The Covid-19 pandemic has unexpectedly upended the lives and livelihoods of families around the world. However, this has also given people the chance to reconsider their future – and for an increasing number this has meant looking at immigration opportunities abroad for a better life.
Applications for investment-based as well as skilled-based migration have gained traction in the wake of the pandemic. The current global estimate is that there were around 281 million international migrants in the world in 2020, which equates to 3.6 per cent of the global population, according to International Organization for Migration (IOM).
The unprecedented trend of lockdowns and related travel restrictions and the suspension of temporary visas by several countries during the pandemic have forced many high-net-worth-individuals (HNWI) to explore options for residency and second citizenship to ensure security and global mobility for them as well as their families.
The investment migration market alone, which was estimated at $21.4 billion (Dh78.59 billion) in 2019, is projected to reach $100 billion in revenue by 2025, if the 23 per cent growth rate persists, according to Investment Migration Insider, a knowledge platform for the sector.
Demand for overseas education has also remained upbeat amid Covid-19, with many students exploring this as a pathway to obtain 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 and citizenship.
Gulf News Immigration and Citizenship Exhibition (GNICE), which runs from November 18-20 at Crowne Plaza Dubai, aims to bring all stakeholders, including immigration lawyers, industry experts, spokespersons of leading nations offering citizenship and residency by investments programes, career counsellors, and leading language testing professionals in one platform to empower prospective immigrants make the right decisions for their future.
What more? This edition will incorporate a series of insightful panel discussions, workshops and one-on-on sessions on immigration trends, effective ways to access residence- and/or citizenship-by-investment programmes, strength of premium passports, real estate investments for second passports, and study abroad opportunities.
Register now on Gnicexpo.com and gain access to experienced consultants for all your immigration needs.
