YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES - "We gained our reputation by being the best in what we do"
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YOUR GATEWAY TO
OPPORTUNITIES Thursday, February 25, 2021
★ TRUSTED IMMIGRATION, SECOND CITIZENSHIP AND CITIZENSHIP BY INVESTMENT CONSULTANTS IN THE UAE ★
“We gained our
reputation by being the
best in what we do”
ADVERTISEMENT
T HUR SDAY, FEBRUA RY 25, 2 021
FE ATURING
PLUS MANY MORE…
WWW.GULFNEWS.COM/GN-FOCUS FACEBOOK.COM/GNFOCUS TWITTER.COM: @GNFOCUS INSTAGRAM: @GNFOCUS
Thursday, February 25, 2021 | Gulf News
2 YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES
Shutterstock
Pandemic spurs demand for
global migration
● Covid-19 has given people the chance to take stock of their circumstances – and for an increasing
number this has meant looking at immigration opportunities abroad for a better life
B E P visa should consider pol-
Special to GN Focus BY THE NUMBERS: MIGRATION TRENDS icy changes due to travel
T
restrictions.
he era of Covid-19
upended life as
we know it, with
272 million
The number of international 3.5%
Right now, travellers
arriving to Canada by air
– aside from a few ex-
no sector left un- migrants globally in 2019 of the world’s ceptions – are required to
altered. population take a Covid-19 molecular
In the case of immigra- test prior to exiting the
tion, the pandemic gave airport, and another test Sara Alam
people all over the world towards the end of their Service Manager,
THE TOP 3 REMITTANCE
the opportunity to pause
for a while and analyse
17.5 m RECIPIENTS
14-day quarantine period
at their own cost. They
Cosmos Immigration
India had the largest
their lives — and in many number of migrants will also be required to re-
cases this led to wanting living abroad India China Mexico serve, prior to their depar-
a better life overseas in a $78.6 bn $67.4 bn $35.7 bn ture for Canada, a three-
safe country with bene- night stay at a government
fits such as free healthcare
and education.
USA authorised hotel at their
own cost while they await
Mexico Top destination
One interesting side ef- country with 50.7 the results of their test.
fect of the health crisis has 11.8 m million international Yet, despite the pan- Karun Luthra
Migration Consultant,
been that countries have migrants demic, Canada is on track
had the chance to shine to shatter its Express En- Vazir Group
— or not — in the eyes of a
particularly engaged glob-
UAE try record. The Canadian
government has taken a urges those seeking green-
Country with the
al audience. Three of the China highest proportion of welcoming approach to- er pastures in another land
biggest winners were Aus-
tralia, New Zealand and
10.7 m international migrants wards immigrants during
these challenging times,
to conduct proper research
and approach experts for
Canada, who all showed Source: UN World Migration Report 2020 which is a positive sign advice before even starting
great care for their citi- ceived a massive boost “Each year thousands for skilled professionals the application process for
zens while managing to last year as it drew global choose Canada as a dream considering relocation another country.
incur only minimal im- praise for its handling of country to seek citizen- options, says Alam. “It is essential to be
pact to everyday life. Covid-19, which resulted ship,” she says. “It is also On the other hand, Aus- well informed and con-
For New Zealand, mi- in a very low death rate. the top destination for tralia has designed its mi- sult with someone who
gration has long been the But it is Canada that re- young students who are gration plans to achieve listens to you and advises
chief driver for the popu- mains arguably the most seeking affordable and a range of economic and correctly based on your
lation of the isolated island popular migrant destina- safe education.” social outcomes – mainly current circumstances
nation, which increased tion for expats living in Alam, however, cau- to fill skill shortages in the and future goals – not just
by half a million people the Middle East, says Sara tions that students who labour market. someone who urges you
in the past six years alone. Alam, Service Manager, are currently preparing to Karun Luthra, Migration to choose the supposedly
The country’s profile re- Cosmos Immigration. apply for a Canadian study Consultant at Vazir Group, easier option.” ■
Thursday, February 25, 2021 | Gulf News
4 YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES
BUILDANEWLIFEINCANADA
● GN Focus looks at some of the most popular pathways to immigrate to Canada
and secure permanent residence
Shutterstock
B C S thrive, but also by starting busi- Through a network of Nominee
Editor nesses themselves. Our plan will Programme (PNP), almost all of
O
help to address some of our most Canada’s ten provinces and three
ver the next three years, acute labour shortages and to grow territories can nominate skilled
Canada aims to welcome our population to keep Canada worker candidates for admission
over one million new competitive on the world stage.” to Canada with the specific skills
permanent residents at required by their local economies.
the rate of about one per cent of the Immigration trends “Under the PNP, there are about
population of the country, which Canada has issued 37,986 invita- 80 different pathways and the ap-
includes 401,000 immigrants in tions in the first two months of this Every PNP targets plication and eligibility criteria for
2021, 411,000 in 2022, and 421,000 year, as compared to 14,800 invi- the specific needs of each category are different,” says
immigrants in 2023. tations last year. “This indicates the province’s labour Khan. Many provinces also run
According to Canada’s leading now is the best time to apply for their own categories under the
immigration news portal CIC News, Canadian immigration,” says Clint
market.” Canada Express Entry system.
the only time Canada welcomed Khan, Director, Y-Axis, one of the Clint Khan “Every PNP targets the specif-
over 400,000 immigrants was in largest immigration consultants in Director, ic needs of the province’s labour
1913, when it admitted 401,000 the UAE. Y-Axis market. So it’s critical to find a
newcomers and it has never come Economic immigrants are the provincial stream matching your
close to this figure again. mainstay of the Canada immigra- PNP and the Quebec Skilled Worker specific skills. The top provinces
Now to compensate for the short- tion levels plan. The category in- Programme (QSWP). for PNP are Alberta, Saskatchewan,
fall of immigration in 2020 due to cludes federal skilled immigrants Express Entry is the online ap- Ontario, Prince Edward Island,
the pandemic as well as to mitigate welcomed through Express Entry, plication management system for Nova Scotia, British Columbia and
its impact on the economy, Canada as well as business immigrants, skilled immigrants who want to New Brunswick,” adds Khan.
has set the most ambitious immi- Provincial Nominee Programme settle in Canada permanently. The Quebec Skilled Worker Pro-
gration level plan in its history. (PNP) immigrants and Quebec “The Express Entry was devel- gramme (QSWP) is another appli-
The pandemic has also high- immigrants. The 2021-2023 Im- oped to facilitate immigration for cation process for trained foreign
lighted the contribution of immi- migration Levels Plan aims to ac- three federal government pro- nationals who want to become
grants across all sectors of the Ca- cept about 60 per cent of all im- grammes — Federal Skilled Worker permanent residents of Canada
nadian economy. migrants under economic class Programme, Canadian Experience and live and work in Quebec.
“Immigration is essential to get- programmes. Class, and Federal Skilled Trades The province has its own rules
ting us through the pandemic, and Programme. A recent change in- for choosing immigrants who they
also to our short-term economic Eligibility requirements troduced in the Express Entry think, will adapt well to its com-
recovery and our long-term eco- “Canada offers various immigra- programme include an automat- munities. Prospective immigrants
nomic growth,” said Marco E. L. tion programmes through which ic update of the Comprehensive who apply to the QSWP are eval-
Mendicino, Canada’s Minister of people can apply for a permanent Ranking System (CRS) scores of all uated according to a number of
Immigration, Refugees and Citi- resident (PR) visa, but each pro- profiles before the next invitation factors, and applicants who score
zenship, in a press statement. “As gramme has its eligibility require- round, which will take up to two to enough points are issued a Quebec
we look to recovery, newcomers ments and application procedure. three weeks. Moreover, applicants Selection Certificate (CSQ), which
create jobs not just by giving our Some popular programmes for get- can get additional points for their they can later use to apply for Ca-
businesses the skills they need to ting the PR visa are Express Entry, French language skills.” nadian permanent residency. ■
Thursday, February 25, 2021 | Gulf News
6 YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES
● St. Kitts and Nevis offers
a number of pre-approved
real estate projects for
investments
Invest in
your future Shutterstock
● The Covid era has made the wealthy look more urgently at acquiring new passports to
access business opportunities and ensure safety and stability for their family
B E P ing proper residency or citizenship in the terms of CBI programme requirements, but
Special to GN Focus country where you want to reside as a per- common to all are a minimum investment in
A
manent citizen, so you can enjoy certain ex- one of the government-approved options —
global crisis has a way of putting clusive rights and remove uncertainty.” usually real estate — the purchase of govern-
things into perspective, while oblit- As an industry, CBI began in 1984 in the ment bonds or a donation to a national eco-
erating the status quo. Caribbean islands of St. Kitts and Nevis, nomic fund, and the ability to show the legal
Before Covid-19, for some people which offered a passport to foreigners who source of the investment money.
having good connections and money to burn invested substantially in their economy. There are numerous benefits to being the
could buy them the right to live pretty much Today, a long list of countries trade citizen- owner of the second passport, including free-
anywhere. ship or residency for cash. According to a top dom of movement, tax reduction, visa-free
Then the pandemic happened and for the industry expert, Henley & Partners, it’s now access to coveted foreign markets, and a bet-
first time in modern history, nations around a global industry worth $25 billion (Dh91.8 ter quality of life. Right now, there are other
the world began restricting entry exclusively billion) a year. more pressing motivations. Rich people are
to their own citizens and residents. Travel- There are some country differences in seeking the assurance of mobility in a world
lers who consistently enjoyed unrestricted
mobility now find themselves locked out of
countries they had previously entered at will
— all because of their limited citizenship.
This global phenomenon has generated in-
tense interest in Citizenship and Residency Many people are applying
by Investment (CBI and RBI) programmes, for programmes in Portugal,
which greatly expand travel opportunities. Spain and Greece to be a
resident of Schengen, so in
Covid-19: An eye-opener
“The unprecedented trend of bans and sus- the future they will be able
pension of temporary visas and work permits to move more easily when
by several countries during the pandemic has required.”
exposed the vulnerability of such statuses of
residency,” explains Deepanshu Choudhry, Pej Mohyeddin,
Legal Manager, Step Global. Managing Director, Bayat Legal Services
“It has stressed the importance of acquir-
Thursday, February 25, 2021 | Gulf News
8 YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES
where the health crisis, tense international rector, Pej Mohyeddin, is in regular contact
politics, and climate change are all making
people nervous.
with many of the Caribbean programme
managers, who confirm business during
5 point checklist
Property for sale
the pandemic is far from down.
“The numbers have been consistent to
in choosing an
For many people, investing in property is pre-pandemic, so that means their ability immigration and a
the best route. to process and the interest of customers has
“Purchasing citizenship through real es- not diminished,” he says. citizenship consultant
tate remains an excellent source of value for “A lot of people are optimistic about the
those looking to invest in something tangible future and they believe having second ● There are many things to keep in mind
that also has growth potential,” says Mahdi passports is definitely going to be a plus in before selecting a consultant
Mohammed, CEO of Guide Consultants. their lives, whether for business, personal
He says that the current economic citi- or family.” THEY MUST BE REGISTERED
zenship market is exploding throughout When it comes to CBI programmes in The first point to check is
the Caribbean, where properties are being the EU, Mohyeddin says the market is also if the company is properly
snapped up by risk-averse yet savvy inves- buoyant. “Programmes in the EU are doing registered. For example, for a Canada
tors. “In Dominica, which has one of the very well because people realise they need application, they must be registered
fastest growing regional CBI programmes, to have access, and a Schengen residency with the Immigration Consultants of
the funds generated have dramatically opens the door tremendously because trav- Canada Regulatory Council (ICCRC), the
transformed the country’s housing mar- el restrictions are quite harsh for non-EU national regulatory body that oversees
ket,” he adds. citizens during pandemic lockdowns,” he Canadian immigration professionals.
With nearly 30 years in the industry, Bay- explains. “Therefore, many people are ap- Many consultants in the UAE work
at Legal Services always has its finger on the plying for programmes in Portugal, Spain, in partnership with other external
pulse of immigration trends. Managing Di- and Greece to be a resident of Schengen, so consultants, so they are not directly
in the future they will be able to move more liable and responsible for a client who
easily when required.” pays them. Carefully read the retainer
When it comes to the best way for en- agreement before you pay any fees.
suring you choose the right immigration
or second citizenship pathway, Tony Ebra-
heem, Founder of 111 Immigration, says no DO THEY OFFER GOOD
two cases are the same. SUPPORT SERVICES?
“However, balancing three things will “Find out if they take escrow
Deepanshu Mahdi Tony Ebraheem guide you to select the best programme,” he account-accepted payments,
Choudhry Mohammed Founder and advises. “How fast you want it, what ben- offer flexible payment terms as well
Legal Manager, CEO, Lawyer, efits you are looking for, and how much it as refunds in case something doesn’t
Step Global Guide Consultants 111 Immigration will cost.” ■ happen as planned,” advises Karun
Luthra, Migration Consultant, Vazir Group.
“Also, look for personalised support
services like a dedicated customer
AVOID LEGAL TROUBLE WHILE manager, free IELTS tests and training,
real estate solutions, guidance in choosing
INVESTING IN A SECOND PASSPORT
schools for kids and so on.”
● In conversation with Dr Sadir Al Kherdaji, Managing Director, CHECK IF THEY ARE REPUTED
It’s a good idea to see if the
Al Kherdaji International Legal Consultants consultancy is endorsed by
any major companies or government
What are the common legal compliance with the laws of authorities, embassies and consulates.
hurdles an investor may face the country of naturalisation Ask around, look online, if the company
while applying for a citizenship without prejudice to the has a great reputation — you should find
or residency by investment necessity to have a creative plenty of evidence to support it.
programme? tax structuring.
The applicant must check
the legalities of acquiring dual After acquiring the citizenship, THEY SHOULD BE WELL
citizenship in the laws and what legal matters should an ESTABLISHED
constitution of their home investor be aware of? Go for a consultant that has
country. Many countries, Citizenship is the been in business for a long time as they
especially in Asia, prohibit relationship between an will have a high level of experience in
dual citizenship and travelling never lived in that country or individual and a sovereign processing different types of cases and
with multiple passports. obtained its citizenship. state, defined by the laws profiles. This will increase your chances of
Applications for a second of that state, along with a successful application.
passport in such cases come What can be done to limit corresponding duties
under many challenges. an investor’s tax risks while and rights. Therefore, the
Another common opting for a programme? naturalised person should FIND OUT IF THEY ARE
difficulty could be related In general, tax regimes are save no effort to be aware of FOLLOWING INDUSTRY NORMS
to arranging for all due residence-based or territorial. their new duties and rights “In order to avoid scams or any
diligence and background Therefore, a careful prior under the law in force in the type of fraud and misrepresentation
check details for application, study should be made about country in which they have by dubious agents, ensure that the
which can sometimes be the tax laws in place of obtained citizenship. This consultants and lawyers follow the
simply unobtainable. For residence of the applicant and includes, but is not limited standard immigration procedure to the
example, getting a police the tax laws of their country to the basic laws related to best of their ability as per the established
clearance certificate from an of origin, while considering civil and financial affairs, such industry standards,” says Deepanshu
applicant’s country of birth the tax laws in force in the as serving the mandatory Choudhry, Legal Manager, Step Global.
can sometimes be really hard, country in which they intend national service. — GN Focus report
especially if the applicant has to naturalise. This is to ensure — GN Focus reportThursday, February 25, 2021 | Gulf News
10 YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES
R
ealising the dream
Why a higher IELTS score
of living abroad
as a highly skilled
worker or student
can come down to how
can improve your chances
many points you score on
immigration checklists.
While factors such as age
are impossible to change,
of immigration success
you can enhance your ap-
plication in other ways.
A little practice and
some personalised coach-
ing, for example, can raise
your score on English-lan- ● The British Council has launched a unique counselling
guage assessment tests and
correspondingly improve service to help candidates ace the IELTS exam
your overall chances.
Canada, Australia, New
Zealand and the UK accept
the International English
Language Testing System
(IELTS) exam as evidence
of English language profi-
ciency for study, work and
migration. The four-part
test evaluates your ability
to read, write, listen and
speak, and a high score
on all fronts can make the
difference between a suc-
cessful visa application or
not receiving an immigra-
tion permit at all.
As the world’s most
popular test, IELTS can
also improve your chanc-
es of finding a job in your
target country — more
than 10,000 organisations
accept its results.
“The aim is to achieve
a high score to enhance
Shutterstock
the overall points on your
application. Scoring well guide and advise on how to
in each component of the best prepare for the IELTS
IELTS test can cause quite test to achieve the desired
a difference in the points score,” Adhikari says.
you achieve,” says Deep For a package of Dh310,
Adhikari, Director Exams With IELTS Counselling service, test candidates get the on-
Gulf South Cluster at the our customers get personalised line assessment and per-
British Council. support from IELTS experts who sonalised learning plan,
He offers some examples guide and advise on how to best as well as regular check-
of how a high score affects in calls with a dedicated
individual cases. The mini- prepare for the IELTS test to counsellor and guidance
mum IELTS score required achieve the desired score.” on the exam and results
to immigrate to Canada is process. For those who
Deep Adhikari
6, while it is 7 for Australia. book an IELTS test with
Director Exams Gulf South Cluster,
“However, this minimum the British Council, the
British Council
score will not contribute IELTS Plus package of-
effectively to your overall fers the same benefits for
Comprehensive Ranking Dh160 in addition to an
Score (CRS). Applicants test in advance and get can award you up to 20 cal and personalised ap- advance test booking and
must aim anywhere be- training to obtain the ideal points and can easily help proach that helps exam a free test date transfer
tween the Canadian Level IELTS score on your first increase your score. So, candidates improve their worth Dh315.
Benchmark score of 7-9. attempt.” applicants have to work on IELTS score. The pro- The British Council also
While 7 is easily achiev- Similarly, 65 points enhancing their chances gramme first assesses offers several free resourc-
able and 9 is more difficult, is the minimum overall in order to succeed in their each candidate’s current es for anyone who wants
with constant practice we qualifying score for immi- application.” English level and provides to do the IELTS exam,
believe anyone can secure gration to Australia. How- customised feedback and including practice tests,
the CLB Level 8 at least,” ever, Adhikari explains, Counselling resources to focus on areas a massive online open
Adhikari says. invitations are being is- effectiveness of improvement. course, preparation vid-
“To increase your sued to candidates who At the start of Febru- “With IELTS Counsel- eos, a webinar, and mobile
chances at receiving an score between 70 and 80 ary, the British Council ling service, our customers apps.
invitation, it is crucial that points on the assessment launched the IELTS Coun- get personalised support While many students
you practice for your IELTS grid. “High IELTS scores selling Service, a practi- from IELTS experts who worry about the IELTSGulf News | Thursday, February 25, 2021
YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES 11
AT A GLANCE
The computer-
delivered IELTS test is
an innovative multi-
level English language
test for anyone who
wishes to demonstrate
their language and
communication skills.
IELTS provides an
accurate assessment of
English skills according to
the Common European
Framework of Reference
for Languages (CEFR).
The IELTS score is
accepted by over 10,000
organisations in more
than 140 countries giving
test takers the choice of
more opportunities and
destinations.
exam, Adhikari says it’s
easier than most people
think. “The questions in
the IELTS test are straight-
forward and designed to
assess how well you can
use your English. As with
any test, IELTS requires
thorough preparation.”
As a final tip, he suggests
that IELTS candidates use
English daily. “To improve
your English, you need to FOR MORE INFORMATION ON:
use it in everyday contexts, ■ The British Council’s learning support, visit
whether it’s speaking with Learnenglish.britishcouncil.org/covid-19-learning-support
your friends in English, ■ Booking an IELTS test, visit Britishcouncil.ae/en/exam/
writing notes and emails, ielts/book-test
reading newspapers or lis- ■ Preparation resources for the IELTS tests, visit
tening to the radio. If you Britishcouncil.ae/en/exam/ielts/prepare
feel you need help with ■ Couselling service for the IELTS tests, visit
your English, you can also ● The British Council test venues across the UAE follow
Britishcouncil.ae/en/exam/ielts/prepare/counselling-
consider taking an English all Covid-19 regulations to ensure the health and safety
service-packages
course.” ■ of test takers
IELTS SUCCESS STORIES With less than The pre-test
How the British Council’s newly launched two weeks of evaluation helped
counselling service has helped UAE preparation, I was able me better understand the
students improve their IELTS scores to achieve my required layout of the IELTS exam.”
score.” Mahmoud Magdy
Hashmi Salan Shameer The evaluation
The British Council provides great
I am extremely programme before
resources and practice tests.” the exam at the
Dr B Neethu happy with
the British British Council
The British Council’s online Council’s was excellent and
assessments and services helped IELTS well coordinated
me achieve an overall band 8 in counselling to fit my busy
the IELTS test. service. schedule. It helped me better
Ms. Howaida Mohamed Osman, I was hesitant to book a test understand the layout of the exam
an IELTS Counsellor at the British date until I received a call and how it would be conducted, as
Council, arranged for my language from the counselling service. well as motivated me to improve
assessment and also provided me all the resources The diagnostic test clearly my language skills. I truly commend
and guidance I needed. The assessment feedback explained to me my strengths the IELTS staff at the British
that I received from her also helped me identify and weaknesses. With less Council and hope the pre-test
my mistakes and improve my language skills. than two weeks of preparation, evaluation programme continues to
The British Council provides great resources and I was able to achieve my stay and help all test candidates in
practice tests that helped me plan and study well. required score. the future.Thursday, February 25, 2021 | Gulf News
12 YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES
A CLASS
● Outstanding industry leaders reveal
their thoughts on the sector as well
as how they can help prospective
APART
immigrants to navigate the challenges
of moving abroad or securing a second
passport in the Covid-19 era
G N F
“We have set up a pro bono service “This is the right time to explore
to give back to the community” opportunities to immigrate”
many people to re-evaluate their is a need for new skill sets with the
migration plans and now they rise of new industries. So, this is the
want to start the process. Canada, right time to explore opportunities
Australia and New Zealand are the to immigrate. Countries like Canada
most sought after destinations for have increased the number of
expats living in this region, followed invitations for immigration as
by the European Union’s passive compared to past years.
residency programmes or the Golden
Visa or RBI and second citizenships ■ How could you help people
programmes. deal with the common
challenges associated with
■ Could you share some details migration during the pandemic?
on Bayat Group’s pro bono With countries imposing
service? travel restrictions and changing
With the intention to serve and immigration rules in order to cope
truly give back to the community, with the pandemic, the immigration
we have set up a pro bono service process can be daunting for those
to help individuals interested in planning to move to other countries.
migrating to Canada as a skilled We can help prospective immigrants
worker. With prior reservation and understand the new rules and
subject to certain criteria, people requirements and help them comply
can visit our office, utilise our with them. We keep them up to date
SAM BAYAT infrastructure, and take support on information that may impact the
FOUNDER AND OWNER, BAYAT to fill up the forms and get any processing of their visas. For those
LEGAL SERVICES questions answered. who are unable to make their first
entry due to the restrictions, we can
■ What are the key benefits file separate applications for them to
■ Is buying property for that clients get from Bayat extend the deadlines.
citizenship of good value? Group’s citizenship and
I have always promoted buying residency by investment ■ What kind of career support
a property or a share as a good programmes? CLINT KHAN can you offer at the moment to
investment option since this can be While Bayat group represents DIRECTOR, Y-AXIS help people migrate successfully
sold in the future. Today, an applicant some citizenship and residency as well as settle abroad?
can find lots of secure and good value by investment programmes as As an overseas career consultant,
investments to obtain a residency or an official government agent or ■ Covid-19 has created we provide the expertise and
citizenship. Caribbean nations and authorised promoter, we work for all enormous uncertainties in the guidance to help clients connect with
Turkey are good markets to buy a the programmes, either directly or lives of people. Why do you the right people, and register them
property and apply for citizenship. through our partners. think this is the time to explore in Canada so that they can connect
Some of the key benefits in hiring opportunities for immigration? with as many employers as they
■ Are there any new focus us include detailed knowledge of the Every crisis is an opportunity, and want. We keep a tab on in-demand
countries that investors are programmes; unmatched ability to the Covid-19 crisis is no exception. jobs and skills in some of the most
showing interest in to migrate offer advice and guiding a client to Lockdowns and travel restrictions popular destinations for immigration
since the outbreak of Covid-19? choose the right programme; ability imposed by nations across the world and constantly share our know-how
We have seen a big increase in to operate within the confines of to control the spread of the virus saw with our clients to help them plan
enquires for all programmes — the law in a creative, lateral and an exodus of immigrant employees. their move once they get the visa.
citizenship by investment (CBI), innovative manner in order to Now, with the pandemic under We help our clients choose the right
residency by investment (RBI) achieve the client’s objectives; control in many countries, they are opportunities in the country they
and migration. Travel restrictions and practical experience of three looking to immigration to fuel post- wish to migrate to, based on their
during the pandemic have pushed decades. pandemic economic recovery. There profile and work experience.
A GULF NEWS PUBLICATION Dubai P. O. Box 6519
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SENIOR ART EDITORS John Catherall, Nicholas D’Souza | ASSISTANT ART EDITOR Pranith Ratheesan Email: gnfocus@gulfnews.com
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Distributed by Al Nisr Distribution LLC
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14 YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES
CONTINUED FROM PAGE 12
“We provide tailored immigration pathways with
unparalleled confidentiality standards”
■ As a leading consultant in the ■ How could you help prospective screening to understand the needs of
field of immigration in the UAE, immigrants choose the right the candidate and then recommend a
what makes your services truly immigration programme? suitable pathway for immigration.
unique? For skilled professionals and
Our tagline says it all — ‘Cosmos entrepreneurs, there are multiple ■ Could you share a few tips on
Immigration - Deliver What We pathways available to immigrate. how to increase scores for Express
Promise.’ We have a long-standing Understanding the programme is, Entry in Canada?
reputation in the market. With a however, the key to success. With a We first identify the weaknesses
multilingual team of professionals, growing demand for talent on the of an applicant’s profile and then
we provide tailored immigration move, thousands of skilled workers are represent an application with utmost
pathways with unparalleled opting to migrate to countries such as accuracy. After lodging the application,
confidentiality standards. Being an Canada, Australia and New Zealand. we work closely with the applicant
authorised consultant, we have end Investors are increasingly looking for and help them enhance their profiles.
to end services for all age brackets, citizenship by investment progarmmes Partnering with IDP Global, Cosmos
including students, skilled working in the Caribbean countries. has its own IELTS test centre at the
professionals, entrepreneurs and Furthermore, for many entrepreneurs, premises, which enables our clients
SYED JAFAR SADIQ investors. A formal screening of Canada is the logical choice to embark to improve their scores in English.
GENERAL MANAGER, each applicant prior to starting the on a new business venture or expand Adding appropriate education to your
COSMOS IMMIGRATION application process has bagged us a their operations. We, as an authorised application can also be a major boost
lot of success stories. consultant, conduct a thorough to an applicant’s profile.
“The popular US EB-5 programme “We don’t give hope, we provide
is set to expire on June 30 due to a solutions”
sunset provision” ■ How do you differentiate from
the competition?
in that particular country, and When it comes to legal experience,
documentation required. we guarantee the legality of the
process. Applications of our clients
■ How could you help are handled by professional lawyers
prospective immigrants to specialised in second citizenship and
choose the right immigration or residency by investment programmes.
second citizenship programme? We are well recognised by several
When working with clients it is governments and have officials with
important to consider their future good reputation and professionalism.
goals, their reasons for immigration We utilise all our strengths to help
as well as the dependants who our clients make the right decision for
will be included in the application. their future.
By understanding these points, it DR SADIR AL KHERDAJI We have a human-centric approach
becomes easier to assess and advice MANAGING DIRECTOR, to consultancy — our advices are
a client on a programme that may AL KHERDAJI INTERNATIONAL based on transparency and honesty.
be best for them. For example, those LEGAL CONSULTANTS We don’t give hope, we provide
who are looking for citizenship for solutions, considering the client’s
their children for the purposes of ■ How unique are Al Kherdaji needs, qualification assessment,
future job prospects and schooling International’s portfolio of know-your-customer (KYC) details,
often choose Canada or the US over services for citizenship and and security background check.
other programmes, while those who residency programmes and We have successfully processed
are looking for a retirement plan may business migration? over 100 investment migration,
choose somewhere else. All investment migration providers citizenship and residency by
PREEYA MALIK are quite similar in what they offer investment and corporate immigration
MANAGING DIRECTOR, ■ What are the new changes to their clients. We are also similar to cases with 100 per cent success rate
STEP GLOBAL that our readers should be aware other service providers but not the so far.
of regarding the popular US EB-5 same.
■ A number of new citizenship immigrant investor programme? We are an investment-related ■ It can be overwhelming to
by investment programmes was The EB-5 programme has been international legal consultancy decide on the appropriate
launched in 2020. Is it advisable under scrutiny for many years. This firm, affiliated with a distinguished investment programme. How
to opt for a new programme or go year the programme is set to expire investment migration consultancy does your company help investors
with the ones with longer track on June 30 due to a sunset provision. service provider — Cham Consulting, make the right choice?
records? Legislature must vote on and approve specialised in advising corporates and We recognise that no two clients
Governments generally do a lot the EB-5 programme as a standalone individuals with investment migration are alike. Therefore, we design
of research prior to launching a bill in order for it to continue services. individual strategies according to the
citizenship by investment programme unchanged. Drawing upon the depth client’s profile and needs. We strive
in their countries. Instead of With many other pressing issues of practical experience and to operate within the confines of the
looking at the length of time the currently in Congress, it is possible knowledge accumulated over more investment in a creative, lateral and,
programme has been around, it’s that this bill will be overlooked, than two decades, we can offer when appropriate, innovative manner
important to look at factors such causing the programme to lapse. meaningful advice and benefits to to achieve the client’s objectives. We
as eligibility criteria, safety and If this happens, it could mean that businesspersons far beyond those believe in producing optimum results,
types of investments, ease of the programme will cease to exist available from traditional immigration rather than settling for acceptable
approvals, benefits of citizenship altogether. providers. solutions.Gulf News | Thursday, February 25, 2021
YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES 15
“Many countries have introduced plenty of positive changes during the pandemic”
■ Which countries in main parameters. Countries and their programmes are during the pandemic.
your opinion are the rising offering citizenship by faring better than others. I also hope several other
destinations for citizenship investment programmes, must countries, who are yet to
and residency by have a track record of providing ■ How do you see the launch citizenship or residence
investment programmes all required documents, industry evolving during programmes, will consider
and why? conducting necessary security the pandemic? invest-for-citizenship options
Demand for citizenship checks, and establishing the From lowering the to drive economic growth.
and residency by investment sources of funds invested investment requirement
programmes are determined in the nation. From the and initiating new options ■ Could you share some
by several factors such as applicant’s perspective, dedicated to Covid-19 to details on millennial
the application process, the programme must offer accepting scanned certified preferences for investment
convenience, safety of significant benefits and have documents from immigration migration?
the nation and its medical competitive processing cost consultants and allowing Millennials are primarily
TONY EBRAHEEM infrastructure. I, however, and reasonable time frame for investors to virtually take looking for three things before
FOUNDER AND LAWYER, always say that the completing the application the oath of citizenship, many investing in a programme:
111 IMMIGRATION relationship between the process. These are the keys countries have introduced mobility, lifestyle improvement
country and applicant has two that decide which countries plenty of positive changes and future security.
“Apply for special “No one should be limited by their citizenship”
programmes for skill-based the market. How does Guide ■ Please share a brief
Consultants help its clients history of the brand,
immigration to Canada” make the journey seamless? highlighting the group ethos
The crowded nature of the that drives its staff.
■ The immigration economic citizenship market can More than a decade ago,
process can be a potentially overwhelm clients I witnessed first-hand the
bit intimidating for who don’t know where to start. challenges generated by
many. How does The key for us is to simplify the mobility limitations. In 2016, I
Vazir Group help its process by understanding the established Guide Consultants
clients make the client’s needs. At Guide, there to respond to these global
journey seamless? is no one-size-fits-all approach challenges and safeguard the
With immigration to second citizenship. We are futures of families. At Guide
specialists in our keenly aware that each client is Consultants, we believe that no
offices in Canada, unique. What is consistent is our one should be limited by their
Dubai, and India, approach, which is grounded in citizenship.
we can assist every transparency. On a personal level, it is
individual in achieving deeply fulfilling to help people
their relocation goals MAHDI MOHAMMED ■ What are Guide’s key expand their horizons while
with personalised CEO, GUIDE CONSULTANTS programmes for residency advancing the economies of
VRINDA GUPTA
BRAND CUSTODIAN, end to end services, and citizenship by participating Caribbean nations.
VAZIR GROUP professional advice, ■ Deciding on the right investment? As a leading regional CBI agent,
and complete support citizenship programme can There are no key programmes. my team is motivated by our
throughout the immigration process for them and their be a bit tricky with so many It all depends on the individual’s commitment to uphold the
family. We provide highly professional services, as well options currently available in future goals and circumstances. highest industry standards.
as options for payment in instalments, the possibility to
pay using an escrow account and a refund.
■ Could you share some information on Canada’s
“Securing the family’s future is the top
immigration by investment programme,
highlighting how they can benefit prospective
priority for applicants”
applicants? securing their future is the services for non-regulated
We offer two immigration by investment programmes top priority for applicants. occupations, and assist in
for Canada. For example, the Entrepreneur PR Citizenship by investment obtaining required licences
Programme is based on providing an innovative business programmes for Grenada, which for regulated professions. We
idea according to the applicant’s experience and provides visa-free travel to more also help clients in getting
background. We support the applicant with a business than 140 destinations and E2 transitional jobs until they
plan, if required, and of course with all the immigration visa access to the US, along with become eligible to work in their
process. For any investor, running a business that St. Kitts and Nevis, Antigua and regulated professions.
generates income, no tax on global income, the right to Barbuda, Dominica, St. Lucia,
reside, work anywhere in Canada, and the possibility for Vanuatu and Montenegro, are in ■ Does WWICS offer any
a Canadian passport, are attractive benefits. demand. post landing services?
Global Placement Services
■ Could you share a few tips on how immigrants ■ Is it difficult to get a job in (GPS) is our associate company,
can succeed in Canada’s job market? ANWAR KARIM Canada after immigration? which exclusively deals with
Finding a job in Canada can be really challenging. VICE PRESIDENT, GLOBAL You first need to understand placement and settlement of
The best way to immigrate to Canada using your skills OPERATION, WWICS the Canadian recruitment our clients. It provides complete
is by applying for one of the special programmes. For structure as well the work assistance in settling our clients
example, all the skilled programmes at Vazir Group are ■ In the era of Covid-19, culture, as these are markedly in a new country, grooming them
based on a secured job in Canada. That means that we what destinations have been different from other countries for the job market, and finding
are the one finding the right job for the candidate and most in demand from Middle in the world. This requires suitable job opportunities for
taking care of all the immigration process until they get East clients? professional help, guidance and them after they land in the
the work permit or PR. Family comes first and support. We provide placement country.Thursday, February 25, 2021 | Gulf News Gulf News | Thursday, February 25, 2021
16 YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES 17
ADVERTISER’S CONTENT
TOP
INVESTMENT MIGRATION PROGRAMMES
15 COUNTRY
● UAE’s top immigration law firm Bayat Legal Services looks at some of the best
options for citizenship and residency by investment programmes
ANTIGUA & BARBUDA DOMINICA GRENADA MONTENEGRO SAINT LUCIA SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS NORTH MACEDONIA TURKEY
Benefits ● An independent Commonwealth ● Known as the Nature Isle of the ● Known as the Isle of Spice, the ● A country in southeast Europe, ● A picturesque island country ● This beautiful Caribbean dual-is- ● Located in southeast Europe, ● Located between Europe, Asia
state in the eastern Caribbean, Caribbean, this island nation is nation of Grenada, measuring 344 Montenegro is known for its stun- in the West Indies in the eastern land nation pioneered the concept North Macedonia offers citizenship and the Middle East, Turkey is a
these lush tropical islands have 365 located between Martinique and square kilometres, is composed ning landscapes. Caribbean Sea, St Lucia started of citizenship by investment, offer- through investments in nominated popular investment migration
beaches of clean turquoise waters. Guadeloupe. of three key islands — Grenada ● The Montenegro Economic offering economic citizenship to ing economic second passports to government approved funds. destination for UAE residents.
● A second passport from Anti- ● Dominica’s citizenship by invest- and its sister islands Carriacou and Citizenship Programme (MECP), foreigners investing in the country foreign investors since 1984. ● No minimum stay required ● No interview or travel is required
gua and Barbuda grants visa-free ment programme was introduced Petite Martinique. also known as Special Investment under certain criteria since 2015. ● It grants visa-free access to the ● This gives investors the opportu- during the application process.
access to the Schengen area, the in 1993 and is one of the world’s ● Grenadian economic citizens are Scheme, offers foreign and non-EU ● Its programme offers government European Schengen area, the UK, nity to become a citizen of a coun- ● Investors can expect to get Re-
CITIZE NS H IP
UK and Ireland, Brazil, Russia, longest-running economic citizen- also eligible to apply for the United nationals citizenship by admission bond investment option, which is Russia and Hong Kong. try in Europe in just four months turn on Investment (ROI) through
Ukraine, Hong Kong, and CARICOM ship schemes. States’ E-2 visa, as Grenada has the through a designated investment. not available in other Caribbean ● Applicants do not need to travel ● Easy to set up companies and renting out their real estate.
countries. ● It grants visa-free access to the investor visa treaty with the USA. ● Its citizenship programme grants CBI programmes. to the Caribbean nation during the businesses ● No mandatory wealth declaration
● No need to travel during the entire European Union, the UK and ● It offers lifetime citizenship✎ visa-free access to EU Schengen ● Favourable taxation with no application process. ● A growing European country with
application process and minimal Brazil. states, Russia, the UAE, Turkey and capital gains tax, no taxation on ● No wealth or income tax a strong economy
residency requirement ● It offers life-time citizenship Singapore. worldwide income, and no estate ● No mandatory residency in the
● Application can be processed or inheritance taxes country
between three and six months.
Minimum
$100,000 $100,000 $150,000 €100,000 $100,000 $150,000 €200,000 $250,000
investment
Dependent Investors can include their spouse, Investors can include children Investors can include dependents Investors can include family, Investors can include family, Family, including children under Investors can include family mem- The programme offers lifetime
visa children below the age of 28 and below 30 years old and parents or in their application, including spouse and children in their appli- spouse, children and parents, in the age of 30 and parents above 55 bers citizenship to investor’s dependent
parents or grandparents above 58 grandparents above the age of 55 spouse, children, single siblings cations. their applications. years old, can be included. family members.
years old years and parents without any age
restrictions
Visa-free
150 135 140 122 146 150 125 110
countries
COUNTRY PORTUGAL GREECE BULGARIA SPAIN USA UK CANADA
Benefits ● It is a member of the United ● Greece launched its Golden Visa ● The Republic of Bulgaria, an ● This European nation launched its ● Freedom to live, study, work and ● UK’s Tier 1 Immigration ● Entrepreneur visa is a good way
Nations, the European Union, the programme in 2013, allowing EU member state, launched Golden Visa programme in 2013. travel anywhere within the country programme offers investors and to immigrate to Canada.
Schengen area and the Council of foreign nationals a permanent its investment programme for ● Investors can get permanent ● EB–5 Immigrant Investor Visa entrepreneurs the right to live, ● Canada welcomes entrepreneurs
Europe (CoE). residency status in exchange of residence and citizenship in 2009. residency after residing in the programme is one of the most work and study in the UK. and innovative ideas.
● The Golden Visa programme investments in real estate. ● Investors get the chance to country for five years and after efficient way to obtain permanent ● An investor can qualify for ● Immigrate to Canada by
provides a sure route to ● Since 2019, Greek government become permanent residents in EU 10 years, they can attain full residency in the US. citizenship after six years. starting a business and creating
Portuguese and EU citizenship has started allowing other forms and become eligible to apply for citizenship. ● This programme grants investors ● Free medical care jobs or supporting innovative
after five years. of investments to qualify for the citizenship after five years. ● No mandatory stay is required in the opportunity to obtain the ● Right to travel within the entrepreneurship.
RE S IDE N C Y
● Only seven days of stay is Golden Visas, including purchase ● Process to complete residency the country. US citizenship after five years of Schengen area
required every year to maintain the of securities and bonds, bank takes between six and nine ● Process is very straightforward permanent residency.
residence. deposits or direct capital transfers. months. and government fees are low. Pej Mohyeddin
● The programme offers the ● It gives opportunities to study, ● Bulgaria has a free trade ● The applicant does not need to Managing Director
opportunity to live, study and work live and run business in EU environment and the lowest tax become a tax resident in Spain Bayat Legal Services
in EU member states. member states. rates in EU.
● Investor is eligible for Greek ● Citizenship can be transferred by
citizenship after seven years. descent regardless of age.
Minimum
investment €280,000 €250,000 BGN 1million €500,000 $900,000 £2 million CAD 250,000 To find out more on citizenship
and residency by investment
programmes, contact Bayat Legal
Dependent The programme offers full family The main applicant can include Investors can include family Golden visa will be issued for The programme includes the main Investors can sponsor family The programme includes spouse Services.
visa residency. their family members in the members in the application family members of the investor, applicant and family members, members, including spouse and and children under the age of 21. Contact details
application, including spouse, process including children up to 18 years including spouse and all unmarried children under the age of 18.
children and parents old children under 21 years old. 04 355 4646
050 624 4646
Visa-free
countries 142 130 169 175 184 184 184 Bayatgroup.comThursday, February 25, 2021 | Gulf News
18 YOUR GATEWAY TO OPPORTUNITIES
STUDY ABROAD
A route to permanent residency
Many countries, including Canada and Australia, offer international
●
students the options to stay and gain work experience after their studies and
later apply for permanent residency
B C S culture, expanding their net- including the UAE, opting for
Editor works, enhancing future career overseas education. Apart from
TAKE YOUR
C
prospects, and most importantly, quality teaching, Canada offers
ovid-19 has turned the
higher education sector
exploring opportunities for per-
manent residencies.
a healthy standard of living and
opportunities to work and study.
IELTS TEST FOR
upside down, yet a sig- “When choosing a study “Canada offers international OVERSEAS
nificant number of in-
ternational students is still will-
abroad destination, most stu-
dents look for countries that
students the options to stay af-
ter their courses and gain some
DEGREES
ing to pursue degrees abroad. give them a pathway and the op- work experience. The IRCC
A recent study by IDP Con- portunity to stay back and work provides a Post-Graduate Work
nect — a division of global edu- there and ultimately settle down Permit programme. Under this
cation specialists IDP Education in the country,” says Clint Khan, programme, international grad-
— highlighted the demand for Director, Y-Axis, a leading ca- uates can get an open work
international education in 2020 reer consultant and immigration permit, valid for three years.
remained strong. More than 77 firm in the UAE. “Based on these They can work for any employ-
per cent of international stu- criteria, top countries for inter- er during this period. This also
dents surveyed for the study national education are Canada, gives students the chance to
expressed their willingness to Australia, the UK, Germany and gain skilled work experience, Deep Adhikari
continue with their interna- Ireland.” which is crucial to the success of British Council
tional education goals, despite their PR visa application,” ex-
prolonged travel bans and global Get PR in Canada and plains Khan. The International English
lockdowns due to Covid-19. Australia Australia also offers the Grad- Language Testing System (IELTS)
Higher education institutes Offering an education of in- uate Temporary Visa (Subclass is the world’s most popular
globally have also noticed a sus- ternational excellence yet at a 485) for migrant students who English-language test for higher
tained rise in the number of in- competitive cost, Canada is one have studied for two years in education and global migration.
ternational enrolment for various of the most favoured destina- Australia. “They can live and This measures the language
degrees and courses in the past 12 tions for students worldwide, work here between 18 months proficiency of people who want
months. and four years. There are two to study or work where English
There are many reasons why streams for the Subclass 485 visa is used as the language of
study abroad programmes are in — graduate work and post-study communication.
high demand. For most students, work,” Khan says. “IELTS is the test of choice
the appeal for overseas educa- “With this visa, graduates can for students planning to pursue
tion is likely to be a combination decide to stay and work in Aus- higher education abroad and
of gaining a globally-recognised tralia and apply for job opportu- within the UAE for many reasons.
qualification, experiencing a new nities. Students can later apply IELTS scores are accepted in
for a permanent resident more than 10,000 institutions
visa provided they meet across the world for admissions
the points requirements and it is accepted in more
and eligibility criteria.” countries than any other English
Syed Jafar Sadiq, General language proficiency test,” says
Manager, Cosmos Immigration, Deep Adhikari, Director Exams
advises students to consider var- Gulf South Cluster at the British
ious factors before deciding on a Council, which administers
country to complete their higher the test in the UAE and offers
studies. courses in the English language
“Counselling session with the that are designed to improve
right education specialist is an communication skills and
important aspect to consider as develop intercultural fluency.
it helps students to understand “The British Council has tests
the courses and streams that are almost daily, giving test takers
in demand for future employ- the choice of convenient dates,
ment opportunities. One should time and locations to take their
also look for the standard of liv- IELTS test. The British Council
ing of the country where they also provides test takers with
wish to study, along with pos- a plethora of resources to help
sible job opportunities during them achieve their goals.”
and after the completion of the
programmes.” ■You can also read
