Global Visa Consultant

 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 with the new point-based immigration system's goal of attracting the most talented individuals based on their skills and expertise, rather than their country of origin.  According to a previous report from Research Professional News, the visa scheme had received only three applications over two years, with two approvals in 2022 and just one this year. A spokesperson from the Home Office explained that due to the exclusivity of the prizes that qualify under the "prestigious prize" pathway of the Global Talent route, they did n...

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 of three million visitors to Doha throughout the exhibition's duration," stated the high-ranking official.  In efforts to bolster tourism, Qatari authorities have revealed plans to expand the Hayya platform further. "Relaunched Hayya platform has emerged as the primary portal for travelers requiring visas to enter Qatar. Hayya will serve as the singular portal for all tourists seeking entry into the country," noted Akbar Al-Baker, Chairman of Qatar Tourism, during a recent press conference.  According to the report from Doh...

  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 Hong Kong residents who relocated to the UK have encountered financial hardships and societal discrimination.  The spokesperson urged the UK to cease its critical actions and refrain from interfering in China's internal affairs.  In 2021, the Chinese Foreign Ministry declared that it would no longer recognize the BNO passport and visa as valid travel and identification documents, with the change scheduled to take effect in January 2021. The Ministry reserved the right to take further actions.  British authorities have previous...

 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 stated, "The State Department has taken steps to impose visa restrictions on 100 Nicaraguan officials who restrict Nicaraguans’ human rights and undermine democracy. We call on the regime to unconditionally and immediately release Bishop Álvarez and all those unjustly detained."  Bishop Rolando Álvarez, a vocal critic of the Nicaraguan government, was arrested by the Ortega regime for allegedly aiding anti-government protesters. Earlier this year, he was sentenced to 26 years in prison after refusing to board a plane carrying exiles...

 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 by the former Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson, during the Trump administration in 2017. It was implemented following the death of an American student, Otto Warmbier, who sustained severe injuries while in North Korean custody.  Otto Warmbier, a participant in a group tour of North Korea, was leaving the country in 2016 when he was arrested for allegedly stealing a propaganda poster. He was subsequently sentenced to 15 years in prison and tragically passed away in a US hospital six days after his return. Humanitarian organizations ha...

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 aviation authorities from both countries have inked agreements to increase the number of flights between these two predominantly Muslim nations.  Additionally, individuals over the age of 65 from Pakistan who intend to undertake Hajj and Umrah will be exempt from the biometric requirement, a request made by the Pakistani representative. He also noted that the provision of alternative accommodations for Pakistani pilgrims in Makkah and Madinah is due to the expansion of the premises surrounding the two holy mosques. The annual Hajj pilgr...

  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, followed by an eight percent reduction in 2021.  Prior to the pandemic, investments from both the public and private sectors in the travel and tourism industry maintained a consistent growth rate of 4.3 percent annually from 2010 to 2019. This growth propelled the figures from $754.6 billion in 2010 to $1.1 trillion by 2019. WTTC President & CEO Julia Simpson emphasized the significance of investment in Travel & Tourism for global recovery and growth, stating, "Investment in Travel & Tourism is integral to the world’s recovery...

 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 study visas granted to students by the year ending in June 2023 has surged by 108 percent compared to the pre-pandemic levels of 2019, reaching a total of 498,626.  The data indicates that non-EEA students have been the primary drivers behind the increase in study visas granted, contributing to a 24 percent rise in the past year, while the number of EU students has seen a minor decrease of one percent, as highlighted in Home Office analysis.  Additionally, a total of 142,848 sponsored study visas were issued to Indian nationals, ...

  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 elucidating the motivations behind their decision to study abroad. However, the GTE requirement prohibits students from indicating an intention to acquire Australian residency through their educational pursuits.  The Australian government is now exploring the possibility of replacing the GTE requirement with a new evaluation standard known as the Genuine Student Test. Under this new approach, highly skilled international students may be permitted to remain in Australia after completing their studies, thereby contributing to the country'...

  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 these individuals stability as the war in Ukraine continues. The government will work to streamline the application process for the residence pathway. This move demonstrates New Zealand's commitment to supporting those affected by the conflict in Ukraine and upholding a rules-based international system. The Special Ukraine Visa program, initially introduced as a response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, will now pave the way for permanent residency for those who wish to make New Zealand their permanent home. As of August 20, 2023, over...

  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 that wait times for first-time visitor visa interviews in India have decreased by 70 percent since the start of the year. Furthermore, they stated that they issued 46 percent more nonimmigrant visas compared to the same period last year In Mexico, there has been a 21 percent increase in visa issuance, while Brazil saw a significant reduction in visa wait times, with the average wait period decreasing to 147 days.     However, despite these improvements, challenges still exist. Wait times for visa interviews have increase...

  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, Canadian travelers were able to obtain their visas upon arrival at Cairo airport or acquire e-visas before departing via the online portal, as stated on Global Affairs Canada's travel page for Egypt.  However, the recent changes by Egyptian authorities are in response to Canadian measures denying visas to Egyptian citizens. These measures were deemed "offensive in nature to the dignity of the Egyptian state." These new rules will add to the challenges faced by travelers. Adel Boulos, President of the Egyptia...

  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 data from the Department of Home Affairs revealed that nearly 60,000 international students and temporary workers took advantage of this permit to extend their stay in Australia, even though the circumstances that led to the creation of this visa program have largely dissipated.  Between June 2022 and March, the department issued 65,859 pandemic visas, including nearly 27,000 in the first three months of the year.  Immigration Minister Andrew Giles noted that the pandemic event visa was a crucial component of Australia's visa sys...

  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 current value.  The former Elite visa has been rebranded as the Gold Card, priced at 900,000 baht. Other options include the Diamond Card, which is valid for 15 years at a cost of 2.5 million baht, and the Platinum Card, which offers a ten-year validity for 1.5 million baht. The Thai Elite Program has significantly contributed to the country's economy and attracted a substantial number of members. It currently has 31,500 members and has brought more than 50 million baht to the nation's economy. The program aims to increase its mem...

 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 contribute to the development and utilization of artificial intelligence (AI) in the country. He highlighted that golden visas are among various categories offered in addition to those based on capital investment, and they are intended for individuals with international reputations who can benefit Indonesia.  Sam Altman, the American entrepreneur, will be granted a Golden Visa for a ten-year period, which comes with various privileges, including expedited screening at airports and ease of entry and exit.  Sam Altman visited Indonesia...

  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 the Digital Nomad Visa include having a valid passport for at least six months beyond the entry date, and the applicant should be working remotely as an employee, freelancer, or business owner for clients located outside of Sri Lanka. However, it is important to note that individuals holding this visa will not have the right to seek local employment or engage in local economic activities. The Digital Nomad Visa is expected to promote tourism in Sri Lanka, aiding the country's economic recovery from the restrictions related to the COVID-...

  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, not accounted for in the census data.  The previous census caused confusion among international students, as they were instructed not to complete registration if they had temporarily moved to live with their parents during the year. This ambiguity resulted in many students not completing their registration.  Canada recently exceeded a population milestone, surpassing 40 million people. This achievement was higher than the official forecasts in 2013, which predicted a population of 38.7 million in 2023. The unexpected population growth...

  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 facilitates the free movement of people among its member states. In a similar move last month, the government declared visa-free access for its citizens from Indonesia, making it the third country to receive this privilege. This followed a similar decision made for two other countries earlier in the same month. During discussions between the presidents of both countries, the importance of enhancing regional trade and investment through improvements to regional sea, land, and air transport infrastructure was emphasized.

  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 visas and residence authorization to individuals from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP). The CPLP includes the following nine countries:  1. Angola 2. Brazil 3. Cape Verde 4. Guinea-Bissau 5. Equatorial Guinea 6. Mozambique 7. Portugal 8. São Tomé and Príncipe 9. Timor-Leste  This measure is part of the Agreement on Mobility between the Member States of the CPLP and is set to take effect on October 2.  The temporary visa, known as a CPLP Residence visa, will be valid for one year and can be granted to highl...

  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 days for approval.  This isn't the first instance of Taiwan imposing stricter visa rules on Vietnamese tourists. In 2019, Taiwanese authorities temporarily halted the issuance of e-visas to Vietnamese tour groups participating in the special program.  This decision was made in response to an incident in which authorities detained 17 out of 152 Vietnamese tourists on suspicion of entering Taiwan for investigation purposes. On December 28 of the same year, the Vietnam Economic and Cultural Office in Taipei urged Taiwanese authoritie...

  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 for flight tickets to Thailand compared to the previous week.  As per TAT statistics, approximately three percent of all mainland Chinese tourists chose Thailand as their preferred foreign destination, making it the most popular choice among Chinese travelers. In the first quarter of the current year, Chinese tourists ranked among the top five groups of foreign visitors, alongside tourists from Malaysia, Russia, South Korea, and India. Further data reveals that between January and August 2023, Thailand received around two million Chine...

 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 are shielded from exploitative practices by employers, with additional consideration given to whistleblower protections. Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas emphasized the essential role H-2A and H-2B temporary workers have played in supporting seasonal and agricultural economies for years. He noted that the proposed reforms are intended to provide necessary protections for this vulnerable workforce while helping US employers meet their labor needs.  Mayorkas underscored the commitment of the DHS and its partners across t...

 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 system within the Home Office. m  These changes follow a prior warning issued by the UK government in July of a 15 percent increase in visa costs. Additionally, they have announced that there will be an even more significant surge in fees for priority visas, study visas, and certificates of sponsorship, with a minimum increase of 20 percent. The government aims to set these fees carefully, balancing the need to minimize the financial contribution from British taxpayers while still offering an attractive service for individuals seeking t...

  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 an 85 percent rise compared to the previous year, indicating an additional 60,420 students. Abul Rizvi, a former official at the Department of Immigration and a columnist, noted that offshore student visa applications have consistently set new records in the past 18 months. The surge in applications has been particularly driven by students from India, leading to concerns of fraudulent activities, especially from Indian applicants.  The Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O'Neil, emphasized the importance of maintaining the global reputation...

  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 peak of £38.6 billion by approximately six percent.  According to this data, the UK's Travel and Tourism sector demonstrated substantial growth in the previous year. As a result, its contribution to the country's GDP increased by 65 percent, surpassing £237 billion and accounting for 9.5 percent of the nation's economy. This accomplishment brought the sector's contribution to the economy to its highest level since 2019, representing 9.9 percent of the economy.  Regarding employment, the sector added 1.1 million new jobs compared ...

 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 stay. 4. Having a passport with a minimum validity of six months. 5. Securing health insurance that covers their residency in the UAE.  On the other hand, the real estate investor visa can be obtained either through a self-sponsored residence visa valid for two years or by applying for the Golden Visa, which grants a ten-year residency based on the amount of investment made in UAE real estate.  Individuals can apply for the Property Investor Visa through the Dubai Land Department's Cube Center if they jointly own property valued...

 " 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 eligible to graduate from its single certification academy, it won't be sufficient for a quick recovery. Calio suggested allowing universities with air traffic controller programs to offer certification courses, similar to what other countries do.  Earlier this year, the FAA recommended that airlines reduce summer flights by ten percent at airports like Newark, John F. Kennedy, and LaGuardia. Last month, this policy was extended into October.  Robin Hayes, the CEO of JetBlue, stated that more advance notice about the FAA's plans...

 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 the standard visa application prerequisites, including health, character, English language proficiency, and age.  The 24 months of relevant work experience must be acquired while holding any type of work visa or a Critical Purpose Visitor Visa with work rights, starting from September 29, 2021, and within 30 months of submitting their residence visa application.  Applicants for the WTR Visa must meet the role-specific or median wage threshold applicable at the beginning of their 24 months of work experience and at the time of their ...

  "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, emphasizing their commitment to ensuring that all eligible applicants could begin their programs without delays.  The report also highlighted that the number of international students pursuing higher education in the US rose from 914,000 in 2020-2021 to 948,000 in 2021-2022.  Among Indian students pursuing higher education in the US, the following six states received the highest number: 1. New York 2. California 3. Texas 4. Illinois 5. Massachusetts 6. Arizona  New York led the list and also received the most Indian students i...

 " 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 can be utilized at different automated touchpoints throughout the airport, including processes ranging from baggage drop to immigration clearance and boarding.  Additionally, this innovation eliminates the requirement for physical travel documents, such as boarding passes and passports, within the airport environment.  While these advancements are set to enhance the travel experience at Changi Airport, it's important to note that passports will still be a necessity for travelers going to countries outside Singapore that do...

  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 borders.  As reported by local media, UAE's Minister of State for Entrepreneurship and SMEs, Ahmad Al Marri, emphasized the importance of introducing visa-free travel for residents within the GCC member states. This policy aims to enhance the region's appeal and stimulate tourism by allowing easier mobility for foreign residents.  The initiative reflects the commitment of Middle Eastern countries, especially the six-member GCC economic bloc, to boost and diversify their tourism sector. This strategic objective serves to reduce their r...

  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 a result of this diplomatic dispute, Indian authorities have implemented visa changes that impact Canadian nationals in India. BLS International, a service provider for diplomatic missions worldwide, announced that Canadians in India can apply for visa renewals in accordance with their visa categories, despite the ongoing tensions. However, delays in visa processing are expected due to the strained relations between the two countries.  Earlier, BLS International had suspended visa services temporarily, citing operational reasons. The comp...

 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 compliance with US standards by September 30, and if successful, it would be seen as a positive development for the Israeli government, particularly Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's administration. Relations between Israel and the US have faced tensions over issues such as judicial reforms and Palestinian policies.  Israel's inclusion in the Visa Waiver Program was hailed as a diplomatic achievement and a positive development for Israeli citizens. The US State Department spokesperson noted that a final financial decision regarding Isr...

 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 Ukraine and those in similar situations do not meet the specified criteria. According to Japan Today, as of September 20, approximately 2,091 Ukrainian evacuees were in Japan. Of these, 1,931 were residing in Japan under a one-year designated activities visa, as confirmed by the Immigration Services Agency of Japan. Up until now, Japanese authorities have only granted refugee status to individuals who strictly fulfill these conditions. This approach has sparked controversy, as it seemed to suggest that Japan was closing its doors to people seeki...

  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. Furthermore, approximately 80 percent of prospective summer vacationers are altering their plans due to inflation. Among Americans planning vacations in the current year, many are implementing cost-saving strategies, including shortening the duration of their trips (26 percent), opting for shorter distances (23 percent), choosing to drive instead of flying (26 percent), or participating in more budget-friendly activities (28 percent). A noteworthy 63 percent of American adults intend to take a summer vacation this year, indicating...

  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 year, typically around 55,000, to participants chosen through a lottery system. These visas must be evenly distributed and not exceed seven percent for any single country. This equal distribution ensures that no single country dominates the program However, some countries do not qualify for participation in the Diversity Visa program due to the high number of their citizens already immigrating to the United States. The countries currently ineligible for this program include Bangladesh, Brazil, Canada, China, Colombia, Dominican Republic, ...