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A seasoned Human Resource Management professional specializing in employer immigration, Omar currently serves as the Director of Immigration Programs for Nova Scotia’s Department of Labour, Skills, and Immigration (LSI) - Immigration and Population Growth Branch (IPG). With credentials as a Chartered Professional in Human Resources (CPHR) and a Regulated Canadian Immigration Consultant (RCIC), he was recognized among Atlantic Canada’s 2020 Most Inspiring Immigrants for his outstanding leadership and contributions to the community.
Harnessing Talent and Opportunity
Growing up in Egypt, Omar was immersed in a multicultural environment, attending a French Catholic school and becoming trilingual in Arabic, French, and English—an asset he would later find invaluable in Canada. His first love was the arts. At just 12, he began composing and producing music. But as his passion grew, so did the costs. To fund his hobby, Omar entered the workforce, where he discovered his second passion: Human Resource Management.
He started his HR career in Egypt, working for a multinational company where he specialized in international recruitment and organizational development. This role gave him early experience building large-scale recruitment pipelines, matching global talent with unique business needs. However, the Egyptian revolution in early 2011 disrupted his plans. At his parents’ encouragement, Omar moved to Cape Breton, Nova Scotia, to complete his education.
In Cape Breton, Omar earned a business degree from Cape Breton University in 2014 and immediately pursued an advanced HR program at Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC). The program’s practical focus and co-op opportunities set him on a path to success, leading to his first HR job in Nova Scotia. While he initially planned to leave after completing his studies, the opportunities he found encouraged him to stay.
In 2017, Omar played a leading role in launching the Atlantic Immigration Program (AIP) in Cape Breton. The program allowed employers to use immigration pathways to address labor shortages, blending Omar’s HR expertise with his growing interest in immigration law. “The experience I gained in Egypt—building large recruitment projects—aligned perfectly with the work I was doing in Canada,” Omar reflects.
After proving his ability to create effective recruitment pipelines, Omar was recruited to establish Nova Scotia’s long-term care recruitment program, helping the province address critical healthcare labor shortages. His team delivered its first international hire ahead of schedule, creating a lasting pipeline for healthcare workers in the long-term care sector.
Today, as Nova Scotia’s Director of Immigration Programs, Omar designs strategic immigration initiatives that meet labor market needs across sectors. Reflecting on his journey, Omar says, “Each step built on the last, from HR to immigration law. It’s rewarding to know my work connects people with opportunities and strengthens communities.”
Passion for Leadership and Newcomer Integration
Omar Tag El-Din thrives in his current role, which blends technical expertise with leadership responsibilities, enabling him to address labour market challenges and support newcomer integration in
Nova Scotia. For Omar, this balance is what makes his work so fulfilling. “I love being technical, getting my hands dirty, and working on things,” he explains. “At the same time, I enjoy stepping back to lead, strategize, and execute larger initiatives.” With a strong team, a solid budget, and a clear mandate, Omar has the tools to deliver on government priorities while staying engaged in the technical aspects he loves.
What truly inspires Omar is the opportunity to amplify minority voices. Whether it’s helping employers navigate complex immigration systems or sharing the stories of newcomers striving to establish themselves, Omar ensures these perspectives are heard at decision-making tables. “I hear from employers and newcomers about the barriers they face, and I can bring these issues forward to create meaningful change,” he says.
Central to Omar’s mission is addressing the barriers newcomers face, particularly in finding employment and navigating regulated professions. He identifies Canadian work experience as a persistent challenge, with many newcomers struggling to secure their first job in their field. “It’s always about that first opportunity,” Omar explains. “Once someone gives them a chance, they excel.”
Navigating regulated occupations adds another layer of complexity, as requirements differ across provinces and regulatory bodies. Omar’s programs tackle these challenges by ensuring labor market attachment for all approvals. In 2024, for example, 100% of approvals were tied to employment, either through prior work experience in Nova Scotia or job offers in priority sectors. This approach ensures newcomers are set up for success from the outset.
Vision for the Future and Lessons from Career
When asked about the future of newcomer integration in Canada, Omar Tag El-Din underscores the importance of regulatory affairs. “What I’m seeing is a remarkable trend,” he explains. Provinces are adopting expedited licensure pathways, such as Nova Scotia’s groundbreaking initiative for nurses, which became a model for other provinces like Ontario. This trend demonstrates the power of provincial collaboration and the ripple effect of successful policies.
For Omar, integration goes beyond licensure. He highlights the critical role of bridging programs, language training, and education on provincial jurisprudence to help newcomers adapt to regional requirements. “We need to meet the needs of skilled immigrants and ensure they integrate into their fields quickly, whether regulated or not,” he says.
He also emphasizes the importance of settlement services. While funding exists, Omar sees gaps in promoting these resources. “Many newcomers aren’t even aware of the programs available to them,” he explains. He believes a greater focus on awareness campaigns can help bridge this disconnect, ensuring newcomers access the tools they need to succeed.
Reflecting on his career, Omar shares key lessons that have shaped his approach. Central to his philosophy is a commitment to reducing the suffering of others. “Having compassion and empathy for the realities on the ground is vital,” he says.
Omar advises professionals to remain curious and empathetic, asking the right questions and building coalitions to address emerging issues. “Stay true to the person on the ground and carry that perspective forward as you grow into leadership roles,” he concludes. For Omar, this approach ensures meaningful, informed action that supports newcomers and strengthens Canada’s workforce.
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