UK’s Global Talent Visa Saw Only 3 Applicants in 2 Years

 In 2021, former Home Secretary Priti Patel highlighted that recipients of prestigious awards had achieved the highest point in their careers and had much to offer to the United Kingdom. She emphasized that these significant changes would also grant them the freedom to work in the UK's leading fields such as arts, music, sciences, and film industries as part of the nation's post-pandemic recovery. At that time, Patel stated that this aligned...

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Visitors to Expo 2023 Will Be Eligible to Enter Qatar With Hayya Card

Expo 2023 marks the first international horticultural exhibition in Qatar and the broader Middle East and North Africa region. The Secretary-General of Expo 2023, Mohammed Al-Khoury, informed Doha News that specific details about the entry process have not been disclosed yet. He emphasized that they anticipate an increase in tourism facilitated by streamlined procedures. "We are anticipating the participation of 80 countries and the arrival...

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Chinese Embassy Denounces UK of Interference in Its BNO Visa Program

 BNO passport holders are permitted to apply for permanent residency in the UK after residing in the country for five years, and after an additional year, they can seek British citizenship. A spokesperson from the Chinese embassy informed CGNT that the UK's actions were not aimed at safeguarding the people of Hong Kong, as they claimed, but were intended to tarnish and undermine Hong Kong's reputation. According to the spokesperson, some...

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US Cancels Visas for Over 100 Officials From Nicaragua for Undermining Democracy

 Secretary of State Antony Blinken, through his official social media account, announced that visa restrictions will be imposed on officials in Nicaragua who have been involved in violations of human rights and the undermining of democracy in the country. Blinken emphasized the need for the Nicaraguan regime to promptly release Bishop Álvarez and others who have been unjustly detained. In his statement on his official Twitter account, Blinken...

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US Extends Ban on Use of Passport for Travel to North Korea

 The US Department of State has declared that a significant risk persists for US citizens and nationals in terms of arrest and prolonged detention, which poses an immediate threat to their physical safety. This information was conveyed in a notice to the Associated Press (AP). The ban on using a US passport to travel to, from, or through North Korea remains in effect and will continue until August 31, 2024. This ban was initially introduced...

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Saudi Arabia Increases Umrah Visa Duration for Pakistani Pilgrims to 90 Days

During their visit, citizens of Pakistan will have the opportunity to explore approximately 100 historical and religious sites in the cities of Makkah and Madinah, renowned for their significance in religious tourism. The Saudi Minister also emphasized his government's commitment to reducing the costs associated with Hajj for pilgrims, given the strong diplomatic ties between Saudi Arabia and Pakistan. The Minister further disclosed that civil...

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Global Tourism Investment Remains Over $100 Billion Behind Pre-pandemic Levels

 According to the same source, it is anticipated that global investments in the travel and tourism industry will increase by 11.5 percent this year, reaching a total value of $955 billion. Nevertheless, a full recovery to pre-pandemic levels is not expected before 2025. The World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) report highlights a substantial decline in capital flow during the pandemic. In 2020, investments plummeted by 24 percent,...

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UK Reports 23% Increase in Study Visas Granted So Far This Year

 The data reveals that nearly 154,000 sponsored study-related visas were given to students' dependents, but this benefit will be discontinued starting in January 2024, as reported by VisaGuide.World.Undergraduate students are no longer allowed to bring their family members with them, whereas students pursuing postgraduate research courses will still have the option to bring dependents to the country even after 2024. The number of sponsored...

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Australia Will Allow Int’l Students Use Education as a Migration Route

 Australia is contemplating a significant overhaul of its visa requirements for international students. Currently, individuals seeking a student visa to study in Australia are subject to the Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) requirement. This criterion necessitates that applicants demonstrate their intention to pursue education in Australia as a genuinely temporary endeavor. Furthermore, these students are required to submit a 300-word statement...

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New Zealand Introduces New Residence Pathway for Special Ukraine Visa Holders

 The government of New Zealand is introducing a new residence pathway for Ukrainian citizens who are in the country on the Special Ukraine Visa. This visa pathway aims to provide certainty and permanent residency to those Ukrainians who have sought refuge in New Zealand due to the ongoing conflict in their home country. New Zealand's Minister for Immigration, Kris Faafoi, emphasized that the government has a humanitarian obligation to offer...

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High Demand Drives Increase in US Visa Wait Times, State Department Official Says

 A State Department spokesperson has noted that the United States has significantly increased the issuance of nonimmigrant visas in the first nine months of this year compared to the same period in 2019, with a 19.4 percent rise. The spokesperson mentioned that several busy visa-issuing posts, such as those in Mexico, actually issued more visitor visas in fiscal year 2022 than in the prepandemic fiscal year 2019. The State Department indicated...

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Canadians Will Not Be Able to Obtain Visa Upon Arrival in Egypt From Oct.1

 Beginning on October 1, 2023, Canadian travelers will no longer have the option to obtain visas upon their arrival in Egypt, as Egyptian authorities have introduced new restrictions. According to the Government of Canada, "Starting October 1, 2023, Canadian passport holders will not be able to obtain a visa online before traveling to or upon arrival in Egypt. You will be required to obtain a visa from an Egyptian embassy or consulate abroad." Previously,...

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Australia to End Special Visa Program Introduced During the Pandemic

 The special visa program was established in 2020 to assist international students unable to return to their home countries due to the pandemic and to address labor shortages following the closure of international borders. Under this program, visa holders had the opportunity to work unrestricted hours for 12 months, include eligible family members in their application, and make multiple trips to and from Australia during their stay. Recent...

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Thailand to Increase Prices for Its Elite Golden Visa Scheme

 The Thai Elite Program has undergone significant changes, with the previous Elite visa being replaced by an exclusive Reserve Card, available to a limited number of individuals. The Elite visa was priced at one million baht, whereas the new Reserve Card, which is available to just 100 new members each year by invitation only, costs five million baht. Holders of the Reserve Card can extend it for five years, each time at ten percent of the card's...

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OpenAI Leader Becomes the First Recipient of Indonesia’s ‘Golden Visa’

 The Ministry of Law and Human Rights in Indonesia has confirmed the launch of a visa program with the aim of attracting more foreign investment and influential investors, such as Sam Altman. This visa initiative is designed to encourage foreign investment in the country, and it was reported by VisaGuide.World.Silmy Karim, the Director General of Immigration in Indonesia, expressed hope that the participation of figures like Sam Altman would...

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