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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Sri Lanka Introduces Digital Nomad Visa

 According to a report from Daily Pakistan, the Digital Nomad visa in Sri Lanka has specific requirements, including a minimum monthly income of $2,000, which must be routed through the Sri Lankan banking system. This visa can be renewed annually as long as the necessary funds are verified. Applicants are required to pay a $500 application fee, and the visa covers the visa holder's spouse and dependents. Other known requirements for obtaining...

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Canada to Update Methodology for Counting International Students & Foreign Workers

 StatsCan (Statistics Canada) is set to implement a revised methodology starting on September 27, 2023, which will also retroactively assess the temporary resident population from 2021. This updated approach aims to address discrepancies in population estimates. Currently, StatsCan's methodology counts approximately 750,000 of the estimated one million non-permanent residents, with another 250,000 individuals, mainly international students,...

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DRC Lifts Visa Requirements for Kenyan Travelers

 Starting this month, Kenyan travelers no longer need to obtain visas before visiting the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC). The DRC made the decision to lift visa requirements for Kenyan visitors, in accordance with directives from the President. Additionally, the DRC has reclassified Kenya, shifting it from Category 2 to Category 1 in terms of visa requirements. This change aligns with the regulations of the East African Community, which...

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Brazil to Ease Visas for Nationals of Portuguese-Speaking Countries

 Immigrants from Portuguese-speaking countries intending to travel to Brazil will face more lenient visa requirements following a decision by Brazilian authorities to ease visas for them. The new changes come after the Minister of Justice and Public Security, Flávio Dino, and the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mauro Vieira, recently signed a new Interministerial Ordinance. This ordinance outlines the procedures for granting temporary...

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Taiwan Tightens Visa Requirements for Vietnamese Travelers

 Under the previous regulations, Japanese and South Korean travelers who successfully applied for Taiwanese visas were granted multiple-entry visas with a three-month validity, allowing them to stay for up to 30 days on each visit. Now, following the updated regulations, Japanese and South Korean citizens seeking Taiwanese visas are required to adhere to the standard Taiwanese visa application procedure, which typically takes around eight...

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Thailand to Grant Visa-Free Travel to Chinese & Kazakhstani Tourists From September 25, 2023

 The Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT) has announced that the visa waiver program is anticipated to result in an additional 700,000 new visitors to the country. This news has triggered a notable surge in searches and inquiries on Chinese travel platforms. On the travel platform operated by the Trip.com Group, searches for tour products saw an 800 percent increase in just 30 minutes. Similarly, there was a 70 percent increase in searches...

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DHS Unveils Proposed Rule to Revamp H-2 Temporary Visa Programs & Worker Rights

 The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has put forth a proposal to enhance and modernize the H-2B visa program. This initiative is aimed at providing more flexibility and protections for temporary workers involved in the program while also improving its efficiency. The proposed changes will not only offer US employers new program flexibilities to address labor shortages but also strengthen protections for H-2B workers, ensuring they...

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Visa Fees Set to Rise in UK Starting From October 4

 The recent adjustments will result in an increase in the cost of visas in the UK. Specifically, visas with a duration of less than six months will see their prices go up by £15 to reach £115. Student visas will experience a more substantial increase of £127, bringing the total cost to £490. The UK government has stressed that the income generated from visa fees plays a crucial role in maintaining a sustainable immigration and nationality...

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Australian Student Visa Applicants Will Need to Have Over $24,000 Starting in October

 The Australian government has stated that the alteration to the visa requirements for international students is aimed at ensuring that students who come to study in Australia can adequately support themselves without the need to urgently seek employment, thereby reducing the risk of exploitation.In July, the Australian Bureau of Statistics reported a significant increase in international student arrivals, with 131,640 students, representing...

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UK’s Travel & Tourism Industry Expected to Surpass 2019 Levels by Year’s End

 Data provided by the WTTC indicates that in 2023, the travel and tourism sector in the UK is projected to create approximately 380,000 jobs, resulting in a total employment figure of around four million. This translates to over one in nine UK workers being employed in the sector. In addition, spending by international visitors to the UK is expected to reach £26.18 billion, a significant achievement, although it remains just below the 2019...

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3 UAE Visa Routes for Expats Without Employment or Business

 Holders of remote work visas in the United Arab Emirates (UAE) are permitted to live and work remotely in the country for one year. This type of visa also allows remote workers to sponsor their family members in the UAE. To obtain this visa, applicants must meet specific requirements, including: 1. Providing evidence of employment, such as an employment letter, contract, or proof of freelance work.3. Specifying the intended length of their...

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Airline Chiefs Express Concern Over Prolonged Air Traffic Controller Shortage

 "It will require five to seven years of hiring before we break even if everything goes smoothly. Do we really want five to seven more years of daily disruptions? I don't believe so," said Nick Calio, the head of Airlines for America, during the Global Aerospace Summit hosted by the US Chamber of Commerce in Washington, DC. He also emphasized that while the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has hired the maximum number of controllers...

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New Zealand to Open Applications for Work-to-Residence Visas on September 29

 This means that migrants seeking residence through various work-related visas in New Zealand, such as the Work to Residence (WTR) Visa, Care Workforce Work to Residence Visa, or Transport Work to Residence Visa, can apply if they possess a minimum of two years of eligible experience in a role specified in the Green List sector agreement and meet the required skill and wage criteria in the country. Applicants are also required to fulfill...

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US Embassy in India Reports Surge in Student Visa Issuance: Over 90,000 in 3 Months

 "The US Mission in India is delighted to announce that we issued an unprecedented number of student visas this summer, with over 90,000 visas issued in June, July, and August. India accounted for nearly one-fourth of all student visas issued globally this summer," stated the US Embassy on its official social media account. The US Embassy commended all the students for choosing the United States as their destination for higher education,...

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Singapore to Introduce Passport-Free Travel by Early 2024

 "Singapore is among the pioneering nations in the world to introduce automated, passport-free immigration clearance," stated Communications Minister Josephine Teo.Teo emphasized that these changes will reduce the need for passengers to repeatedly present their travel documents at various touchpoints and result in smoother and more convenient processing.The plan involves utilizing biometrics to create a "single token of authentication" that...

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UAE Wants to Include Foreign Residents in Gulf-Countries’ Visa-Free System

 The Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) is composed of six member nations: Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Oman, Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Citizens of these countries have the privilege of traveling across GCC borders without requiring visa applications. However, foreign residents, who constitute a significant portion of the population and come from various parts of the world, are still required to obtain visas when crossing GCC...

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Temporary Indian Visa Suspension for Canadians Won’t Affect Existing Visa Holders

 The Indian government has introduced changes to its visa issuance in response to escalating tensions with Canada. This move follows Canada's accusations regarding India's alleged involvement in the assassination of Sikh activists and naturalized Canadian citizens. In reaction to these allegations, India issued a travel warning to its citizens in Canada, while Canada withdrew some staff from its Indian consulates due to security concerns.As...

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Israelis to Travel Visa-Free to US Starting From November 30

 The decision to include Israel in the Visa Waiver Program (VWP) was made with the understanding that it serves the interests of both the United States and Israel, according to an official statement. This move is not regarded as a favor but as a strategic step to enhance US border security, immigration, and counterterrorism measures, while also promoting legitimate travel and commerce between the two nations.Israel was required to demonstrate...

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Japan Offers Long-Term Residency to Foreigners Escaping Conflict Zones

 As per the 1951 UN Convention on Refugees, a refugee is defined as an individual who is unable or unwilling to return to their home country due to a well-founded fear of persecution based on factors such as race, religion, nationality, membership in a particular social group, or political opinion. Japan is a signatory to this convention, which places an obligation on member nations to provide protection to refugees. However, people fleeing...

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1/3 of US & Canadian Adults Couldn’t Afford a Vacation in 2022-2023, Survey Reveals

 Despite the UNWTO's recognition of "strong pent-up demand" in 2022, the cost of travel remains a significant restraining factor for potential travelers. While affordability is less of an issue in countries like Mexico, South Korea, and India, it poses challenges in major economies such as Germany, the United Kingdom, Japan, and Australia. In these nations, a portion of the population lacks the financial means to go on vacations away from home....

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Russia Lifts Entry Visas for Ukrainians

 The United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) administers the Diversity Visa program, offering foreign nationals the opportunity to obtain a green card and permanently move to the United States, especially those hailing from countries with lower immigration rates to the US. It's essential to note that this program has specific rules and limitations. The Diversity Visa program allocates a limited number of visas each fiscal...

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