16 UGLOBAL IMMIGRATION MAGAZINE
that due to the effects of COVID , the processing of files is less effective . Essentially , this means that applicants can expect their files to be processed at a slower rate than usual . Another indirect consequence for those who have been accepted is the closing of the Canadian border ( in most cases ) to non-permanent residents / citizens . As such , under the current regulations ( subject to change at any moment ), even if an applicant has had his application accepted , they may need to wait until the travel restrictions have been lifted before landing in Canada .
MATHIEU SIMARD
Simard & Associates Limited
Canada
IMPACT : How have you seen that the pandemic has impacted the global RCBI industry ? We have seen that the interest in RCBI and immigration programs as a whole has remained steady , despite the pandemic . Potential applicants still have firm plans to immigrate , but may have slight hesitations as to when to execute the plan . Despite this , many immigration programs can be processed without the applicant needing to land and reside in the country immediately , and others have prolonged processing times . Once an interested candidate understands this reality , interest remains firm .
FUTURE : Looking ahead , what do you anticipate happening this year and in the near future in this global industry ? While we must all stay vigilant and assume that the effects of COVID will linger for a while yet , there is room for optimism . An increasing number of people , both in the destination countries and the nations of those looking to immigrate , are getting vaccinated . As nations and peoples start to see beyond the mist that is COVID , interest in RCBI will increasingly return .
TIAGO GALI MACEDO
NEXT Lawyers
Portugal
ADAPT : How did you adapt your business or ways of working due to COVID ? Do you think some of those changes are here to stay ? As with all other businesses , it is vital that immigration law firms and consultants make sure that safety protocols are followed . This , of course , has led to more online exchanges in lieu of the traditional office meetings . Seminars and large events are also done online for the most part . These changes are likely to be temporary as the severity of the situation decreases .
TRENDS : What are some trends you are seeing in the global RCBI industry now ? Most countries , it would appear , are starting to veer in the direction of more active types of immigration programs ( for example business start-ups ) rather than the typical passive investment schemes that were popular in the past . Most countries have the same level or more demand for immigration , but are slowly looking to attract migration that will lead to local prosperity .
LOCAL : How was your country ’ s local investment program impacted ? Did any regulations or criteria change in the program because of COVID ? The Canadian immigration programs have , as a whole , remained unchanged during the pandemic ; those interested can still apply , and their applications will be processed . The Canadian Government has , however , clearly indicated
IMPACT : How have you seen that the pandemic has impacted the global RCBI industry ? Even though in practical terms , some things became more difficult or impossible — namely traveling abroad or obtaining necessary documents — it is true that the pandemic has had a positive impact on the RCBI industry worldwide .
The pandemic has impacted our generation in a very unexpected way and made people rethink their priorities and life options . Being faced with such an unimaginable and dramatic scenario , people started paying even more attention to mobility . Traveling became impossible for most people , therefore having more than one nationality or holding