    The path to gaining citizenship in Germany takes about eight years, but this timeline is shorter for those married to German citizens. After acquiring German citizenship, individuals become EU citizens, opening up opportunities in 26 other countries.

    New Zealand: career growth and a high quality of life

    According to DAAD Scholarship, New Zealand offers both career opportunities and a high standard of living.

    • The average salary is NZD 70,000, with healthcare, IT, and skilled trades offering higher wages. The country’s immigration system actively seeks skilled workers with programs like the Essential Skills Work Visa, Specific Purpose Work Visa, and Green List occupations.
    • Reports show that New Zealand is a prime destination for skilled workers, especially with the Green List occupations. These programs help workers find jobs in areas where there is a demand.

    New Zealand’s path to citizenship is one of the shortest globally, with workers eligible to apply after five years of residence. The country, according to reports, is commended for its low crime rates; making it a safe and welcoming place to live. The stable economy and low inflation ensure that the cost of living remains manageable, while workers’ earnings retain value.

    Planning your move: a strategic approach to applications

    While applying for jobs and visas in Canada, Germany, and New Zealand is possible, reports caution that it requires careful planning.

    Each country has its visa requirements and processing times, so it is important to prioritize applications. Consulting immigration experts can help ensure that all necessary documents are submitted correctly.

    A strategic approach includes applying sequentially to save resources and focusing on the most suitable destination. It is also crucial to consider factors such as job markets, cultural fit, and family needs in each country. This method can help increase the chances of successfully securing a work visa and permanent residency.