Expat News

Unlocking India-Canada Economic Potential Via CEPA

The formation of the World Trade Organisation in 1995 formalised the framework of global economic integration. Since then the scale of economic exchanges between countries has increased and given a fillip to the rise of emerging economies. India is one of the beneficiaries of globalisation. As of 2023, India’s economy reached $3.57 trillion (3.40% of the global GDP), while Canada stood at $2.14 trillion (2.03 per cent). Both are market-oriented economies well-integrated into global trade networks, with a total recorded bilateral trade of $7.55 billion in 2023. This trade includes $3.77 billion in Indian exports to Canada and $3.78 billion in imports

People in Canada are increasingly following Indian food patterns, with a large component of items imported from India or other South Asian countries. They include long-grain rice (basmati), spices, clothes, jewellery, etc. The Indian diaspora also continues to maintain close contacts with the people and places of their origin. CEPA (Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement) underscores the untapped trade potential, yet there are challenges to address for these opportunities to be fully realised.

Saudi Arabia Approves ‘Flexible’ Rules for Temporary Work Visas

The Saudi government has approved new regulations for temporary labour visas, a step expected to boost work flexibility in the country. The rules covering the temporary job visas, related to services of the annual Islamic Hajj pilgrimage and Umrah or minor pilgrimage, were approved last week at a meeting that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman headed.

The Saudi Ministry of Human Resources said the step would provide high flexibility to the private sector to make use of the temporary visas according to its needs and labour market requirements, making the job market more attractive. The ministry noted that the updated regulations heed the needs of institutions operating during the Umrah season. Moreover, the arrangement has extended the related grace period to be from the 15th of Shaban – the eighth month of the Islamic lunar calendar – until the end of the month of Muharram, which marks the beginning of the Islamic year.

Dusshera In New Jersey, US

Indo-American Festivals hosted its 26th Annual Grand Dussehra Festival on October 5 at the scenic Lake Papaianni Park in New Jersey, US, marking a significant celebration that attracted over 15,000 attendees. The day-long cultural extravaganza offered families a vibrant array of activities, performances and showcases, embodying the festival’s theme of celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

The festivities kicked off with dazzling performances curated by the talented Pratibha Nichakawade, featuring 22 song-and-dance acts along with captivating skits that enthralled the audience. A highlight of the day was an epic rendition of Ramleela, presented by Varsha Naik’s group, featuring an impressive cast of 85 actors ranging in age from under two to over 70 years.

Saudi Govt Takes Action Against 23 Expats Over Antiquity Violations

Saudi heritage authorities have announced legal action against 23 expatriates accused of encroaching on archaeological sites. The government Heritage Commission said it had referred the 23 to competent agencies to take disciplinary procedures against them for violating the kingdom’s archaeological and urban heritage law by transporting stones and dust from antiquity sites.

The violations were detected on the Umm Quriyat and Al Araj’a sites in Al Wajh governorate in the Tabuk region in north-western Saudi Arabia, the commission added. In recent years, Saudi Arabia has put increasing emphasis on national heritage and paid attention to renovation of ancient sites. Authorities have recently announced several archaeological discoveries as the kingdom’s tourism sector is experiencing a boom amid efforts to attract more foreign tourists as part of endeavours to overhaul the oil-reliant economy.