JIFORM Postpones Migration Summit in Canada

The Journalists International Forum For Migration (JIFORM) comprising over 300 Journalists covering migration matters across the continents with headquarters in Nigeria has confirmed the notification of the Canada embassy in Nigeria and other nations regarding a shift in dates for it’s 3rd Global Migration Summit slated for Toronto, Canada.

President of the JIFORM, Dr Ajibola Abayomi, in a statement said the event earlier scheduled for February 25-March 6, 2022 would now be held between July 1-10.

“We must admit that we are in special season globally that requires strategic planning, caution and patience. We appreciate several calls from eminent personalities from different regions of the world wanting to be updated about the summit. I want to thank you all for your interest and wish to reinterate our desire to make the event a reality soon” he assured.

Having noted the challenges posed by the pandemic slowing down the issuance of visas at the Canadian embassies, Mr Abayomi hinted that representation had been made to the Canada embassy regarding the postponement.

The notification letter reads thus: ‘In respect of the online Temporary Visitor Visa Applications submitted on the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship of Canada (IRCC) portal relating to the summit themed: Exploring The Benefits Of Migration Post Covid-19 To Retool Global Economy slated scheduled between February 25 to March 6, 2022 in Toronto, we write to inform you that the event has been shifted to July 1-10, 2022 at the same venue.

“Sequel to the foregoing, we hereby respectfully request that the new dates for the event be taken into consideration while we are awaiting the decision on the pending applications. We enjoin you to therefore extend the notification to your other visa sessions and offices.

Speakers at slated for the summit included the former Minister of Citizenship and Immigration in Canada, Hon Gerry Weiner; Minister of Labour and Social Security, Sierra Leone, Dr Alpha Osman Timbo; Professor Byron Price, the Global Director Diaspora and Innovation Institute, City University USA; the Regional Director, Asia Migration Forum, Mr Williams Gois; member African Union Labour Migration Advisory Committee, Dr Princess Asie Kabuki Ocansey from Ghana.

Oluwakayode Banjo