Author: Niu Ltd

As of tomorrow, 1 May 2018, EU citizens living or travelling outside the European Union will be able to better benefit from consular protection in case of need, when their EU Member State of origin is not represented in the non-EU country they are staying in. The updated rules allow EU citizens in distress in a non-EU country to get assistance from any EU embassy or consulate. The rules entering into force tomorrow also specify how Member States should cooperate on common contingency plans so that unrepresented EU citizens get protection in the event of a crisis or a natural disaster. Commissioner Vĕra Jourová, Commissioner for Justice, Consumers and Gender Equality, said: “Almost 7 million EU citizens travel or live outside the EU in countries where their own Member State does not have an embassy or consulate. As of tomorrow we ensure that all EU citizens are treated equally when they need urgent assistance outside of our Union. The new rules reinforce citizens’ rights and are a strong sign of European solidarity.” Besides assistance in times of crisis, EU citizens can also benefit from requesting consular protection in case of serious illness, when being victim of a crime, when arrested or in cases of passport loss or theft when abroad. Requests for emergency travel documents represent more than 60% of all cases of consular assistance to unrepresented citizens. The Commission will work closely with those Member States who have not finalised transposition yet to make sure the important new rules are implemented swiftly. More information can be found here. (For more information:Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253; Mélanie Voin – Tel.: +32 229 58659)

 

La politique de cohésion investit pour un meilleur réseau de transport urbain à Palerme

29,6 millions d’euros du Fonds européen de développement régional (FEDER) sont investis pour achever les travaux de modernisation sur la ligne de chemin de fer reliant la gare de Palerme-Centrale à la gare de Notarbartolo, dans la zone métropolitaine de Palerme, capitale de la région italienne de la Sicile. Cette section est située sur la rocade ferroviaire de Palerme, nœud clef de transport dans la région, qui s’inscrit dans l’axe Berlin-Rome-Palerme sur le réseau transeuropéen de transport global (RTE-T). La Commissaire à la politique régionale Corina Creţu a déclaré: “Les premiers bénéficiaires de cette ligne seront ceux qui travaillent et étudient dans la région de Palerme et qui verront leur temps de trajet diminuer. Mais tous les habitants de la région, ainsi que les touristes, bénéficieront d’une meilleure qualité de l’air grâce à ce projet qui promeut une mobilité propre en Sicile.” Ce paquet d’investissement financera notamment la construction de tunnels et de stations. Les travaux devraient être achevés à la fin de 2019. (Pour plus d’informations: Johannes Bahrke – Tel.: +32 229 58615; Sophie Dupin de Saint-Cyr – Tel.: +32 229 56169)

 

Pensions in the EU: report recognises efforts of Member States to ensure adequate pensions, but more needs to be done

The 2018 Pensions Adequacy Report, published today, analyses how current and future pensions help prevent old-age poverty and maintain the income of men and women for the duration of their retirement. It underlines that Member States pay more and more attention to sustainable, adequate pensions in their reforms, but further measures will be needed in the future. Marianne Thyssen, Commissioner for Employment, Social Affairs, Skills and Labour Mobility commented: “Every retired person has the right to live in dignity. This is a key principle of the European Pillar of Social Rights. Adequate pensions are essential in preventing poverty and social exclusion among older people in Europe, especially women. And we need to make that sure that people in non-standard work or self-employment are not left out. Our priority must to be to pursue ongoing reforms that encourage adequate pensions for everyone.” To ensure the adequacy and sustainability of current and future pensions, pension systems need to promote longer working lives, in accordance with continuously increasing life expectancy. Member States should also take further steps to close the gender gap in pensions, by putting in place equal opportunity policies targeted at women and men of working age, for instance, promoting the work-life balance and equal distribution of caring responsibilities, addressing labour market participation, work intensity and career breaks. The Commission aims at supporting Member States in these efforts, for instance with its proposal to create a better balance between private life and professional career for working parents and carers. Finally, it is also important to continue to extend pension coverage to people in non-standard or self-employment, and to promote supplementary pension saving. In this vein, the Commission has recently put forward a proposal for a Recommendation on access to social protection. More information on the conclusions of the report can be found in this press release. (For more information:Christian Wigand– Tel.: +32 229 62253;Sara Soumillion – Tel.: + 32 229 67094)

 

EU response to drugs: Commission to ban two new psychoactive substances

Today, the European Commission has proposed to ban two new psychoactive substances (NPS) – cycloproplyfentanyl and methoxyacetylfentanyl – across the European Union. These strong synthetic opioids can cause severe harm to health, sometimes resulting in death, and pose a growing threat to European citizens. Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulossaid: “We have taken quick and decisive steps to stop illicit drugs from spreading across Europe – in 2017 we have proposed to ban 16 new psychoactive substances and put in place stronger EU-wide rules. Today, we are following up on the efforts to better protect Europeans from dangerous drugs and propose to ban two new, potentially life-threatening, substances. We need to stay vigilant, continue our work and monitor the situation closely – in the coming weeks we will present a report with the main drug use trends in the EU.” According to the European Monitoring Centre for Drugs and Drug Addiction (EMCDDA), cycloproplyfentanyl and methoxyacetylfentanyl are associated with a total of 90 deaths so far across the EU and a number of acute intoxications. The substances are sold online in small and wholesale amounts as “research chemicals” or as “legal” replacements of illicit opioids. The Commission’s proposal will now be discussed by the Member States in the Council, which, in consultation with the European Parliament, will decide whether to adopt the measures. More information on the trends in the drug use in Europe is available online in EU Drug Report 2017. (For more information: Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tove Ernst – Tel.: +32 229 86764; Katarzyna Kolanko – Tel.: +32 229 63444)

 

Mergers: Commission clears acquisition of parts of Bayer’s Crop Science business by BASF, subject to conditions

The European Commission has conditionally approved under the EU Merger Regulation the acquisition of parts of Bayer’s Crop Science business by BASF. Today’s decision follows the Commission’s conditional clearance in March 2018of Bayer’s planned acquisition of Monsanto. Bayer committed to divest an extensive remedy package worth well over €6 billion (the “Bayer Divestment Business”) to address the competition concerns on overlaps between Bayer and Monsanto in seeds, pesticides and digital agriculture. Since BASF does not currently sell seeds or non-selective herbicides and has only recently started to develop a limited offering in digital agriculture, the Commission did not identify competition concerns with most parts of the transaction. However, the Commission had concerns that the transaction would have reduced innovation competition in the European Economic Area for the development of certain non-selective herbicides as well as potential competition for the production of nematicidal seed treatments. The Commission found that the proposed commitments fully address the overlaps between the Bayer Divestment Business and BASF in the innovation areas and in the markets where the Commission had identified competition concerns. The Commission therefore concluded that the proposed transaction, as modified by the commitments, would no longer raise competition concerns. As regards Bayer’s planned acquisition of Monsanto, the Commission’s March 2018 decision requires Bayer to sell the Bayer Divestment Business to a suitable purchaser. The decision adopted today does not prejudge the outcome of that separate assessment. The press release is available online in EN, FR, DE. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Yizhou Ren – Tel.: +32 229 94889)

 

Mergers: Commission approves acquisition of Mefro Wheels by Accuride, subject to conditions

The European Commission has approved, under the EU Merger Regulation, the acquisition of steel wheels manufacturer Mefro Wheels by its competitor Accuride. The decision is conditional on the divestment of Accuride’s European business Gianetti Ruote.Accuride and Mefro Wheels are both components suppliers for the automotive industry, in particular of steel wheels for buses, trucks and trailers. The Commission’s investigation confirmed that the proposed transaction, as originally notified, raised the following competition concerns: i) Accuride and Mefro Wheels would have a combined market share of more than 60%, and only one other supplier, Maxion, would remain in the market to compete with the merged entity; and ii) suppliers not currently present in Europe do not exert sufficient competitive constraint and are not expected to become a significant competitive force in the near future. To address the Commission’s concerns, Accuride offered to divest its European business Gianetti Ruote, an Italian company, to a suitable buyer. The proposed remedy maintains the competitive landscape existing before the transaction, with three independent suppliers of steel wheels for buses and trucks. Therefore, the Commission concluded that the proposed transaction, as modified by the commitments, would no longer raise competition concerns. The decision is conditional upon full compliance with the commitments. A full press release is available in EN, FR, DE. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

 

State aid: Commission approves seventh prolongation of Irish credit union restructuring scheme

The European Commission has found the prolongation until 31 October 2018 of an Irish scheme aimed at restructuring credit unions, to be in line with EU State aid rules, and in particular the 2013 Banking Communication. The objective of the scheme is to underpin the stability and long-term viability of credit unions and the credit union sector in Ireland at large. Restructuring involves merging weaker and stronger credit unions, providing, if necessary, a capital injection to make up any shortfall in the capital reserve requirements of the merged credit union. Stabilisation involves assisting fundamentally viable credit unions that have temporarily slipped below the regulatory reserve requirements. The Commission found that the measure ensures that the beneficiaries become viable in the long-term through restructuring or merging with sound credit unions, and that they contribute to the cost of restructuring. Moreover, the impact on competition is limited because credit unions are small and do business only with members. The Commission initially authorised the scheme in October 2014. It was subsequently prolonged six times, the last time in October 2017. Until now, the Irish authorities have managed to restructure credit unions without granting any aid under this scheme. More information will be available on the Commission’s competition website, in the public case register under the reference SA.50692. (For more information: Ricardo Cardoso – Tel.: +32 229 80100; Maria Sarantopoulou – Tel.: +32 229 13740)

 

Customs: New agreement between EU and New Zealand to create a more secure and trade-friendly environment

A new customs agreement between the EU and New Zealand will officially enter into force tomorrow (1 May). The agreement will enable both partners to work together to prevent, investigate and combat breaches of customs rules. It paves the way for more cooperation on customs security and a safer, trade-friendly environment for businesses and consumers alike. Total trade between the EU and New Zealand in goods amounted to €8.4 billion in 2017 and trade in commercial services amounted to a further €4.4 billion in 2016. The entry into force of the agreement this week follows its signature in July 2017. More information is available on the DG TAXUD website and the full text of the new agreement is available here. (For more information: Vanessa Mock – Tel.: +32 229 56194; Patrick McCullough – Tel.: + 32 229 87183)

 

STATEMENTS

 

Statement by Commissioner Thyssen ahead of International Workers’ Day

“Every year on 1 May, people all over the world celebrate International Workers’ Day, also known as Labour Day. What began as a yearly strike movement has developed into a public holiday celebrating social achievements for workers. […] But Labour Day is not only about celebrating achievements. It also serves as a reminder that a well-functioning social market economy is not a given and the rules need to be updated, in light of continuously changing technologies that impact our economies and societies. […] In November 2017, the first Social Summit in 20 years took place in Gothenburg. There, the European Parliament, the Member States and the European Commission proclaimed the European Pillar of Social Rights, a series of 20 principles and rights supporting opportunities for people to have access to training, education and lifelong learning; good working conditions and effective welfare systems. Now it is time to make sure these principles and rights become a reality on the ground. […] Delivering on the Pillar and its principles is a joint effort. We need everyone on board: Our Member States, the European Parliament, social partners, and last but not least civil society. I look forward to working with all of them to make sure that in the coming years, we can make clear that economic and social progress reinforce each other and that we have a reason to celebrate International Worker’s Day.” The full statement is available here. (For more information: Christian Wigand – Tel.: +32 229 62253; Sara Soumillion – Tel.: +32 229 67094)

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS

 

High Representative/Vice-President Federica Mogherini to attend a meeting of the Libya Quartet in Cairo

Today, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy/Vice-President of the European Commission, Federica Mogherini, participates in the fourth meeting of the Libya Quartet, the group that brings together the League of Arab States, the African Union, the United Nations and the European Union. The meeting is hosted by the League of Arab States in Cairo. The aim of the Libya Quartet is to support UN mediation and regional efforts and to accompany the process of the political transition in Libya, in full respect of Libyan ownership. Today, the Libya Quartet will discuss progress in the UN mediation efforts, led by UN Secretary General Special Representative Ghassan Salamé, and explore ways in which these key regional groupings can keep supporting this work. A joint press conference will take place after the plenary meeting at 19.30 CET, available on EbS. (For more information: Maja Kocijancic – Tel.: +32 229 86570; Lauranne Devillé – Tel.: +32 229 80833)

 

Commissioner Avramopoulos in Marrakesh for the Fifth Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development

Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship Dimitris Avramopoulos will tomorrow participate in the Fifth Euro-African Ministerial Conference on Migration and Development in Marrakesh, Morocco. Government representatives of 58 European and African countries are expected to attend the Conference. Discussions will focus on strengthening cooperation in the fields of migration and development, including the prevention of irregular migration and strengthening of legal pathways. The Conference forms part of the Rabat Process, a platform aimed at facilitating exchange and cooperation between partner countries on the migration route in North, West and Central Africa and Europe. The Conference will be followed by a press conference at 18:30 (CET) which will be available on EbS. (For more information: Natasha Bertaud – Tel.: +32 229 67456; Tove Ernst – Tel.: +32 229 86764; Markus Lammert – Tel.: +32 229 58602)

 

Commissioner Stylianides tours Germany to discuss rescEU, the EU’s comprehensive plan to strengthen its emergency response to disasters

Today Commissioner for Humanitarian Aid and Crisis Management Christos Stylianides makes his first stop in Munich to meet with Interior Minister of Bavaria, Mr Joachim Herrmann and the President of the Bavarian Parliament, Ms Barbara Stamm. The Commissioner continues his tour to Berlin on Thursday this week to meet Federal Minister of Interior, Mr Horst Seehofer. On this occasion, Commissioner Stylianides will take the chance to discuss rescEU – the Commission proposal to strengthen the European Union’s ability to deal with disasters when Member States own capacities are overwhelmed. The proposal put forward by the European Commission in November 2017 foresees to upgrade the existing European Civil Protection Mechanism to address natural hazards, such as floods, forest fires, earthquakes and epidemics, more effectively in Europe. The proposal also foresees stepping up disaster prevention and preparedness capacities and to simplify administrative procedures to reduce the time needed to deploy life-saving assistance. (For more information: Carlos Martin Ruiz de Gordejuela – Tel.: +32 229 65322; Daniel Puglisi – Tel.: +32 229 69140)

 

Commissioner Gabriel in Luxembourg to join Citizens’ Dialogue
On Wednesday, Commissioner for the Digital Economy and SocietyMariya Gabriel will participate in a Citizens’ Dialogue in Luxembourg to talk about the Digital Single Market. Starting at 15:00 (CEST), the Commissioner together with the Prime Minister of Luxembourg, Xavier Bettel, will address topics related to the digital sector in Luxembourg and Europe, including the end ofunjustified geo-blocking,strengthening EU’s cybersecurity and the recently proposed new rules for fairer and more transparent platforms-to-business trading practices, among others.

 

Source: europa.eu

 

The situation

The Jobcentre Plus Universal Jobmatch website (UJM), used by employers to advertise for Tier 2 General applications where a Resident Labour Market Test is required will be replaced by a new website, called Find a Job, on May 14, 2018.

A closer look

• Transition to new system. Existing UJM accounts will be available until June 17, 2018, but not beyond this date.  Advertisements, resumes or applicant information saved within a current UJM account will be lost after June 17.
  • Impact.
    • Employers will need to create an account on the Find a Job site to publish advertisements after May 17, and employees will need to register to be able to view their account information. It is not currently possible to create a Find a Job account, but employers and employees should try to create one after May 14.
    • Verified employers will have their employer account details automatically transferred to the new site (however, no advertisements will transfer over). Employers will need to check whether they are a verified employer by calling UJM prior to May 14.

 

• Pending advertisements. Advertisements can be posted on the UJM system until May 17 (including on that day) and will remain live on the UJM website until their expiry date. Advertisements on the UJM system with expiry dates beyond June 17, 2018 will need to be posted on the Find a Job system once registration opens.

 

Background

UK Visas and Immigration plans to update the Immigration Rules and guidance in relation to the UJM closure in June. In the meantime, all references to UJM should be interpreted as including its successor, Find a Job.

Looking ahead

UJM will email existing users regarding the closure with an explanation as how to save any information currently on the site.

 

Source: fragomen.com

Most citizens are proud of the country they are from but a new survey measuring quality of life and opportunity has revealed which nationalities are the best – and worst – in the world. (Of course, what it doesn’t mean is that the people themselves from top-ranking countries are superior.)

The Quality of Nationality Index (QNI) from global citizenship and residence advisory firm Henley & Partners has placed France in pole position with a score of 81.7 per cent, marginally ahead of Germany, which was knocked off the top spot for the first time in seven years, with a score of 81.6 per cent. Apparently, France has a “comparative advantage because its citizens enjoy greater Settlement Freedom as a result of its former colonial empire”.

The UK, meanwhile, has dropped to 13th place, failing to secure a spot in the top ten, while the US climbed just two positions to 27th place. According to the report, the US’s poor performance is “primarily due to its low Settlement Freedom compared to EU member states”. It has still done better than New Zealand, though, in 31st place, Australia in 32nd and Canada in 33rd.

Dimitry Kochenov, a leading constitutional and citizenship law professor and co-creator of the Index, says the QNI’s combined methodology produces a clear and objective account of what our nationalities can do for us within the borders of our home country and of where they can take us abroad.

He says: “Using a sophisticated combination of quantifiable data derived from leading international institutions and experts, including the United Nations, the World Ban and the International Air Transport Association, the QNI measures the ‘internal value’ of nationality, which refers to the quality of life and opportunities for personal growth within our country of origin, as well as the ‘external value’ of nationality, which identifies the diversity and quality of opportunities that our nationality allows us to pursue outside our country of origin.”

Further down the index, China has climbed two places to 59th position, while Russia remains in 63rd place. This year, the UAE overtook Israel for the first time ever, now ranking 46th, with Israel in 48th position. The Emirati nationality has jumped 13 places over the past five years, making a significant leap when its holders secured visa-free travel access to the Schengen Area.

Christian H. Kälin, co-creator of the QNI and group chairman of Henley & Partners, says: “The QNI proves that some nationalities and passports are radically better than others, and that the quality of our nationality has a direct impact on our opportunities and on our freedom to travel, do business, and live longer, healthier, and more rewarding lives.”

He adds: “For those who are not part of globally integrated citizenships such as France and Germany, investment migration can provide an alternative path to freedom, removing this highly irrational ceiling for our opportunities and aspirations. The appeal of residence and citizenship programs is growing rapidly, with more than 60 different programs in 57 countries to choose from.”

Among the worst nationalities in the world are Somalia, Afghanistan, Iraq and South Sudan.

The World’s Top Ten Nationalities

1. France

2. Germany

3. Iceland

4. Denmark

5. Netherlands

6. Norway

7. Denmark

8= Finland

8= Italy

9= Ireland

9= Switzerland

10. Austria

 

Source: forbes.com

The outcome of Brexit negotiations could have a significant impact on the quality of the British nationality, new research suggests.

Brexit will create new and significant problems for British citizens trying to travel, work or settle abroad, and a “hard Brexit” will overwhelmingly impairing the quality of the British nationality, according to an authoritative new study. “There will be fewer rights for British citizens all around the world,” says Prof Dr Dimitry Kochenov, chair in EU Constitutional Law, Department of European and Economic Law, and co-author of an authoritative new study into the benefits of nationality. “The new blue British passport will mean pain for British citizens. The Irish passport will become much more desirable.”

The Quality of Nationality Index

Launching the Henley & Partners – Kochenov Quality of Nationality Index (QNI), a study of international citizenship which ranks the objective value of world nationalities, Prof Kochenov said that in the Brexit talks, the margin for manoeuvre on immigration was “minute”. “The Customs Union does not necessarily imply the free movement of persons,” he explained. Without the freedom to live and work within the European Union, people with a UK nationality will have more in common with the citizens of Chile, Argentina and Canada, all of whom live in countries which have limited reciprocal travel, work and settlement rights around the globe, he added.“Only a fraction of the world enjoys the benefits of a good nationality,” he said. “Pre-Brexit, the UK is a world leader in satisfying its citizens. There is a discrepancy between the potential of your state and the nationality it gives you.” He cited as evidence the wide range of states where UK nationals were welcome to work and settle without hindrance or barriers – a situation which would not be the case after May 2019 when Britain leaves the EU. A ‘hard Brexit’ would see the UK losing its settlement and work rights in 30 of the world’s leading states, overwhelmingly impairing the quality of its nationality. But it could also increase tension and competition between the UK and the rest of Europe and potentially destabilise the nationalities of EU member states that had hitherto enjoyed close ties to the UK, the study claims.“The latest results from the QNI seem to anticipate this lose–lose scenario,” says Prof Kochenov. “Both the value of European nationality overall and the value of UK nationality in particular are in gradual decline, especially in relation to faster-growing economies such as China, the UAE, and the US, whose nationalities continue to increase in value each year.”It would be some time before emerging economies replaced Europe as the most desirable nationality, he said.“Europe remains the undisputed global leader in terms of nationality quality, and emerging economies would need an entire century of unchecked success to unseat it from this position. Accordingly, any loss will be felt much more acutely by an increasingly isolated Britain in the case of a hard Brexit.”

The QNI study, now in its third year, looks at two groups of factors when assessing the quality of nationality and the benefits of holding a passport from a particular state. These are internal factors, such as the scale of the economy, human development, and peace and stability, and external ones, which include visa-free travel and the ability to settle and work abroad. The co-founders of the index, Prof Kochenov and Dr Christian Kälin, analysed data and weighed both the quality and diversity of destinations when drawing up rankings. Access to important trading blocs such as the US and EU was ranked higher than pure geographical size or number of countries available for citizens to settle in.As a result, the third edition, updated with 2017 data, provides a detailed analysis of contemporary trends in citizenship and migration regulation worldwide.

What does it mean to have a good nationality?

Prof Dr Dimitry Kochenov is an expert in citizenship, nationality and immigration law. He is Chair of EU Constitutional Law at Groningen University in the Netherlands and also chairs the Investment Migration Council, a global association of investment migration professionals. His assessment of the post-Brexit landscape is a gloomy one. At present, access to Europe makes being British a high quality nationality. “Nationalities are of drastically different values,” he said. “Doing the same job in Switzerland or the Congo has a difference of 9,000 per cent. Nationality determines how much you can reach beyond the boundaries of your state, and affects your prospects in life.”The QNI looks beyond simple visa-free tourist or business travel and takes a number of other crucial factors into account – those that make one nationality a better legal status through which to develop your talents and business than another. “It is no secret that our nationalities have a direct impact on our lifestyles and on our freedom to think independently, do business, and live longer, healthier and more rewarding lives,” he said. “Having a substandard nationality is thus a significant liability, with long-lasting implications for the whole life-project of the holder.”

Quality of Nationality in Europe

The United Kingdom is currently classed as providing an extremely high quality nationality, ranking 13th in the world and below France, Germany and Iceland in first, second and third places respectively. It has dropped one place since last year, and is down from number 5 in the whole world in 2011.The French nationality earned a score of 81.7 per cent out of a possible 100 per cent, fractionally ahead of Germany, which was knocked off the top spot for the first time in seven years, with a score of 81.6 per cent. While the difference between France’s and Germany’s results is relatively small, France’s comparative advantage lies in its greater Settlement Freedom (attributable mainly to the country’s former colonial empire). France tops the rankings dues to hits high scores in human development, freedom and diversity to travel and settle abroad, although it scored less well on the peace and stability criteria and on economic strength. The citizens of France, Denmark and the Netherlands are leaders because their citizens can settle in the larges numbers of states and territories abroad. They have access to more than 40 state territories and labour markets without any pre-authorisations. They are the most globally integrated citizenships available and have access to roughly one quarter of all the states in the world as hassle-free destinations to live and work. Ireland, which has seen an increase in passport applications from eligible Brits in the wake of the Brexit talks, is in joint 9th position with Switzerland, and just behind Norway, Sweden, Finland and Italy.Iceland and Denmark take 3rd and 4th place, respectively, on this year’s Index.The US increases its position by two ranks, claiming 27th place, with the country’s relatively poor standing on the Index primarily due to its low Settlement Freedom compared to EU member states. China climbs two places to rank 59th, and Russia maintains its position at 63rd place on the Index. This year, the UAE has for the first time ever overtaken Israel on the QNI, now ranking 46th, with Israel in 48th position. The Emirati nationality has climbed 13 positions over the past five years, making a significant leap forward when its holders received visa-free travel access to the Schengen Area in 2016.

Good economics does not mean good nationality

Economically strong countries can have relatively unattractive nationalities. For example, the nationality of India shares 106th place on the general ranking with the Senegalese nationality.Despite the further growth of the Qatari economy in 2017, its nationality has dropped 17 places to 87th place, turning the Qatari nationality into one of the fastest fallers in this year’s QNI edition.By contrast, small economies can offer nationalities of great value, such as those of Lithuania and Romania, which are ranked 22nd and 25th respectively. Georgian nationality has increased spectacularly over the past few years, from 107th place in 2013 to 84^th place in 2017, despite the economy of the country being minuscule by global standards.Dr Christian Kälin, launching the report in London, said, “Our age is one of information, sometimes misinformation, mobility and change. There are more mobile phones than people. Internet access is widely available and the digital world is a largely borderless terrain. People can engage in global causes just as easily as they can in their local ones. There are 100 million new immigrants according to UN figures. We may grow up in one territory, go to school in another, work in a different one and then settle in another, and our children may do the same.”He said the “pioneers” of this new global mobility were France, Denmark and the Netherlands, while lagging at the bottom were Sri Lanka, Mongolia and Madagascar.“We set out to map this landscape, looking at what it is like to hold nationality in one country,” he said. “The country where you hold nationality will determine the quality of life you enjoy.”Prof Kochenov said the citizens of Europe, Switzerland, Japan, US, Australia enjoyed the most benefits, while Russia and Mexico provided high quality nationality. “Those nationalities ranked medium and low, instead of giving you rights as a citizen they give you a burden, they make living a normal life very difficult if not impossible,” he said. “That explains immigration. Yet only three per cent of people ever naturalise elsewhere and our glass ceilings are tragically different.”He gave Canada as an example of a developed and successful country with few reciprocal rights, and which ranks at 33 on the Index.“Canadians go through hell to get visas,” he said. “It is not the best passport to have in terms of relocating abroad. Americans are welcome in Albania, but Albania is not top of their list. Compare this with Malta, whose citizens can choose from almost 40 states where they can settle, and which provide settlement and visa-free residence.” Politics also plays a part, he said. “The growth of the economy of Qatar does not compensate for being cut off from the benefits of globalisation. The blockade instigated by Saudi Arabia has really hurt.”

The Brexit ramifications

The launch of the report was followed by a panel discussion on the likely effects of Brexit.Dr Kälin sounded an optimistic note, suggesting “there will be no hard Brexit for UK citizens.”“At the end of the day Britain is a very important economic player and the EU will for sure find an arrangement,” he said. “I am pretty sure there will be no hard Brexit for citizens. I believe that in practical terms we will see the rights of citizens preserved.”He suggested that Britain might benefit by joining up with Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and India and enjoying reciprocal travel and settlement rights. “The UK nationality could be even better than EU rights,” he concluded.

The difficulty of a post-Brexit trade

However, Vernon Bogdanor, Research Professor at the Institute for Contemporary British History, said that there was unlikely to be a deal available to the UK, which resembled the current Swiss arrangement. “There is no such thing as a soft Brexit,” he said. He cited the issues at the border between Turkey and Greece, where trans-border lorries were unable to move freely.He likened the UK’s decision to leave the EU to a member of a tennis club deciding to quit because they don’t like the rules and the subscription is too high.“The UK is in the position of being the supplicant to a rule-governed organisation,” he said. “You can diverge from the club and accept that we won’t get frictionless trade, but that will annoy the business and financial community. For the European Union there cannot be a successful Brexit – it is losing a member and so it needs to minimise the damage and maintain the integrity of the single market.”He concluded that the UK “may find the European Union is not a charitable organisation designed to help Britain out of a situation that she put herself in”.

Reaching a trade agreement

Sir Christopher Meyer, former British Ambassador to the US and Germany, was more optimistic.“Taken from the point of view of the Man from Mars, it is utterly obvious that the EU and UK will reach a sensible agreement that is in the interests of both sides. Trouble is, when you look at the Brexit negotiations, all you can see is smoke,” he said. “When we come out at the other end the picture is not going to be very different from now. There will be a deal on trade, citizens, rules of origin, and jurisprudence.” Securing a deal was in the interest of the EU as much of the UK, he said. “They need our money, they need our fish.”

 

 

Source: relocatemagazine.com

 

The Immigration Industry Association (IIA), a non-profit association and the Investment Migration Council (IMC), the worldwide association for Investor Immigration and Citizenship-by-Investment, announced a strategic partnership arrangement that will enhance collaboration on initiatives for industry best practices, education and development.

Bruno L’ecuyer, CEO of the Investment Migration Council commented, ‘The collaboration between the IMC and IIA is a natural step forward for both organizations but also benefitting the investor immigration industry globally.’

‘The IIA is a forum for the UK immigration community to come together to network, share ideas, information, research and experiences compliments the core objectives of the IMC,’ said Chairman Chris Galway. ‘This partnership will enable both organisations to ensure the best possible outcomes for their members and the industry.’

The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by the two organisations will lead to streamlined cooperation in the following four areas: membership exchange, conference collaboration, industry & professional development and organisational promotion.

 

About the IIA

The Immigration Industry Association (IIA) is a Non-Profit Association formed by way of a Community Interest Company (CIC). Its purpose is to provide benefits and support to its Immigration Industry members and the wider migrant and expat community around the world.

The IIA is a forum for the immigration community to come together to network, share ideas, information, research and experiences.

 

Actor Natalie Portman has defended her decision not to attend a Jewish awards ceremony, saying she can be critical of Israel’s leadership without boycotting the whole country.

Source: news.sky.com

As reported previously, the group led Schindler, a World War 2 veteran, tried to stop the original Brexit vote as he believed that he and hundreds of thousand of other expats were being discriminated against as they were not allowed to vote in the referendum.

Those living outside of the UK or longer than 15 years are not allowed to vote in any UK elections, including the controversial Brexit vote.

The previous legal battle saw the campaigners asked the High Court to declare Section 2 of the EU Referendum Act 2015, which established a 15-year rule for overseas voters, as illegal, because it unlawfully restricted their right to freedom of movement under EU law. The action was dismissed by the High Court in London.

Now the group is using the legal system again in an attempt to reverse the go-ahead to negotiate Brexit given by the remaining EU27 by targeting parts of their written guidelines in a bid to enforce a Brexit reversal. The group say the European Council has created a group of what it calls “second-class citizens” who have been deprived of a vote and therefore their voice.

‘Formal illegality’

According to a report in today’s Express, the group’s latest case alleges “formal illegality of the Council decision authorising the opening of negotiations with the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland for an agreement setting out the arrangements for its withdrawal from the European Union”.

The current campaign by the group focuses on the EU’s nuclear trade body Euratom are the focus of one of the group’s arguments, with their case declaring separation from the Treaty should be overseen by separate negotiations.

The Express report said that the case reads: “First part of the Euratom Treaty in that the contested decision and its annex provide the automatic withdrawal of the United Kingdom from the European Atomic Energy Community in conjunction with the withdrawal from the European Union without being the subject of a separate withdrawal procedure.”

Also coming under challenge is the Council’s decision to allow the “withdrawal procedure to [be] initiated without expatriate European citizens having had the opportunity to set our their views on the possible loss of their European citizenship”.

‘Second-class citizens’

Shindler and his 12 fellow applicants say a “category of second-class citizens” has been created in Europe because Britons who have lived outside of UK for over 15 years were unable to vote.

They claim expats have been “deprived of their right to vote because they have exercised their freedom of movement, and that decision has consequently failed to comply with the principle of equal treatment of citizens”.

Shindler, who lives in the eastern Italian resort of Porto d’Ascoli, is a long-time campaigner for expat rights. Having lived in Italy for over 35 years he recently shunned the chance to take up citizenship in order to continue his fight for a vote for expats, the report said.

 

Source: internationalinvestment.net

Members of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration met for the ninth time yesterday to discuss continuing the close collaboration and better ways to address the increase of irregular migrants crossing into Canadaover the last several weeks.

Federal Minister and Task Force Chair, Marc Garneau, began the meeting by reiterating the importance of ongoing federal and provincial collaboration in order to manage the influx with compassion and in accordance with Canadian law.

Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship (IRCC) Ahmed Hussen, added that last summer, and throughout 2017, both levels of governments were successful in responding to the movement of irregular migrants by working together to address challenges as they arose.

Minister Hussen underlined new federal investments of $173 million over two years to support the intake and processing of asylum claims, security screening, detentions and removals. This includes an investment of $74 million in the Immigration and Refugee Board (IRB) to expand capacity and process claims faster. He noted that a 40 percent increase in claims finalization was achieved at the IRB last year due to efficiency measures and that the new funding will support decision-making capacity at the IRB, which will relieve pressures on provincial services.

Recently, Minister Hussen met with the ‎High Commissioner of Nigeriawhere the issue of Nigerians transiting through the U.S. to claim asylum in Canada was discussed.

During his trip to Washington last week, Minister Garneau met with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) officials and raised the issue of irregular migration. Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness Ralph Goodale will be meeting with DHS Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen on the margins of the upcoming G7 Security Ministerial meeting to discuss joint border security and public safety issues, including irregular migration.

Minister Hussen concluded by saying that IRCC and Global Affairs Canada (GAC) continue to work together on outreach in the U.S., meeting with organizations and community leaders. As well, GAC’s U.S. mission network continues to proactively communicate throughout the U.S. how a rules-based immigration system works and correct any misinformation.

Moving forward, the members of the Task Force agreed to take concrete actions to ensure a coordinated and effective response to the irregular migration situation. To this end, members announced that they will be working together to assess details of Quebec’s claims for additional financial resources.

Officials were directed to explore the development of a possible triage system at or near the Canada-U.S. border. This would include gathering information on asylum claimants’ including their intended destination in Canada with the goal of alleviating pressures on major urban centers and reducing labour shortages in certain regions.

Members also agreed to intensify efforts to work constructively with the United States (U.S.) on the issue of irregular migration.

At the conclusion of the meeting, Minister Garneau encouraged all members to maintain an open dialogue and work together to address shared challenges. Members also acknowledged that those whose claims have been accepted as genuine refugees fleeing violence and persecution will help grow our country as permanent residents.

The Task Force will continue to collaborate and share information moving forward.

Quotes

“Our exchanges today have demonstrated the importance of an open and continuing dialogue with our provincial partners. As we move forward, it’s imperative that we work together and build on the progress achieved in the last year.”
The Honourable Marc Garneau, Chair of the Ad Hoc Intergovernmental Task Force on Irregular Migration

“We will keep on working with Quebec and Ontario and the other provinces, as I believe that only together we can find innovative and creative solutions to best manage irregular migration.”
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship

“We remain committed to protecting the safety of Canadians and keeping our borders secure. We continue to ensure that Canadian law is applied and that our international obligations are respected.”
The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety and Emergency Preparedness

Quick Facts

• From January through March 2018, 12,145 asylum claims have been received across Canada. Of these claims, 42% were made by irregular migrants. The majority of irregular crossings have continued to take place in Quebec, with 96% of all RCMP interceptions being carried out in Lacolle.
• The innovative IRCC mobile processing unit that was operational at the Lacolle POE from November 7, 2017 to February 9, 2018processed 720 asylum seekers. The mobile unit is back at Lacolle now and processing claimants due to the recent increase in numbers.
• In total, 12,500 work permits were issued to asylum claimants in Quebec, since April 1^st 2017.
• An additional 1,474 work permit applications have been approved for asylum claimants who entered Canada outside of Quebec

 

Source: businessinsider.com

The revocation of the passport of an applicant under the Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP), could be challenged in the High Court, reliable sources have told St Lucia Times.

According to information, an applicant who had Saint Lucian citizenship issued but later had it and his passport revoked, has been considering considering legal action against Saint Lucian authorities.

Just last month, the  Saint Lucia Gazette featured the names of six individuals who lost their Saint Lucian citizenship under the CIP.

The individuals had their citizenship revoked because, according to the Gazette, they committed acts which may bring this country into disrepute

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the CIP, Nestor Alfred,revealed at a press conference about three weeks before the release of the publication , that 259 persons had been granted citizenship under the CIP.

But he explained that there were instances where law enforcement had given the all clear and citizenship was denied, because applicants may not have provided relevant information, including whether they held a second passport.

However Alfred  disclosed that only a small number of persons were rejected or had their citizenship revoked.

Just last week, Prime Minister, Allen Chastanet said that this country has erred on the side of caution in its Citizenship by Investment Programme (CIP).

“I think it has been a learning curve for us, particularly in the processing,” Chastanet told reporters on Thursday of last week.

“Whereas we are not certain as to how we should proceed, we have not given approval,” Chastanet, who is also responsible for finance, explained.

Antigua and Barbuda Prime Minister Gaston Browne has denounced the US State Department for its hostile acts towards the region in its latest International Narcotics Control Strategy Report (INCSR).

“They have become more and more hostile to countries in the Caribbean including Antigua and Barbuda,” the prime minister said over the weekend.

“But when they write up these false things, when they come with these audacious mendacities, they are undermining the relationship between the United States and CARICOM countries,” he said on local radio.

Making reference to a statement issued by St Kitts and Nevis recently, the prime minister said: “I am sure other countries will be putting out statements because they are saying things that are not factual and they got to stop it.”

The 2018 INCSR has publicly labelled member-states of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) as “major money laundering jurisdictions”.

However, Browne said the report contains a number of lies:

“They say, for example, that we have several casinos involved in money laundering. There is one casino operating in this country and that’s Kings Casino. The other two are closed.

“They say where as we have passed laws to tax the offshore banks [and that] we have not taxed them. We have not only taxed them but we have collected the funds… so again factually incorrect.”

He said the part of the report that dealt with the Odebrecht bribery scandal and the citizenship by investment programme was also incorrect.

With regard to a claimed increase in narcotics trafficking, the prime minister said, “There is no evidence produced to confirm that.”

“I know they don’t like my style cause I’m not going to cow down to them. They not going to beat me to the ground. When you lie, you just lie,” he said.

The prime minister told radio listeners that the US was getting its information from people opposed to his government, “and everything they say, they take it and put it in their report.”

 

Source: thestkittsnevisobserver.com