Director of Immigration Programs
Nova Scotia Government’s Department of Labour, Skills and Immigration (LSI)
Expertise: Immigration (Immigration in Canada), Settlement Topics (employment skills), IEHPs (foreign credential recognition, nursing, general, physician, other)
Omar is a seasoned Human Resource Management professional focusing on employer immigration, currently the Director of Immigration Programs for the Nova Scotia Government's Department of Labour Skills and Immigration (LSI) - Immigration and Population Growth Branch (IPG). Holding the Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) designation and Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC) credentials, he was honoured as one of Atlantic Canada’s 2020 Most Inspiring Immigrants for his exemplary contributions and leadership in the community.
Omar's career took off in Canada as the Program Lead for the Atlantic Immigration Pilot (AIP) at the Cape Breton Partnership (CBP) in 2017. He innovatively addressed labour shortages by connecting Cape Breton industries with immigration-led solutions and programs. His client-centered approach significantly improved accessibility to immigration procedures for local employers, earning him an expanded role as the Labour Market Development & Immigration Officer. Here, he provided strategic insight to key stakeholders through planning, engaging federal and provincial government departments, and executing programs that directly contributed to the sustainability and growth of local businesses and communities.
In December 2021, Omar joined the Health Association Nova Scotia as an Immigration & International Recruitment Consultant, where he crafted the international recruitment pipeline for a centralized recruitment and retention program targeting Nova Scotia's Continuing Care sector. In March 2023, Omar joined the Province of Nova Scotia as the Director of Healthcare Recruitment, where he applied his expertise in immigration, licensing, and credentialing systems to attract healthcare professionals. However, recognizing his broader capabilities, the province soon transitioned him to his current role as Director of Immigration Programs in July 2023.
As Director, Omar oversees many responsibilities, including strategic design, planning and deployment of economic immigration programs. His leadership ensures alignment with labour market needs and provincial objectives. He is also instrumental in managing human and financial resources to meet program and funding requirements.