Top 3 countries for immigration post COVID-19

Life as we knew it will probably never be the same again. There is indeed much to be done in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. With a lessening in the rate of coronavirus infections across the world, it is indeed time to plan for the future that lies ahead.

The economic impact of the COVID-19 pandemic is expected to be felt for the coming months as well. As we gradually inch our way back to normalcy, let us take the time to assess the best countries for migration after COVID-19.

The Top 3 countries that we have here offer the best in opportunities for making a new beginning. These countries also have been known to be the ideal places for migrants to enjoy a stable and high quality of life with their families.

Canada

Garnering much appreciation for its response to the emergency situation due to coronavirus, Canada did not compromise on its stance towards immigration even amid COVID-19. With a welcoming policy towards all migrants, Canada is the most preferred destination for immigration for Indians.

In 2019, Indians got the most number of Canada permanent resident visas.

As part of its Immigration Levels Plan, 2020-2022 announced on March 12 – a week before the enforcement of the COVID-19 special measures on March 18 – Canada plans on inviting 341,000 immigrants in 2020.

While another 351,000 are to be given Canada PR visas in 2021, the target for 2022 stands at 361,000. Nevertheless, the Immigration Levels Plan 2020-2022 has left scope for the immigration target for 2022 to be increased to 390,000.

Despite COVID-19, it has been business as usual for Canada immigration. Regular draws, both federal as well as provincial, continue to be held. While the most recently held federal draw – Express Entry Draw #148 was held on May 15, the province of British Columbia invited 133 in the latest Tech Pilot draw held on May 26.

Moreover, certain relaxations and flexibility are being given to Canada PR applicants in view of the service restrictions and limitations worldwide due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada [IRCC] is giving more time for the submission of applications. Incomplete applications are also being accepted during this period.

It is believed that immigration will help Canada recover from COVID-19.

Australia

The Land Down Under is also one of the most preferred destinations for Indians that are looking to migrate overseas in 2020. Each year, many Indians take up Australian permanent residency.

As per statistics, India was the third-largest source country of migrants to Australia in 2018-19.

An individual can become a permanent resident of Australia by applying for and being granted one of the Australian permanent visas that let them stay in the country for an indefinite period. The most commonly applied for permanent visas for Australia are skilled migration visas and family visas.

There are many benefits of getting Australian permanent residency. An Australian PR can remain in Australia indefinitely, working and studying anywhere in the country. They are also entitled to Medicare, the national health scheme of Australia. Additionally, an Australian PR can sponsor their eligible relatives for permanent residence in Australia.

Another perk of getting an Australian PR is that the individual can work in New Zealand.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government has come up with various measures for the benefit of Australians – permanent residents as well as citizens.  Through the JobKeeper initiative, the Australian Government is providing a “historic wage subsidy” to about 6 million workers in Australia. These will be receiving a flat payment of AUD 1,500 a fortnight through their employer.

As per the Australian Taxation Office, eligible employees for the Jobkeeper payments are those workers that were an Australian resident as on March 1, 2020, within the meaning of the Social Security Act 1991, requiring that they “reside in Australia, and are one of an Australian citizen, the holder of a permanent visa, or a Protected Special Category Visa Holder.”

Germany

There is a great demand for skilled workers – physicians, nursing professionals, engineers, scientists, and IT specialists – in Germany.

With the Skilled Immigration Act coming into force on March 1, 2020, it has become much easier for overseas-born workers to find employment in Germany.

A new law expanding the possibilities for qualified professionals to come to work in the country, Germany’s Skilled Immigration Act makes it easier for skilled workers with non-academic, vocational training from non-EU nations to migrate to Germany for work overseas.

While the previous conditions for qualified foreign workers with university degrees will remain in place, there has been some relaxation of the rules applicable to them.

With the Skilled Immigration Act making it easier for qualified professionals from non-EU countries to work in Germany, the country finds its place among the Top 3 countries for migrants.

Germany has granted relaxations to foreigners in view of the COVID-19 special measures. Those with their residence permits expiring can submit an application for renewal informally – that is, through the post, via email, online, or by telephone.

Those working in Germany on the EU Blue Card and receiving short-time work benefits will have no negative impact on their existing residence permit. The validity of their employment contract will remain once the COVID-19 restrictions are lifted by Germany.

The temporary exception has also been made to the requirement that an individual in Germany on a Job Seeker Visa leave the country as soon as their visa expires if they have not found a job by that time. Skilled professionals in Germany on a Job Seeker Visa that have reached their legal maximum duration of stay after March 16, 2020 and are unable to leave the country might submit an application for an extension of duration. The application can be made informally – by telephone, online, through the post, or via email.

Emergency situations like the COVID-19 pandemic do test the mettle of the best of us. It is in situations like these that countries that have come to the timely aid and assistance of foreigners on their land will be remembered for a long time to come.

It is primarily for their accommodating policies towards migrants even during the COVID-19 pandemic that countries like Canada, Australia and Germany have towered over the rest.

While the COVID-19 pandemic might have probably affected everyone on a global scale, it is nonetheless something that is transient. The future, though uncertain at the moment, does hold hope for the hopeful.

If you are looking to Study, Work, Visit, Invest or Migrate to Canada, talk to Y-Axis, the World’s No.1 Immigration & Visa Company.

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