Company aims to lead 5K to Canada, NZ

CEBU-based visa consultancy firm PinoyCare Visa Center is pushing Canada and New Zealand as the next big destinations for Filipino immigrants.

The firm announced during the weekend its new project called “Lipat Bayan,” aimed at presenting new immigration pathways to Filipinos who wish to work in those two countries.

The Lipat Bayan project is said to be the firm’s biggest event of the year. They hope to reach at least 5,000 participants, particularly fresh graduates and young professionals from Cebu and nearby provinces.

The half-day event is scheduled on Nov. 29 in Waterfront Cebu City Hotel and Casino.

“There is a new pathway to become immigrants in Canada and New Zealand that is faster than any other program offered by these countries,” said PinoyCare president and chief executive officer Prisca Niña Mabatid, in a press conference.

The event also features guests from different institutions, companies and agencies from which attendees can seek assistance in case they pursue visa applications, like lending institutions and travel agencies.

While each country has different immigration policies, Mabatid said both countries have relaxed their policies to attract highly-skilled immigrants. She noted, though, a shift in interest among Filipinos applying for immigrant status from Canada to New Zealand, because of shorter visa processing.

Mabatid emphasized that whichever country Filipinos pick to work and settle down in, they are assured of getting the same benefits as an immigrant. She cited free education for children, free health care and government subsidies among the benefits immigrants most likely get when migrating to these two countries.

“New Zealand is the best alternative for Filipinos who fell short of Canada’s re- quirements, but both offer the same benefits as far as immigrants are concerned,” said Mabatid. “The only difference is the process of entry and the requirements involved. But these two countries are inviting more immigrants to come.”

New Zealand has an estimated population of 4.5 million. According to the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration, New Zealand is becoming an attractive labor market for Filipino skilled workers and professionals given its highly developed labor and immigration policies that are protective of foreign workers.

Based on the 2013 estimates of the Department of Foreign Affairs, there are about 34,150 overseas Filipinos in New Zealand. Of this number, 23,682 are permanent migrants, 9,444 temporary workers and 1,024 irregular workers.

PinoyCare has 12 branches in the Philippines. It also operates in the Middle East and other countries in Asia.