Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) is pausing some of its business immigration visa programs to pave the way for a new pilot for immigrant entrepreneurs.

On December 19, the department announced it will no longer accept applications for the optional work permit available to Start-Up Visa (SUV) applicants, except for those already in Canada applying to extend their current SUV work permit.

Effective December 31 at 11:59 pm, IRCC will also stop accepting new SUV applications. An exception applies to applicants who have already received a valid commitment from a designated organization in 2025 but haven’t yet applied. These applicants must submit their SUV applications by June 30, 2026.

IRCC will also continue the pause on applications through the Self-Employed Persons Program, which has been on hold since April 30, 2024.

The federal government said these changes are part of the “transition to a new, targeted pilot program for immigrant entrepreneurs.” Details about the new pilot are expected in 2026.

Canada’s SUV program faced criticism in 2025 over long processing times. A government tool launched earlier this year showed entrepreneurs could face a ten-year wait to become permanent residents through the SUV program.

The government noted that the measures announced are partly aimed at “help[ing] address the large inventory of applications for Canada’s business programs” and supporting the country’s Talent Attraction Strategy, as outlined in the latest Immigration Levels Plan.

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has raised serious concerns over the controversies surrounding the recently enacted Tax Reform Acts, warning that the issues cast doubt on the integrity, transparency, and credibility of Nigeria’s lawmaking process.

In a statement issued on Tuesday, NBA President, Mazi Afam Osigwe, SAN, said the unfolding developments threaten constitutional governance and undermine public confidence in the legislative procedures that led to the passage of the laws.

Osigwe called for a comprehensive, open, and transparent investigation into the circumstances surrounding the enactment of the Tax Reform Acts, stressing that such a probe is essential to restoring trust in the National Assembly.

The NBA also urged relevant authorities to immediately suspend the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts pending the outcome of the proposed investigation.

“The Nigerian Bar Association considers it imperative that a comprehensive, open and transparent investigation be conducted to clarify the circumstances surrounding the enactment of the laws and to restore public confidence in the legislative process,” the statement said.

“Until these issues are fully examined and resolved, all plans for the implementation of the Tax Reform Acts should be immediately suspended.”

According to the association, the legal and policy uncertainty generated by the controversy could have far-reaching consequences, including disruption of the business environment, erosion of investor confidence, and unpredictability for individuals and corporate entities required to comply with the laws.

The NBA warned that such uncertainty poses a threat to economic stability and is fundamentally incompatible with the rule of law.

Amnesty International Nigeria has raised concerns over the safety and freedom of Okechukwu Nwanguma, a human rights advocate and executive director of RULAAC, following threats linked to his efforts to expose alleged abuses at the Tiger Base police detention centre.

In a statement, Amnesty noted that Nonso Nkwa, an independent radio broadcaster and activist based in Owerri, is also facing similar threats for reporting on alleged human rights violations at the facility.

The rights group warned that these threats put both men’s safety and security at serious risk.

Amnesty described Nwanguma and Nkwa as “courageous human rights defenders fighting for justice and accountability,” stressing that targeting them for exposing alleged abuses is unacceptable.

The organization called for a thorough investigation into the ongoing pattern of harassment and intimidation against human rights defenders, whistleblowers, and journalists.

It added that individuals who speak out against human rights violations, systemic corruption, or express dissenting views continue to face threats, harassment, and, in some cases, detention in Nigeria.