Germany Refuses to Ease Border Restrictions.

Gabriela Baczynska, Sabine Siebold | Reuters | March 4, 2021

Last week the European Commission asked five countries – Germany, Sweden, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Hungary – to ease border restrictions introduced to limit the spread of the new coronavirus’s strain. The Commission insists that the measures are disproportionate and hamper trade and freedom of movement within the EU. However, the German authorities refused, noting that protecting health is their priority. 

Finland to Ease Work Permit Rules for Some Workers.

Schengen Visa Info | February 27, 2021

The Government of Finland is looking to introduce a national visa for professionals and startup entrepreneurs. The corresponding amendments to the federal law have already been prepared and submitted to the Schengen authorities for review. The visa, dubbed Visa D, will be issued for one year at the longest. Although defined at the national level, the requirements are expected to be compatible with the Schengen Borders Code.

Ukrainians Continue to Send Ample Remittances.

Economic Pravda | March 4, 2021

Ukrainian labor migrants in the EU continue to send remittances home. Between January-December 2020, Ukraine received 12.12 billion dollars from them – 200 million dollars more than in 2019. The National Bank of Ukraine forecasts a further increase of 8%, noting that the number may well reach 13 million. Kyiv also expects to earn more from travel this year.

Canada Accepted Workers Even During the Pandemic.

Nickolas Keung | Toronto Star | March 3, 2021

Despite the pandemic, Canada welcomed 322,815 temporary workers in 2020, a 10% drop compared to 2019. Two hundred fifteen thousand work permit holders were admitted under the “Canadian interests” program aimed at athletes, scholars, those in culture and entertainment, etc. The second-largest group was migrant farmers. Meanwhile, the biggest losers included foreign caregivers and foreign workers under trade agreements.

Russia Faces a Demographic Decline.

Kester Kenn Klomegah | Modern Diplomacy | February 3, 2021

Russia is losing people. Although the country is trying to boost birth rates and stop citizens from leaving the country, its population has fallen by half a million: from 146.75 million in 2020 to 146.24 million in 2021. By 2035, the number could drop by more than 12 million. To address the situation, Russia can naturally increase the population or attract migrants, which would require the country to change its migration laws and better integrate people.