DUBAI, UAE — Leading regional resort developer Range Developments has announced the formal launch of its corporate and social responsibility (CSR) program. It will focus its efforts on four main areas:
1. Children 2. Family 3. Entrepreneurs 4. Communities
One of the foremost developers of luxury resorts in the Caribbean, including the Park Hyatt St Kitts and the Cabrits Resort Kempinski Dominica, has launched a dedicated section on its website to allow people to track progress and suggest ways to access support for projects.
Range Developments already has a proven track record of CSR in the countries that it operates. When Tropical Storm Erika hit Dominica, Range responded rapidly with a boatload of food, water and medical supplies. In St Kitts and Nevis it has sponsored summer camps for children as well as scholarships to schools.
Range Developments is determined to achieve considerable results with its comprehensive CSR strategy and aims to be on the forefront of all aspects of the CSR.
“With the launch of this initiative, we are here to say that Range Developments not only undertakes an environmentally responsible approach to the construction of our high-end resorts but also looks forward to closer links with the people of islands we operate in,” says Kamal Shehada, development director of Range Developments.
To ensure execution of the company’s vision, a dedicated CSR team has been established whose sole role it is to work with local communities to understand their main vulnerabilities and to identify the areas Range Developments can take the lead on.
‘I’m truly honoured to be part of such an impactful organization – one that invests in local communities and places the success and growth of its CSR as paramount and integral to its core values as a business,” says Kamila Ondrackova, CSR regional manager at Range Developments. “Many of our CSR initiatives bridge the gap between local talent and industry, creating fantastic opportunities for employment and economic growth. I look forward to supporting our local communities and am very excited for the future.”
Range Developments focuses on luxury developments that are well-designed, sustainable and desirable. Park Hyatt St Kitts, the company’s flagship project, set to open its doors in November 2017, won the prestigious Best New Hotel Construction and Design Caribbean award at The International Property Awards 2014-2015; and the coveted award of Best International New Hotel Construction and Design 2014-2015.
Announcement came during visit by president of Paraguay
By Matthew Strong,Taiwan News, Staff Writer
2017/07/12 15:48
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) – Beginning Wednesday, citizens from 11 official diplomatic allies in Latin America and the Caribbean will no longer need visas for a stay in Taiwan of up to 30 or 90 days, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) announced.
Earlier in the day, as President Horacio Cartes of Paraguay was visiting the island, MOFA already announced the measure benefiting nationals from the South American ally, but later expanded the offer to ten other allies. The same countries had already given the same privilege to Taiwanese visitors, reports said.
A maximum visa-free stay of up to 30 days in Taiwan became possible for citizens of Guatemala, Belize, the Dominican Republic, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, and Saint Kitts and Nevis.
The 90-day stays without visa will be possible for nationals of Nicaragua, Honduras, El Salvador and Haiti as well as Paraguay, MOFA said.
In order to qualify for the visa waiver, the visitors needed to show a passport that was valid for at least six months, and a ticket and valid visa for their next destination after Taiwan. Customs also had the right to check whether the visitor had a problematic background, reports said.
Taiwan’s e-visa system which started on January 12, 2016 already included all the countries mentioned by MOFA Wednesday.
The ministry was hoping the new measures would boost tourism, trade and cultural links with the allies. Last month, Panama switched recognition to China, leaving Taiwan with only 20 official diplomatic allies and instilling fear of a domino effect.
The CBI Index’s key findings allow readers to either perform an overall review of the programmes, or evaluate the pillars individually
In providing both programme rankings and rankings by each of the seven pillars, the CBI Index affords readers the opportunity to either perform an overall review of the programmes, or complete a critical appraisal of the pillar that is of greatest consequence to them.
The following key findings emerge from the CBI Index rankings:
Pillar 1: Freedom of Movement
The countries that scored the highest in freedom of movement were the four European nations included in the CBI Index: Austria, Malta, Cyprus, and Bulgaria. Of these four, the highest-ranking were also members of the Schengen Area, which, for the most part, operates under a common visa policy.
FURTHER READING
A guide to global citizenship
The Caribbean followed Europe, having access to numerous key financial centres and having worked extensively to forge closer ties with other nations and to increase the number of destinations to which their citizens can travel visa-free. Antigua and Barbuda scored slightly higher than the other Caribbean islands.
Vanuatu ranked third-to-last, but significantly above Cambodia and Comoros, which received the lowest possible score under this section. Cambodia and Comoros received low scores both because of their poor overall ability to offer citizens visa-free travel, and because they lack the adequate travel treaties to ensure their citizens can easily access today’s prime business centres.
Pillar 2: Standard of Living
Standard of living saw Europe receive the highest scores, with Austria and Malta both topping the rankings. Austria obtained the best results in all sub-indicators with the exception of real GDP growth, where, together with Dominica and Saint Lucia, it was awarded the lowest mark. It is worth noting that Dominica’s GDP was affected by the horrific Storm Erika, which set back the country’s economic growth for 2016. It is no surprise that there are staggering growth rates seen from emerging markets such as Cambodia and Vanuatu.
The life expectancy sub-indicator revealed that, but for Austria, the longest lives can be enjoyed on the Mediterranean Sea. Close behind in second was Dominica – a lush island known for its abundant nature, spiritual atmosphere, and reliance on clean energy sources.
Expected years of schooling, another sub-indicator for a country’s standard of living, saw Austria and Grenada obtain the top scores. Living in a country with more than 30 public and private universities, it should come as no shock that young Austrian men and women remain in education for long periods of time. Less well-known is Grenada’s devotion to education, which has also led to it receiving international praise for its St George’s University – a leading medical and veterinary school.
Overall for this pillar, Antigua and Barbuda, Dominica, and Grenada placed best out of the Caribbean – a region that, on the whole, ranked just below Europe. Island-nation Vanuatu equalled Saint Lucia and St Kitts and Nevis, while Cambodia and Comoros received the lowest scores. Comoros was especially penalised by its results in sub-indicators such as life expectancy and gross national income (GNI). Cambodia was listed as the nation least dedicated to the freedom of its people, shedding light on its inability to uphold political and civil rights.
Perhaps unexpectedly, Cambodia was among the highest-ranking nations under the relative safety sub-indicator, which measures intentional homicide rates. The country scored the same as Europe and Vanuatu, the latter of which is known to be one of the least dangerous destinations in Oceania.
Pillar 3: Minimum Investment Outlay
Offering the most affordable option for second citizenship, Comoros received its highest ranking in this pillar – which also saw Dominica and Saint Lucia top the list. Vanuatu and Grenada were close seconds, both offering citizenship to single applicants for less than or equal to $200,000. Austria received the lowest ranking, offering citizenship for over forty times that amount.
Cyprus and Malta both obtained low scores, themselves extending citizenship for more than $2m and $1.2m respectively. Bulgaria ranked below Antigua and Barbuda and St Kitts and Nevis, but is the most affordable programme in Europe.
Pillar 4: Mandatory Travel or Residence
Dominica, Grenada, Saint Lucia, and St Kitts and Nevis achieved full scores under this pillar, as none of them require applicants to travel to or reside within their territory at any time prior to or after receiving citizenship. Indeed, these four jurisdictions rely on their stringent due diligence procedures to obviate any need to meet the applicant in person. It is important to mention, however, that these countries are famed for being welcoming, and applicants are invited to spend time visiting the countries whenever possible.
A high score was given to Comoros and Vanuatu, whose travel requirements can be waived by the payment of an additional fee. Austria, Cambodia, Antigua and Barbuda, Bulgaria, and Cyprus also received creditable scores.
Significantly below all other countries came Malta, whose more complex physical residence requirements placed it at the bottom of the scoring scale. Malta’s ‘genuine link’ test only provides some flexibility to how an individual can demonstrate residence on the island.
Pillar 5: Citizenship Timeline
St Kitts and Nevis, the sole nation to offer both a secure and an efficient timeframe for application processing, ranked best together with Vanuatu, which promises citizenship in around one month. High marks were awarded to Comoros, Dominica, and Grenada – whose average times were slightly less than those for Cyprus, Antigua and Barbuda, Cambodia, and Saint Lucia. In normal circumstances, these seven countries all offer processing times between more than one and less than five months.
Malta and Austria each received very low scores due to their protracted processing procedures, although it was Bulgaria that scored the lowest, as citizenship of this nation can only be obtained within three to five years, depending on whether the applicant chooses the more expensive fast-track route.
Pillar 6: Ease of Processing
The Caribbean was awarded the highest number of points for its ability to offer applicants streamlined and clear procedures to apply for citizenship. This reflects two important points regarding the region. Firstly, the requirements imposed on applicants in the Caribbean each follow the same model, and secondly, these nations have all committed to making their procedures transparent.
Vanuatu attained the same result as Saint Lucia, receiving equal points for all sub-indicators. Both performed weakly when evaluated for their ability to deliver on the promise of citizenship. Saint Lucia, for example, lost points following claims that all citizenships received under the December 2016 amendments to their Citizenship by Investment Programme (which came into force on January 1, 2017) would be reviewed and may be revoked should the applicant fail to make additional disclosures, payments, and filings.
Malta and Cyprus each scored below Vanuatu and Saint Lucia, dropping in the rankings because they leave no alternative to the applicant other than the purchase or rental of real estate – property transactions that inevitably come with hefty paperwork and enhanced due diligence on the property investment. While offering real estate investment under their citizenship programmes, the jurisdictions of the Caribbean do not make the purchase or rental of real estate mandatory.
With its requirement to acquire a bond portfolio, Bulgaria also failed to rank well. Lack of support from official government sources put Comoros, Austria, and Cambodia at a strong disadvantage. Enforcement of tests, previous business experience prerequisites, and compulsory interviews also factored in these weak results.
Pillar 7: Due Diligence
Dominica, Malta, and St Kitts and Nevis scored equally to take first place, owing to their unique data collection and due diligence features. Generally, the Caribbean scored remarkably well – as did Bulgaria, thanks, among other things, to its thorough questioning of applicant information.
Comoros and Cyprus obtained average scores, while Austria, Cambodia, and Vanuatu each received the lowest scores attained under this pillar. Despite its high investment threshold, Austria falls short of many other nations with respect to the level of due diligence it performs on its applicants, especially when exploring the history and source of the applicant’s funds.
Final Scores: The Best Programmes
Considering the stability and longevity of the programmes in the Caribbean, it is no surprise that the Caribbean jurisdictions ranked in the CBI Index’s top five positions, with Dominica – home to one of the longest-running citizenship by investment programmes, and known for its speedy procedures and affordable entry thresholds – attaining the highest ranking.
This echoes current trends in the economic citizenship market, which have seen Dominica’s popularity grow in recent years. St Kitts and Nevis took second place due to its reputation for integrity and trust but scored slightly lower due to a higher investment threshold. Grenada, a relatively new programme relaunched in 2013, emerged from an unstable first year to become one of today’s most interesting citizenship by investment options, particularly following the implementation of reforms in 2015.
Antigua and Barbuda and Saint Lucia, coming fourth and fifth respectively, completed the picture of a citizenship by investment arena dominated by the Caribbean.
Vanuatu, perhaps surprisingly for a less-known programme, ranked fifth together with Saint Lucia, having obtained consistently high scores under all the pillars. Cyprus received the best score out of any European nation, distinguishing itself for its attractive travel and residence requirements. Comoros finished in eighth position, bolstered by its inexpensive investment requirements, rapid application turnarounds, and minimal travel and residence requirements – but damaged by its comparative inability to provide citizens with sufficient freedom of movement and a tolerable standard of living.
Malta, together with Austria, attained the highest scores in freedom of movement and standard of living, as well as achieved the highest score, together with Dominica and St Kitts and Nevis, for due diligence. Having received a commendable score for ease of processing, Malta was however among the lowest-scoring nations for all other pillars.
Bulgaria, the country to come 10th in the CBI Index, was especially harmed by the length of its citizenship routes and costly investment requirements. Austria is predictably one of today’s least sought-after citizenship by investment programmes: enticing applicants with the promise of life in a prosperous European nation, but offering an abstruse programme known for its expensive and lengthy procedures.
Cambodia, the lowest-ranking programme, was consistently hovering at the end of the spectrum, except in the case of investment thresholds, travel and residence requirements, and citizenship timeline.
Ottawa, June 26, 2017— As of 5:30 a.m. EDT June 27, 2017, citizens from Antigua and Barbuda will need a visa to travel to Canada. At that time, any existing electronic travel authorization (eTA) issued to a citizen of Antigua and Barbuda will no longer be valid, and these travellers will not be able to use their eTA to travel to Canada.
After carefully monitoring the integrity of Antigua and Barbuda’s travel documents, the Government of Canada has determined that Antigua and Barbuda no longer meets Canada’s criteria for a visa exemption.
Canada continues to welcome visitors from Antigua and Barbuda, while protecting the integrity of our immigration system and ensuring the safety of Canadians. Most approved visa applicants will receive a multiple-entry visa, which allows travellers to visit Canada as many times as they want, for up to 10 years. For each visit, travellers can stay for up to six months.
Information for travellers outside Canada
For travellers in transit
During the first 48 hours after the imposition, or until 5:29 a.m. June 29, the Government of Canada will be working closely with airlines to help facilitate travel for those who are already in transit to Canada.
For travellers in Antigua and Barbuda with confirmed flights to Canada during the next two weeks
To help speed up visa processing, citizens who are in Antigua and Barbuda and who have already booked a flight to Canada, departing on or before July 11, can send their complete visa application, along with proof that they purchased their flight before June 27, the appropriate fees and supporting documents, directly to the Visa Office in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, for priority processing. If they go in person before noon, their application will be processed that day. If they send via courier, their application will be processed within 24 hours.
Note that while these applicants will receive priority processing, they are not guaranteed a visa by their travel date and may need to make alternative travel arrangements.
For all other travellers, including those outside of Antigua and Barbuda and those with flights leaving after July 11, 2017
Most applications (about 80 percent) are processed within 14 days.
Note that having pre-booked travel plans or a previously valid eTA does not guarantee that a traveller will be issued a visa.
Dual citizens
Dual Canadian-Antiguan and Barbudan citizens need a valid Canadian passport to travel to Canada. A valid Canadian passport is the only reliable and universally accepted travel document that provides proof of a traveller’s Canadian citizenship and that they have the right to enter Canada without being subjected to immigration screening.
Antiguan and Barbudan dual citizens whose second citizenship is from a visa-exempt country, other than Canada or the United States, can apply for an eTA to fly to Canada using the passport of the visa-exempt country.
Lawful permanent residents of the United States (Green Card holders)
All lawful permanent residents of the U.S. need an eTA to fly to, or transit through a Canadian airport.
Antiguan and Barbudan citizens who have a valid Green Card will need to apply for an eTA. This includes those who held an eTA before the visa imposition, since all eTAs issued to Antiguan and Barbudan citizens will no longer be valid.
When flying to Canada, these travellers must travel with their U.S. Green Card and the valid passport that they used to apply for their eTA. When driving or arriving by train, bus or boat, Green Card holders do not need a visa or an eTA, but they will need to bring proof of their permanent residence.
Visitors, students and temporary workers inside Canada
Antiguan and Barbudan citizens can continue to stay in Canada for as long as they are authorized to do so. Study and work permits, as well as visitor records, remain valid.
However, those who plan to travel outside Canada and then re-enter will need to apply for a visa to return to the country.
News Release
From Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada
June 19, 2017 – Ottawa, ON – Today, Bill C-6, an Act to amend the Citizenship Act and make consequential amendments to another Act, received Royal Assent.
Changes to the Citizenship Act reflect the Government’s commitments to streamline the citizenship process, enhance program integrity, and repeal certain provisions of the Act that treated dual citizens differently than other Canadians. Some changes to the Citizenship Act take effect immediately upon Royal Assent, while others take effect at later dates to ensure the necessary regulatory changes and departmental preparations are in place for a smooth transition for applicants.
As of today, applicants are no longer required to intend to continue to live in Canada once granted citizenship, providing more flexibility to Canadians who may need to live outside of Canada for work or personal reasons. Immediate changes also include repealing the ability to revoke citizenship from dual citizens convicted of crimes against the national interest. Dual citizens living in Canada who are convicted of these crimes will face the Canadian justice system, like other Canadian citizens who break the law.
Some of the changes that are expected to take effect later this fall will give more flexibility to both younger and older eligible immigrants to obtain citizenship. These changes include reducing the time permanent residents must be physically present in Canada to three out of five years, instead of four out of six years, before applying for citizenship; amending the age range for people to meet the language and knowledge requirements for citizenship from 14-64 years to 18-54 years; and counting some of the time applicants spend in Canada as temporary residents or protected persons toward their physical presence requirements for citizenship.
Other changes that are expected to take effect next year include strengthening the citizenship revocation process by having the Federal Court as the decision-maker on most cases, thereby enhancing the procedural fairness of the process. For a complete list of changes made to the Citizenship Act and when they take effect, please read the Bill C-6 Backgrounder.
Quotes
“Canada’s identity has always been shaped by the significant economic, cultural and social contributions of immigrants. Changes to the Citizenship Act will enhance program integrity, while giving more flexibility to eligible applicants to meet the requirements for citizenship so that they can continue building successful lives in Canada.”
The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
Bill C-6, an Act to amend the Citizenship Act and make consequential amendments to another Act, received Royal Assent on June 19, 2017. This chart explains the changes that have been made to the Citizenship Act and indicates when these changes are expected to come into force, please read the Bill C-6 Backgrounder.
June 5, 2017—Markham, ON – Improvements to the Express Entry system taking effect tomorrow help support the integration of skilled workers as they build their new life in Canada. This benefits Canada as newcomers are able to more quickly put their skills to use to help strengthen and grow Canada’s economy.
Starting on June 6, new points will be awarded to candidates with siblings in Canada. Studies have shown that as newcomers build a new life in Canada, those with siblings benefit by having improved integration into Canadian society.
Other changes to the Express Entry system include points for candidates with strong French language skills, removing the requirement to register with Job Bank and a new approach to rank tied candidates in the Express Entry pool.
Programs managed through the Express Entry system attract high-skilled foreign workers and former international students who want to live in Canada permanently and whose in-demand skills are needed by employers across the country to help build businesses and grow the economy.
Quotes
“Economic immigration programs managed by the Express Entry system attract highly talented and skilled immigrants that businesses need to help grow and strengthen our economy. As the improvements are implemented, I’m pleased that Canada will welcome more skilled immigrants with siblings in Canada who can help them quickly integrate into their new life here, and that we’ll continue to see Francophone minority communities flourish.”
– The Honourable Ahmed Hussen, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship
“After two years at University of British Columbia, Vancouver was kind of starting to feel like home. I knew finding a job in Vancouver in architecture was not going to be a problem, with my background and especially having a degree from Canada. Express Entry was the option that I had to go for if I wanted to stay in Canada. The application process was very easy. Everything was very clear. Everything was very well explained on the website. My experience with Express Entry was so good that I would actually recommend it to everyone who actually has the option to apply”
– Express Entry participant, Miguel, Architect
“If what you’re looking for is safety, a feeling of oneness, feeling like you’re not being judged, and you’re actually part of the community, I wouldn’t think twice before choosing Canada. The Express Entry system, I think it’s by far the easiest system on the planet. I think it’s transparent. All the information is out there. Everything’s clear. I think going through the Express Entry system was probably easier than getting my driving licence. The whole process took three months for me, and I couldn’t have been happier. I think, in Canada, with hard work and perseverance, the opportunities are endless.”
– Express Entry participant, Dinesh, Business Analyst
Link : https://www.canada.ca/en/immigration-refugees-citizenship/news/2017/06/express_entry_tobeginawardingadditionalpointstocandidateswithsib.html
