Thousands gathered in Berlin to protest the CDU’s collaboration with the far-right AfD on anti-immigration policies. Police estimated at least 20,000 attendees, and the number is rising.

The CDU, led by Friedrich Merz, broke Germany’s post-WWII norm by seeking AfD’s support. A non-binding resolution to block undocumented migrants passed, but a stricter immigration bill failed.

Protests also took place in Hamburg, Leipzig, and other cities. Organizers, including NGOs and unions, denounced the CDU’s shift. Chancellor Olaf Scholz warned that conservatives and the far right might soon govern together, following trends seen in other countries.

Ontario has updated the OINP to help self-employed physicians gain permanent residency. They can now count self-employment experience for Express Entry’s Human Capital Priorities and French-speaking skilled Worker streams.

Physicians can also apply under the Employer Job Offer: Foreign Worker stream without a job offer. Eligible applicants must be registered with Ontario’s medical board. These changes align with federal policies easing PR for self-employed physicians.

Ontario aims to address its doctor shortage, following similar efforts in other provinces. Enhanced PNP programs linked to Express Entry offer additional points, boosting candidates’ chances of receiving an invitation for PR.

Over 10,000 migrant families have applied for New Zealand’s parent residence visa, but many parents face long waits in a random ballot system. Some die before getting a chance to settle. Once selected, processing takes about 195 days, but the growing pool means uncertain wait times.

The annual cap is 2,500 visas. Past policy changes and income requirements have disqualified many. A new long-term visitor visa is being considered, with policy work expected to be finished by year-end. MPs say visa reforms, including work and digital nomad visas, must be finalized before changes for parents can proceed.