Let us face the facts – we are all waiting for the day we can take of the facemasks once and for all. The day when we will be able to travel around freely while enjoying all the outdoor and indoor amenities. COVID-19 pandemic has changed the world, there is no doubt about it. As we solemnly believe the end to that is getting closer, imminent changes are happening all around us. Current studies shed some light on how the pandemic will affect global migration. We want you to take a look at a few interesting predictions and facts.
COVID-19 DAILY CASES (AS OF MID-APRIL 2021)
Immigration around the world has already been affected by how quickly COVID-19 is spreading. As of late spring 2020, most countries locked themselves away, not allowing foreigners to come. The situation in Q2, 2020, was very dangerous and surprising for many people.
Travel restrictions were a crucial problem throughout 2020. Between March 11, 2020 (the day WHO declared the pandemic) and February 22, 2021, some 105 thousand travel restrictions took place around the globe. Many of the local restrictions were implemented by governments based on the number of daily coronavirus cases.
As of mid-April 2021, many countries are still working their way through the third wave of COVID-19. Fortunately, the global number of daily cases is slowly decreasing. In the meantime, there are already a few different vaccines in use, successfully lowering the risk of becoming sick. Thus, we can only hope for a better future.
Fig. 1. Global daily cases of COVID 19. Source: COVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
Then, if we look at some particular countries, we can see how the incidence rate slows down. This results in far fewer daily cases, particularly in countries with a warmer climate. We took a look at Portugal, which is one of the most beloved immigration destinations.
Fig. 2. Portugal daily cases of COVID-19. Source: COVID-19 Dashboard by the Center for Systems Science and Engineering (CSSE) at Johns Hopkins University (JHU)
The Portuguese vaccination program seems to be doing pretty well. This might be crucial in the case of reopening the whole country. Nevertheless, travel and migration depend on how other states administer their vaccines. Right now Israel, the UAE, and the UK are in the lead with how fast residents are receiving their jabs.
COVID-19 IN CANADA – IS IMMIGRATION ALLOWED?
Unfortunately, the pandemic has reached almost all the world’s corners. The increasing number of daily cases, slower vaccination programs, and government concerns have resulted in travel restrictions in many countries around the globe. As of February 21, 2021, there are new requirements for travel to Canada.
Are you looking for possibilities to immigrate to Canada? If you have not yet applied for any immigration program, there is no need to worry. Even though reviewing and processing applications may be affected by COVID-19, Canada is still open for new migrants. Yet, the government is now focusing on priority applications. These include Canadians and permanent residents who are coming back to the country. Also, work permits for all performing and supporting essential services are considered a priority.
All Express Entry applicants due to the COVID-19 pandemic have 90 days to submit their application. This period starts on the day you receive your invitation to apply.
When flying to Canada, all travelers need to meet the new Canadian requirements for testing and quarantine. As of mid-April, nobody is excluded from quarantine for a minimum period of 14 days. Being vaccinated, testing negative, or having recovered from COVID-19 does not exclude you from self-isolation in Canada.
As far as coronavirus tests are concerned, you must take one within 72 hours before your arrival. The important notice states that it cannot be an antigen test but one of the kinds supported by the Canadian government. You also need to keep the proof of your negative test for the next 14 days of mandatory quarantine.
ARRIVECAN – OBLIGATORY APP FOR TRAVEL TO CANADA
If there is one thing that we believe might stay with us long after the pandemic is increased control. Many countries have prepared official government mobile applications regarding the current COVID-19 status. However, there are also cases, when installing and using such an app is obligatory. Before entering Canada, you need to download the ArriveCAN app.
The Canadian official COVID-19 mobile app is where you need to submit all the necessary information regarding your immigration. It is mandatory to provide travel and contact information. You will have to fill out a self-assessment of any COVID-19 symptoms you have or might have had. Moreover, the app requires you to present your 14-days quarantine plan.
After filling out all the forms in the ArriveCAN app, you must bring an electronic or paper receipt. You will have to show it to the border services once you arrive in Canada.
POST-PANDEMIC WORLD. IMMIGRATION PREDICTIONS
The global coronavirus outbreak and pandemic caused a stir in global migration. Amidst the current situation, the trends in travel and relocation will surely change in the years to come. Right now labor migration sees a slowdown (with a few exemptions, including doctors, nurses, and scientists). Nonetheless, we might see a big change later in 2021. As soon as more people get vaccinated against COVID-19, the global migration movement may start increasing again.
Having stated that, we solemnly believe in the future of immigration. Studying the current situation in the most prominent migration destinations, we want to respond to an ever-increasing demand for skilled workers. By the look of Canada’s Immigration Levels Plan 2021-2023, we see how professionals are welcome even despite the ongoing pandemic.
Thus, it does bring a lot of optimism for the nearest future, as 2021 can be the turning point. Vazir Group’s consultants are ready to aid you with your migration and relocation plans. We keep on scanning and analyzing the current pandemic situation to bring you the freshest news on immigration. Feel free to contact us if you are considering applying for any of our immigration plans.
