tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21659977032421091512024-03-14T02:01:34.660-07:00Global Visa ConsultantStudy Abroad l Work Permit l Immigration ServicesGlobal Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.comBlogger355125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-72378787387542762852023-10-11T07:45:00.003-07:002023-10-11T07:45:15.635-07:00UK’s Global Talent Visa Saw Only 3 Applicants in 2 Years<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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 not anticipate a high volume of applications compared to other immigration routes. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">To be eligible for this visa, applicants must submit the necessary documents, which vary depending on their qualifications. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The application process for the UK's Global Talent Visa consists of two stages: </span><span style="font-family: arial;">1. Applying for endorsement from an organization recognized as an expert in a specific field.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1ALIz8SPvbw9a5ZZqvk05WBK7MMXG9oJ8UgOTtlo7NyAiJdjGuIdIBa-ESvFoI2UhZ4NFai7oEJhWXSX20iD-ozlvzAw8jim9V1nR_3VCNlcCTDALpCRpViGGYC9Plf1hxMbB_sempWCOeHBXbGuc3ceh_amg0VaYfccGdJ1VFpombTmXO0WCoLGvHfg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="174" data-original-width="290" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEg1ALIz8SPvbw9a5ZZqvk05WBK7MMXG9oJ8UgOTtlo7NyAiJdjGuIdIBa-ESvFoI2UhZ4NFai7oEJhWXSX20iD-ozlvzAw8jim9V1nR_3VCNlcCTDALpCRpViGGYC9Plf1hxMbB_sempWCOeHBXbGuc3ceh_amg0VaYfccGdJ1VFpombTmXO0WCoLGvHfg" width="320" /></a></div><br /><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2. Applying for the Global Talent Visa.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The visa is valid for five years and can be extended. Those applying as leaders or individuals of exceptional talent can seek settlement in the UK after three years of residence, while potential leaders can apply for settlement after five years. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The fee for a Global Talent Visa is £608 per person, comprising £456 for the endorsement and £152 for the visa (£97 for individuals from Turkey or North Macedonia). </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Recipients of the Global Talent visa can bring their families to the UK, including spouses and dependent children, all of whom can apply simultaneously. Each applicant's dependent family members are required to pay an additional application fee of £608 and provide the necessary documents.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-76413341440317895682023-10-11T07:37:00.005-07:002023-10-11T07:37:36.250-07:00Visitors to Expo 2023 Will Be Eligible to Enter Qatar With Hayya Card<div><span style="font-family: arial;">Expo 2023 marks the first international horticultural exhibition in Qatar and the broader Middle East and North Africa region. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">"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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In efforts to bolster tourism, Qatari authorities have revealed plans to expand the Hayya platform further.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMQNVh2ydTar-FfZOJh5wBAuwEZrSkpstdPNVA5A-Sj3mePRwEFuDxLkkfXJPGaf_t5gegCxgxfQFxiHQx27NO_qkbJXZDY16myjpgYhj5eTgkHfFrvYUBL9DPIe2YZ3aBhNntKu0kq6NeO4pQJy1LuGzva12_GYbMc4WqZwPxlav7EuyA5BgYpXF6e14" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhMQNVh2ydTar-FfZOJh5wBAuwEZrSkpstdPNVA5A-Sj3mePRwEFuDxLkkfXJPGaf_t5gegCxgxfQFxiHQx27NO_qkbJXZDY16myjpgYhj5eTgkHfFrvYUBL9DPIe2YZ3aBhNntKu0kq6NeO4pQJy1LuGzva12_GYbMc4WqZwPxlav7EuyA5BgYpXF6e14" width="320" /></a></div></span></div><div><span style="font-family: arial;">"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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">According to the report from Doha News, the new e-visa will be offered in various categories, taking into consideration factors like nationality, residency status, or possession of other international visas by the traveler. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Moreover, travelers falling into any of these additional categories will experience a more straightforward approval process.</span></div>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-37044925126248186442023-10-11T07:34:00.002-07:002023-10-11T07:34:24.987-07:00Chinese Embassy Denounces UK of Interference in Its BNO Visa Program<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The spokesperson urged the UK to cease its critical actions and refrain from interfering in China's internal affairs. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">British authorities have previously stated that individuals from Hong Kong, along with their family members, can obtain a British National Overseas visa. The UK government clarified in a statement that British national children aged 18 or older, born on or after July 1, 1997, can apply separately from their parents, and their family members are also eligible to apply. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The statement emphasized that applicants should wait for a decision on their visa application before traveling to the UK. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The introduction of a national security law by China in June 2020 prompted the UK to offer refuge to nearly three million eligible Hong Kong residents with BNO passports, starting from January 31</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC8OOuVX9-OJS2OVU1GCIR4GVUgSmHiqH-s9MfGNb4eLIJ-78Q31YPmehxs0N4ykQm-v8_iveRIRvc-phh1YhSy63PuZX4NUpBIAz-NYv_Z8pAj84Uer-dyYJX1XiBkW1JAlILxiDHJEXSnfZcxgT_8DloyOfqIkDSjwRbsswZ5vnT2Os4oZwUo4kxzs/s2560/11.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPC8OOuVX9-OJS2OVU1GCIR4GVUgSmHiqH-s9MfGNb4eLIJ-78Q31YPmehxs0N4ykQm-v8_iveRIRvc-phh1YhSy63PuZX4NUpBIAz-NYv_Z8pAj84Uer-dyYJX1XiBkW1JAlILxiDHJEXSnfZcxgT_8DloyOfqIkDSjwRbsswZ5vnT2Os4oZwUo4kxzs/s320/11.webp" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br /></div></span><span style="font-family: arial;">In 2021, an Al Jazeera report indicated that the five-year visa would cost £250 per person, with an additional mandatory surcharge for access to the UK's state-run health service, amounting to £3,120 for adults and £2,350 for individuals under the age of 18.</span><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-51491973863235277822023-10-11T07:31:00.002-07:002023-10-11T07:31:29.188-07:00US Cancels Visas for Over 100 Officials From Nicaragua for Undermining Democracy<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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." </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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 to the United States. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Furthermore, the Associated Press clarifies that Ortega, in his quest for a fourth term in the 2021 elections, incarcerated numerous opposition figures and banned several non-governmental organizations.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2Fm-KZhQPQoG9sCL0EvWy3pspv2EsBniq0Bvz_TKOzai7Hn88WyJ-Nev8HjlMrJ17BdOJ3agKWGgvUJRyPHSIDvO2ESBnkIaWmYggpEVZi94wWxHWCjc-MWBiuup_T-MqDI9HKU6QEpoVF9t75Q7ySQessFARiJj9kK-_SwUEaoh2ZdXzENtiQPX6Mak" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="300" height="179" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEh2Fm-KZhQPQoG9sCL0EvWy3pspv2EsBniq0Bvz_TKOzai7Hn88WyJ-Nev8HjlMrJ17BdOJ3agKWGgvUJRyPHSIDvO2ESBnkIaWmYggpEVZi94wWxHWCjc-MWBiuup_T-MqDI9HKU6QEpoVF9t75Q7ySQessFARiJj9kK-_SwUEaoh2ZdXzENtiQPX6Mak" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">This is not the first instance of the United States imposing restrictions on Nicaraguan officials. Previously, the State Department revoked visas for top Nicaraguan officials, as well as judges who convicted opposition leaders and legislators who collaborated in banning civil society groups and various non-governmental organizations. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The State Department had previously enforced visa restrictions on a total of 116 individuals connected to the Ortega regime. This group included university administrators, mayors, police officers, prosecutors, prison officials, and military personnel, among others. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Additionally, the Treasury Department had frozen the assets of the Minister of Defense and other officials in the fields of the military, mining, and telecommunications. Due to existing strict sanctions against many Nicaraguan officials, citizens of the European Union were prohibited from engaging in any transactions with them.</span><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-11430177498017225392023-10-11T07:28:00.009-07:002023-10-11T07:28:54.707-07:00US Extends Ban on Use of Passport for Travel to North Korea<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 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). </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtXAVAVUWr_GlYIlyxdzx967xNqF_Hq8A5dGOZzSxRuQNWZS_5GWgVU2AJ7MAdVnVHymt8yQwiwkJJaPWK-nsi4ZT-HN8_K9UWlMvNskkPC_04DdHIkaq3PFFjfFF36Ain05G6yJEPc7EsPnmjhhXMBx8Had-eLZjlE4FrYPIwPg1y5yE7xFAzuZqsFFg" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="168" data-original-width="299" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgtXAVAVUWr_GlYIlyxdzx967xNqF_Hq8A5dGOZzSxRuQNWZS_5GWgVU2AJ7MAdVnVHymt8yQwiwkJJaPWK-nsi4ZT-HN8_K9UWlMvNskkPC_04DdHIkaq3PFFjfFF36Ain05G6yJEPc7EsPnmjhhXMBx8Had-eLZjlE4FrYPIwPg1y5yE7xFAzuZqsFFg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">Humanitarian organizations have expressed concerns regarding the ban and its extension, fearing that it further isolates North Korea, one of the most isolated countries in the world. </span><span style="text-align: left;">According to the Associated Press, there is no evidence to suggest that King used a US passport to enter North Korea when he crossed the border in July. The US had sought King's repatriation but was unsuccessful in its attempts to engage North Korean officials on this matter. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Notably, North Korea recently confirmed King's presence in the country for the first time, issuing a statement through its state media on August 16. This statement attributed critical remarks about the United States to the Army private. It remains unverified whether King made these comments during his military service in the Asian country, where he initially started in South Korea. He then crossed into North Korea while on a civilian tour of a border village on July 18, becoming the first confirmed case of an American detained in North Korea in nearly five years. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Between 2004 and 2011, the United States accepted approximately 112 North Korean refugees, but only 25 of them were granted political asylum.</span></div><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-86979377280760883662023-10-11T07:26:00.002-07:002023-10-11T07:26:22.334-07:00Saudi Arabia Increases Umrah Visa Duration for Pakistani Pilgrims to 90 Days<p><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU2sh5OvvouSgBXg3LXTJjm5soGhDbc-MrJSYsfo7n-vWzdQ2_NbJ1fWMAAZC3-3_HCM4eUR1U7TLbFrwxLGTgdmS6WDK4rHFXiFnPlfDzUuMvK-jvXzQ1MChlfu_TYOGokdNm8RuQcrkXcs8DEnkGOoNpdZsNtWq6pBSTgtIYm90eMJgmGE2XZRLjpzQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="400" data-original-width="700" height="183" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhU2sh5OvvouSgBXg3LXTJjm5soGhDbc-MrJSYsfo7n-vWzdQ2_NbJ1fWMAAZC3-3_HCM4eUR1U7TLbFrwxLGTgdmS6WDK4rHFXiFnPlfDzUuMvK-jvXzQ1MChlfu_TYOGokdNm8RuQcrkXcs8DEnkGOoNpdZsNtWq6pBSTgtIYm90eMJgmGE2XZRLjpzQ" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">The annual Hajj pilgrimage is expected to draw millions of Muslims to Saudi Arabia, marking the first time they can fulfill their religious obligations since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Estimates suggest that more than 2.5 million people are anticipated to embark on the pilgrimage, potentially making it the largest Hajj pilgrimage in history. This year's attendance could be double that of the previous one, which saw around one million individuals visiting the cities for religious purposes. In 2020, only 10,000 pilgrims were permitted to participate, a number that increased to 59,000 in 2021, indicating a rising trend in the number of pilgrims.</span></div><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-52556107975512461472023-10-11T07:23:00.002-07:002023-10-11T07:23:33.194-07:00Global Tourism Investment Remains Over $100 Billion Behind Pre-pandemic Levels<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdQHMqHzfeExJ3cbVUbr97lEkr6SQ2b0vqgvnra1ncURklAVEqfGnWqq0_4GIROIeRi0f4bcREOxAqE8tDTB8ZlwSdZ7oVGPN33Ie1dsJyT24ORGHpnO9nlE1737ABh-QcPZOhpGVj1QvZQYddnKvB0iuDf4jJZBVszqzFJ0YaDkWhn0hj2ANdpcAw_Y/s2560/11.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1440" data-original-width="2560" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhkdQHMqHzfeExJ3cbVUbr97lEkr6SQ2b0vqgvnra1ncURklAVEqfGnWqq0_4GIROIeRi0f4bcREOxAqE8tDTB8ZlwSdZ7oVGPN33Ie1dsJyT24ORGHpnO9nlE1737ABh-QcPZOhpGVj1QvZQYddnKvB0iuDf4jJZBVszqzFJ0YaDkWhn0hj2ANdpcAw_Y/s320/11.webp" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">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 and growth. The sector’s resilience and potential for innovation continue to drive us forward. We remain confident yet vigilant in our pursuit of a brighter, more connected global future. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The countries that displayed the highest levels of investment last year, according to the WTTC, were the United States with $213 billion, China with $146 billion, and Saudi Arabia with $42 billion. Although the United States maintained its top-ranked status, the economic contribution of the Travel and Tourism sector to the country decreased by $700 billion compared to 2019, settling at just under $1.3 trillion in the previous year. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Furthermore, Saudi Arabia has significantly increased its investments in various aspects of its aviation infrastructure, hospitality industry, attractions, and related sectors with the aim of tripling tourism's economic contribution. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The WTTC report also anticipates that the global tourism and travel sector will experience an average growth rate of 6.1 percent throughout this year. It specifically notes that the Asia-Pacific and Caribbean regions are expected to exhibit the strongest growth rates in terms of investments in the travel and tourism industry.</span><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-26641262813987434472023-10-11T07:20:00.007-07:002023-10-11T07:20:40.723-07:00UK Reports 23% Increase in Study Visas Granted So Far This Year<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdm44-cm_Sp54XjMWJOktz3FzAtSrLz0yGG2OcvOeYTKif-5zMd61BcPJ-gZTaTxVewsCt2ker_ZHPnMdvTOzogELWLd3SKJuT5Fftpsyw7OwmDT3m150Syd1ldT4y8TPinMzcUXJz8Ziev2xKp9Iu6QjPyEypQwN1ZdvPVL5LVKx_kM2c2Lh3wgSGce8" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1272" data-original-width="1920" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgdm44-cm_Sp54XjMWJOktz3FzAtSrLz0yGG2OcvOeYTKif-5zMd61BcPJ-gZTaTxVewsCt2ker_ZHPnMdvTOzogELWLd3SKJuT5Fftpsyw7OwmDT3m150Syd1ldT4y8TPinMzcUXJz8Ziev2xKp9Iu6QjPyEypQwN1ZdvPVL5LVKx_kM2c2Lh3wgSGce8" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Additionally, a total of 142,848 sponsored study visas were issued to Indian nationals, marking a substantial 54 percent increase, equivalent to 49,883 more visas compared to the previous year. The Home Office observes that Indian visa grants are now seven times higher than pre-pandemic levels in 2019. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In contrast, study visas for Chinese nationals, a traditionally prominent group, dropped by six percent compared to 2022 levels, amounting to 107,670 visas granted by 2023. Nonetheless, when combined with Indian visas, these two nationalities account for half of all sponsored study visas in 2023. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The top five nationalities that received the most sponsorship study visas include Nigeria, Pakistan, and the US. The most substantial increase was seen among Nigerian nationals, which increased by 73 percent compared to June 2022, with 58,680 study visas granted, making them the third-largest group for the year. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In terms of sponsored visa grants to students from the European Economic Area (EEA), German students represented 18 percent of all beneficiaries, with 4,373 visas granted, followed by France at 18 percent with 4,286 visas, and Spain at 14 percent with 3,380 visas.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-26555930291299612602023-10-11T07:16:00.004-07:002023-10-11T07:16:34.227-07:00Australia Will Allow Int’l Students Use Education as a Migration Route<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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's workforce. The driving force behind this proposal is a desire to address labor shortages that persist in various sectors of the Australian economy.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifyltLbxeVu6G34U09jDUJS8ly2DtgCfMXMjB4dMKrEwGZ6hMxNT_pb6lGMt38F5GiDcdxAAj6Zm3CYckWdTEMW2yMFOTZGLwO4wSlPmeyqX7QG-agjLarCG8yG9ujNvZUbMx6MYttyxopC_J88hf6Y27XuHoIaf2ZQO8HTm-kbLp6PSLUOmAljEfSOgM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="375" data-original-width="860" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEifyltLbxeVu6G34U09jDUJS8ly2DtgCfMXMjB4dMKrEwGZ6hMxNT_pb6lGMt38F5GiDcdxAAj6Zm3CYckWdTEMW2yMFOTZGLwO4wSlPmeyqX7QG-agjLarCG8yG9ujNvZUbMx6MYttyxopC_J88hf6Y27XuHoIaf2ZQO8HTm-kbLp6PSLUOmAljEfSOgM" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">The potential policy change aligns with recommendations made in the Migration Review's final report, which was released in March of this year. The report underscores the significance of capturing the potential of international students and views the student visa program as an essential source of skilled migrants. It suggests that the student visa settings should be broadened to maximize the Australian labor force's ability to support and retain high-achieving university graduates. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">key stakeholders in the education sector have been advocating for these reforms for some time. The CEO of the International Education Association of Australia, Phil Honeywood, has been particularly vocal on this issue. He contends that numerous student visa applicants have been rejected due to their honesty about their post-graduation intention to work in Australia. The proposed policy changes aim to strike a balance between welcoming international students and leveraging their talents to address critical labor shortages in the country.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-86055550324800780752023-10-11T07:12:00.005-07:002023-10-11T07:12:45.391-07:00New Zealand Introduces New Residence Pathway for Special Ukraine Visa Holders<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">The government of New Zealand is introducing a new residence pathway for Ukrainian citizens who are in the country on the Special Ukraine Visa. </span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo3xfRLqeidimy657oCj8xW07MGQ4T_uhijEHNImZLNeOlMM4uxSNUrXwRFhnUdU021X3uof3u3L0CFxTA2UOg9gKwkwsC5Sr8kn9qozYMM_1aYud3ACosSS72vnTzgqw_z-ysgIBNjkRJ5U3YG7QDJXXV-Oj_6pgIF88m7vpM2UZQm0jxrL5u0fnoFuI" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjo3xfRLqeidimy657oCj8xW07MGQ4T_uhijEHNImZLNeOlMM4uxSNUrXwRFhnUdU021X3uof3u3L0CFxTA2UOg9gKwkwsC5Sr8kn9qozYMM_1aYud3ACosSS72vnTzgqw_z-ysgIBNjkRJ5U3YG7QDJXXV-Oj_6pgIF88m7vpM2UZQm0jxrL5u0fnoFuI" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br />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 1,500 Special Ukraine Visas have been granted, and approximately 720 people have traveled to New Zealand on this visa.</span><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-67838551630042143382023-10-11T07:09:00.004-07:002023-10-11T07:09:49.292-07:00High Demand Drives Increase in US Visa Wait Times, State Department Official Says<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9VSqCdjD0C0F4Qramp7DfDwd2c4JgKn5Wr5jUuKW872FsbLoNgsWJVcxRswPBMBg6mJUJyZwFDmUEVCM5JuIfFciUjQntWsTxGuFooBJmdhwJPkAPR7IHTfPXDNINRzPoqKgPJTT9VOe1Qt3XG0IS9blSDCd9XSVp-9htn66OULmqOTIDIfVFh5Z2h0/s1600/tghytcj.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="900" data-original-width="1600" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhh9VSqCdjD0C0F4Qramp7DfDwd2c4JgKn5Wr5jUuKW872FsbLoNgsWJVcxRswPBMBg6mJUJyZwFDmUEVCM5JuIfFciUjQntWsTxGuFooBJmdhwJPkAPR7IHTfPXDNINRzPoqKgPJTT9VOe1Qt3XG0IS9blSDCd9XSVp-9htn66OULmqOTIDIfVFh5Z2h0/s320/tghytcj.webp" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">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. </span><span style="text-align: left;">However, despite these improvements, challenges still exist. Wait times for visa interviews have increased in Mexico and India, with Mexico experiencing an average wait time of 726 days and India having an average wait time of 484 days. These lengthy wait times remain a source of concern for the travel industry, which is eager to see the State Department address these issues to facilitate the recovery of the inbound travel sector.</span></span></div><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-27025605614105850592023-10-11T07:06:00.001-07:002023-10-11T07:06:24.345-07:00Canadians Will Not Be Able to Obtain Visa Upon Arrival in Egypt From Oct.1<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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." </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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."</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglE-MDeqIwexqm4wouYaXFg3STA0u4Io_gegLyV0SVEHnG_4g9rWM4Mv9vIepcElPm3nKuez2yLzYszorbzz5rdUydAYKFnKSRvl4dGKo0i-Vr1whsUwJi-0gvNvdypYXtQITiQtacgqV7PpralJLv1w_9fLjyDM2WwpBwVdCc4QnuiAuCXFfX636Q69I" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="765" data-original-width="1146" height="214" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEglE-MDeqIwexqm4wouYaXFg3STA0u4Io_gegLyV0SVEHnG_4g9rWM4Mv9vIepcElPm3nKuez2yLzYszorbzz5rdUydAYKFnKSRvl4dGKo0i-Vr1whsUwJi-0gvNvdypYXtQITiQtacgqV7PpralJLv1w_9fLjyDM2WwpBwVdCc4QnuiAuCXFfX636Q69I" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">These new rules will add to the challenges faced by travelers. Adel Boulos, President of the Egyptian Canadian Business Network, emphasized that it is already challenging for Egyptian citizens to obtain visas for travel to Canada. He cited cases where parents wishing to visit their children or people planning to get married in Canada face difficulties in securing visas. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In response, Canadian authorities have cautioned their citizens to exercise a high degree of caution when traveling to Egypt due to the unpredictable security situation and the terrorism threat. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The Government of Canada has also advised against traveling to the Governorate of North Sinai due to terrorist activity and ongoing military operations by the Egyptian Armed Forces. They have further urged travelers to avoid all travel to the area within 50 kilometers of the border with Libya and the Western Desert, including the Dakhla Oasis, due to concerns related to smuggling, terrorist activities, the presence of armed groups, and ongoing military operations.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-7539801937949472732023-10-11T07:01:00.000-07:002023-10-11T07:01:30.383-07:00Australia to End Special Visa Program Introduced During the Pandemic<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Between June 2022 and March, the department issued 65,859 pandemic visas, including nearly 27,000 in the first three months of the year. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Immigration Minister Andrew Giles noted that the pandemic event visa was a crucial component of Australia's visa system during the pandemic, with many temporary visa holders making significant contributions to the country during that period. He also emphasized that individuals holding a pandemic event visa have the option to explore other visa possibilities or depart the country if they wish to do so.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr6MrCKSKjmK83PSFa9pxJBqxZgdZiRogellxkdfSE7Ot8vIxbJoAEMPobyzIEShysEd7QrWCZA_4f7ovoGso8ZUOilbXvG5r7rjfP1BARixTcvwrjHgJwiO2GH4ySN0gfQpjVaGaNWBfdro201mCmvoTFnNKrAuYwxqWaAc37qtKaEs4Ke30j4E5S2tE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="479" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjr6MrCKSKjmK83PSFa9pxJBqxZgdZiRogellxkdfSE7Ot8vIxbJoAEMPobyzIEShysEd7QrWCZA_4f7ovoGso8ZUOilbXvG5r7rjfP1BARixTcvwrjHgJwiO2GH4ySN0gfQpjVaGaNWBfdro201mCmvoTFnNKrAuYwxqWaAc37qtKaEs4Ke30j4E5S2tE" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">Home Affairs Minister Clare O'Neil, in agreement with Giles, highlighted that the unlimited work hours for international students and work exemptions for working holiday visa holders, implemented during the pandemic's exceptional circumstances, are no longer relevant. These measures, along with others introduced by the government during the pandemic, are being phased out. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Giles further noted that the benefits provided to pandemic event visa holders had a direct impact on net overseas migration, which continues to rebound post-pandemic and is expected to contribute to population growth returning to pre-pandemic levels. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Migration experts have observed that the visa was being exploited by international students in Australia who were using it as a means to stay in the country and work. The program will no longer accept applications starting in February.</span><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-151624963058708222023-10-11T06:57:00.005-07:002023-10-11T06:57:56.428-07:00Thailand to Increase Prices for Its Elite Golden Visa Scheme<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMMh0jnwpGy2cNIGNquUIHJZ4immNEV_w9Ieuh_B8uxmt4TC-NqjU7mulb60mX3D41fP_1nv9OoNCK2j-gdG-GudMGa9Y07rErfgrnoX6g3N8H71rRSltYfvrHZFXR2yy9lqu9MnnR2qlI_8v4f7Y7bZJO-uPCK_P_DO5ag98QwvyZGPeGZz64uqbm_bM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="1024" data-original-width="1920" height="171" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjMMh0jnwpGy2cNIGNquUIHJZ4immNEV_w9Ieuh_B8uxmt4TC-NqjU7mulb60mX3D41fP_1nv9OoNCK2j-gdG-GudMGa9Y07rErfgrnoX6g3N8H71rRSltYfvrHZFXR2yy9lqu9MnnR2qlI_8v4f7Y7bZJO-uPCK_P_DO5ag98QwvyZGPeGZz64uqbm_bM" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">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 membership by 10,000 in the next year under the new scheme. The existing Thai Elite package can be applied for until September 15, with the new packages expected to be available in October. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Previously, the Thai Privilege Card (TPC) set a goal of acquiring 10,000 new members in the fiscal year ending on September 30. They particularly aim to attract nationals from China following the reopening of borders. From October 1 to March 31, TPC sold just over 5,000 memberships, generating 3.1 billion baht in revenue.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-60317715286138526582023-10-11T06:55:00.002-07:002023-10-11T06:55:31.497-07:00OpenAI Leader Becomes the First Recipient of Indonesia’s ‘Golden Visa’<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhPSvwTBEbCu695apcrGNMr2Q5AXLw57-X9zRKl3IIpPhrG-xlAL4xdQ51eCDP7_X1le_uoN-EW684DvsOy_QAEWndDeGpQJKHE-OKNnvsTcBmhpYs0whLcBBl9W7t9x0P2D31tz-Bv6hmvFf3_oepw8qS8V_Hw_VIA45gdGa5Kj2LuevVwgqN1UXfgo/s600/visa.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="318" data-original-width="600" height="170" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIhPSvwTBEbCu695apcrGNMr2Q5AXLw57-X9zRKl3IIpPhrG-xlAL4xdQ51eCDP7_X1le_uoN-EW684DvsOy_QAEWndDeGpQJKHE-OKNnvsTcBmhpYs0whLcBBl9W7t9x0P2D31tz-Bv6hmvFf3_oepw8qS8V_Hw_VIA45gdGa5Kj2LuevVwgqN1UXfgo/s320/visa.jpeg" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">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. </span><span style="text-align: left;">Sam Altman visited Indonesia in June as part of a global tour focused on raising awareness about the risks associated with artificial intelligence. The authorities in Indonesia are using this golden visa program as a way to stimulate the country's economy by attracting individuals who can make financial contributions to the nation.</span></span></div><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-78247837576462967572023-10-11T06:50:00.004-07:002023-10-11T06:50:35.731-07:00Sri Lanka Introduces Digital Nomad Visa<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsfbTU1xbwsu-1Sql0yrk2XuN57omI6DHnvOfd-qfr9VJ3o8GX_xj1TVusPRgh7tmrb5dNinEv39bI8YFeK09jbGmltxNWvzty4VodJxxR1Q6pHQAl7lPSjJoUFrkKlXpPdBvA_pPg6yHXjZ8RyfsOY3u_GOzH--FPZlbfGw98_7aY4W7mvm3gCQlhUJ4" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="320" data-original-width="730" height="140" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgsfbTU1xbwsu-1Sql0yrk2XuN57omI6DHnvOfd-qfr9VJ3o8GX_xj1TVusPRgh7tmrb5dNinEv39bI8YFeK09jbGmltxNWvzty4VodJxxR1Q6pHQAl7lPSjJoUFrkKlXpPdBvA_pPg6yHXjZ8RyfsOY3u_GOzH--FPZlbfGw98_7aY4W7mvm3gCQlhUJ4" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">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-19 pandemic. This initiative seeks to attract remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads to contribute to the country's foreign exchange reserves and overall economy. The goal is to diversify revenue streams and enhance long-term economic stability </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Tourism figures from the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority have shown a significant increase in tourist arrivals this year compared to the previous year, with July marking the peak at 143,039 arrivals. Last month, Sri Lanka welcomed 136,405 tourist arrivals, indicating positive growth in the sector.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-58548352509588703962023-10-11T06:47:00.004-07:002023-10-11T06:47:48.124-07:00Canada to Update Methodology for Counting International Students & Foreign Workers<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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 can be attributed to a larger-than-expected increase in non-permanent residents and a stronger immigration rate.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuhWcj0TgAG873dYxd4HtLO6LAtNzBVZEfwFQt72zOSgpbCZ82O_KK2B4oYkjzckQM-rBVCRtBwYZXpT-HwRr12Bgi-Tv3cRNLA0MtE0NLRecmngK9dj6hXt3vuF28XOrL9Ovk4gw_B40_Oe-328onPBTNDJMZ9DV4rzTnjiypsuucMzSTaqYw5_Fv1kw" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="566" data-original-width="1200" height="151" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjuhWcj0TgAG873dYxd4HtLO6LAtNzBVZEfwFQt72zOSgpbCZ82O_KK2B4oYkjzckQM-rBVCRtBwYZXpT-HwRr12Bgi-Tv3cRNLA0MtE0NLRecmngK9dj6hXt3vuF28XOrL9Ovk4gw_B40_Oe-328onPBTNDJMZ9DV4rzTnjiypsuucMzSTaqYw5_Fv1kw" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: arial;">In addition, Immigration Minister Marc Miller expressed that he does not believe Canada needs to reduce its current immigration targets, which aim to welcome 500,000 new permanent residents by 2025. Miller also mentioned that Canada is on track to welcome approximately 900,000 international students this year, a historic high and nearly triple the number from a decade ago. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">However, Housing Minister Sean Fraser has raised the possibility of imposing a limit on the number of international students accepted by Canada.</span><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-65820282775693981272023-10-11T06:45:00.002-07:002023-10-11T06:45:13.404-07:00DRC Lifts Visa Requirements for Kenyan Travelers<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"></span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzgr_mFLgi641jM5Hf5nn0Ep5k_AIxParZ-0rb7pfCBq8WzdXNM-DL9GQy_bmvCbAcOrC11g0gPJqapbSUubU0_NWU25IFdfgWiFJfvLyqvFG7phCAWMEP4Ruy20PLFoAAqqgDBVzYDK-9-v7pnevEU1wKx5aFWXsVsyiYjEsplWDsopYDDDPkDrPJXuQ" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="538" data-original-width="1024" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjzgr_mFLgi641jM5Hf5nn0Ep5k_AIxParZ-0rb7pfCBq8WzdXNM-DL9GQy_bmvCbAcOrC11g0gPJqapbSUubU0_NWU25IFdfgWiFJfvLyqvFG7phCAWMEP4Ruy20PLFoAAqqgDBVzYDK-9-v7pnevEU1wKx5aFWXsVsyiYjEsplWDsopYDDDPkDrPJXuQ" width="320" /></a></span></div><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-71264678708846117632023-10-11T06:41:00.005-07:002023-10-11T06:41:54.683-07:00Brazil to Ease Visas for Nationals of Portuguese-Speaking Countries<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">This ordinance outlines the procedures for granting temporary visas and residence authorization to individuals from the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP).</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMTu2FHgJCaWJZhonFbUeUCVfMA-PcjKakLqiy_1UZiO4o0BarMxvbjI8PD-Y-GA20b6SP3o_CHYKU7PB8A3WI_gV0-SJOHvVQJUddeWIPQGWho_TQa_HnUvEQrPGNwSwm7sZFYjq3-ZZVv5WnB8ZLEwwFhXyqqmFBkUrwUdkzlld_G02IFwcOlWiCdI/s650/456789235.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="422" data-original-width="650" height="208" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTMTu2FHgJCaWJZhonFbUeUCVfMA-PcjKakLqiy_1UZiO4o0BarMxvbjI8PD-Y-GA20b6SP3o_CHYKU7PB8A3WI_gV0-SJOHvVQJUddeWIPQGWho_TQa_HnUvEQrPGNwSwm7sZFYjq3-ZZVv5WnB8ZLEwwFhXyqqmFBkUrwUdkzlld_G02IFwcOlWiCdI/s320/456789235.png" width="320" /></a><span style="font-family: arial; text-align: left;">The CPLP includes the following nine countries: </span><span style="text-align: left;">1. Angola</span></div></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">2. Brazil</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">3. Cape Verde</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">4. Guinea-Bissau</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">5. Equatorial Guinea</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">6. Mozambique</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">7. Portugal</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">8. São Tomé and Príncipe</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">9. Timor-Leste</span></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The temporary visa, known as a CPLP Residence visa, will be valid for one year and can be granted to highly qualified research professors, technicians, businesspeople, cultural agents, exchange students, and other eligible individuals. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The CPLP Residence visa will have a two-year duration and must be formally applied for in person by the immigrant or their legal representative.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-41938803013193869772023-10-11T06:38:00.001-07:002023-10-11T06:38:03.894-07:00Taiwan Tightens Visa Requirements for Vietnamese Travelers<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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 authorities to prioritize the safety and humane treatment of the detained individuals and to handle the matter in accordance with the law during the investigation process.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8QDCRJovcFdYFVWz2udfSaDZOy7KwyATFMM3yNVKu0EKBIDInBjSyrwMLpIRVAmjKXYNXDTLgg6gqOmkFso9qef8Q5mjFFhtQB39ndb3SmUNRvFOdhkEkp3ZwagnqngrcmZ9maJ5dN1HWv-uj_IoKHPVSktdPqU-U_XDvl92Ml_KtTaHFUJrfSPJek9Q" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="408" data-original-width="680" height="192" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEj8QDCRJovcFdYFVWz2udfSaDZOy7KwyATFMM3yNVKu0EKBIDInBjSyrwMLpIRVAmjKXYNXDTLgg6gqOmkFso9qef8Q5mjFFhtQB39ndb3SmUNRvFOdhkEkp3ZwagnqngrcmZ9maJ5dN1HWv-uj_IoKHPVSktdPqU-U_XDvl92Ml_KtTaHFUJrfSPJek9Q" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Subsequently, Taiwan announced the suspension of the issuance of online visas for tourist groups participating in the "Kuan Hung Pilot Project." This e-visa initiative aimed to attract high-quality tour groups from ASEAN member states, including Indonesia, Vietnam, Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, and India. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">In recent years, Vietnam has become one of the largest source markets for Taiwan's tourism industry. In 2019, the year before the COVID-19 pandemic, Taiwan welcomed over 777,000 Vietnamese tourists, representing a significant year-on-year increase of 26.5 percent.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-77083134069980865302023-10-11T06:35:00.002-07:002023-10-11T06:35:28.016-07:00Thailand to Grant Visa-Free Travel to Chinese & Kazakhstani Tourists From September 25, 2023<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgloSHa2xxCXW2gHUN1O9UDReD0wfzgEYb3F8IYfWPmVA1zZgcT00Kt7p_XoRqwXJc9xwFuO6oB7hGlBONhAeP6m4I6B6cJW3DcoaaBC_8NcJdHhiLgbfW8pSCj6aGE2M4U-8zakLijI0feciSzqnYaf861ZjH6X0X0j30txi9rXEDYwbcJpeNCMrVINWU" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="881" data-original-width="1566" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgloSHa2xxCXW2gHUN1O9UDReD0wfzgEYb3F8IYfWPmVA1zZgcT00Kt7p_XoRqwXJc9xwFuO6oB7hGlBONhAeP6m4I6B6cJW3DcoaaBC_8NcJdHhiLgbfW8pSCj6aGE2M4U-8zakLijI0feciSzqnYaf861ZjH6X0X0j30txi9rXEDYwbcJpeNCMrVINWU" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Further data reveals that between January and August 2023, Thailand received around two million Chinese tourists and 100,000 Kazakh visitors. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Government Spokesman Chai Wacharonke expressed that with the implementation of this new policy, Thailand is aiming to welcome 28 million foreign arrivals this year and generate over 1.4 trillion baht in income from inbound visitors. Additionally, it is expected that inbound tourists will reach 40 million in 2024, contributing to a total tourism revenue of 3.1 trillion baht. Prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, Chinese tourists made up approximately 28 percent of the nearly 40 million foreign tourists visiting Thailand.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-56583901108100409742023-10-11T06:32:00.001-07:002023-10-11T06:32:17.372-07:00DHS Unveils Proposed Rule to Revamp H-2 Temporary Visa Programs & Worker Rights<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUEnFC7TxIQqKHZ83IuAPPoyHgZV74l8lnqkR7KHc_qWuDwGdwc4ksbH-Xv9jwGLPCzr68eRsFCZ22NExTg3Iiw92lnsRmxFew1DIR0RYs2gfWnrVI3O9rCQt1X1Kk5-A7nuqOeBLv7faEll_Wp8L1l4pK99Bi6W5EfuBTXM-oCHKj6Tcnag25z5UAvaE" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="194" data-original-width="259" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEjUEnFC7TxIQqKHZ83IuAPPoyHgZV74l8lnqkR7KHc_qWuDwGdwc4ksbH-Xv9jwGLPCzr68eRsFCZ22NExTg3Iiw92lnsRmxFew1DIR0RYs2gfWnrVI3O9rCQt1X1Kk5-A7nuqOeBLv7faEll_Wp8L1l4pK99Bi6W5EfuBTXM-oCHKj6Tcnag25z5UAvaE" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Mayorkas underscored the commitment of the DHS and its partners across the Biden-Harris administration to safeguard the US economy, security, and values. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">one of the key steps involved in the H-2B visa program is the filing of Form I-129, Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, by the employer or their representative on behalf of the prospective worker. This filing is accompanied by a certification from the Department of Labor, indicating why qualified US workers are not available for the job opportunity and ensuring that the employment of a foreign worker will not adversely affect the wages and working conditions of similarly employed US workers. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Among the proposed changes, the regulations outline that employers who fail to adhere to the H-2B program requirements, including those who cannot demonstrate their ability to meet these requirements, may become ineligible for the available visas. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Additionally, the DHS suggests clarifications regarding prohibitions on employer-imposed fees to improve program integrity and offer better protection for the workers. Moreover, the agency proposes increased flexibility for H-2 workers, including extended grace periods for transitioning to new employment, preparing for departure from the US, or seeking a change in immigration status.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-61694500753247798892023-10-11T06:26:00.001-07:002023-10-11T06:26:28.893-07:00Visa Fees Set to Rise in UK Starting From October 4<p><span style="font-family: arial;"> 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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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 </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="text-align: left;"><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr9gHAAAOuIcMYYFcEhbH330x9LxLBCojKqjL9fRLQe3WBmB0l_W3GnDIWWAYlePyR6py0KEQx0Y-DT8CrevZXl6_h0SJ4-t6X-af7DFAtvjUjoRgTE7vlycIyyedYMSBM7QScS9yx4BjMgGtlLr8XS2WKqphDL5r74CWB1j6lLEbZ4agE9HZt4j8JSI/s640/456789.webp" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="480" data-original-width="640" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUr9gHAAAOuIcMYYFcEhbH330x9LxLBCojKqjL9fRLQe3WBmB0l_W3GnDIWWAYlePyR6py0KEQx0Y-DT8CrevZXl6_h0SJ4-t6X-af7DFAtvjUjoRgTE7vlycIyyedYMSBM7QScS9yx4BjMgGtlLr8XS2WKqphDL5r74CWB1j6lLEbZ4agE9HZt4j8JSI/s320/456789.webp" width="320" /></a></div><br />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 to work in the UK, thereby promoting overall economic well-being.</span></div><p></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-19817595591093137492023-10-11T06:22:00.005-07:002023-10-11T06:22:52.107-07:00Australian Student Visa Applicants Will Need to Have Over $24,000 Starting in October<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span style="font-family: arial;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjKL00Io9Kh725IXCA6E2fcHVLKyrMx0-ZTPcF7gqY0XheENElN1BoS36NHy0pT7SZNrKbUlO7toHgK88Zs_vcJcxOkzDGf8RPRbInhTqkZo0wrp-bmC6STG-T0qQ5ftxyonzVUC8BdWguaItgZFA19YDRVZJtg_PXBbIc3QgfzQTbLGZCyHdPE102JqM" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="675" data-original-width="1200" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEgjKL00Io9Kh725IXCA6E2fcHVLKyrMx0-ZTPcF7gqY0XheENElN1BoS36NHy0pT7SZNrKbUlO7toHgK88Zs_vcJcxOkzDGf8RPRbInhTqkZo0wrp-bmC6STG-T0qQ5ftxyonzVUC8BdWguaItgZFA19YDRVZJtg_PXBbIc3QgfzQTbLGZCyHdPE102JqM" width="320" /></a></span></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">The Minister for Home Affairs, Clare O'Neil, emphasized the importance of maintaining the global reputation of offering quality education and acknowledged that international education is Australia's fourth-largest export. She also made it clear that the government has a zero-tolerance policy for those who exploit international students, indicating that students working in the country while pursuing their studies should not be subjected to mistreatment. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">There are concerns that the changes in visa requirements might lead international students to explore less expensive vocational training, enter the workforce prematurely, or potentially switch from their primary course of study after arriving in Australia.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2165997703242109151.post-1511577821327428942023-10-11T06:20:00.006-07:002023-10-11T06:20:45.011-07:00UK’s Travel & Tourism Industry Expected to Surpass 2019 Levels by Year’s End<p> <span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">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. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">Regarding employment, the sector added 1.1 million new jobs compared to the previous year, reaching a total of 3.6 million jobs across the country. Simultaneously, the industry recovered 1.5 million of the 1.7 million jobs lost during the pandemic. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">International travel also experienced a remarkable revival, with spending by overseas visitors increasing by over 300 percent from 2021, reaching nearly £30 billion. Furthermore, domestic visitor spending fully rebounded in 2022, matching the pre-pandemic high of £165 billion. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">"The recovery and long-term growth of the sector are at risk with the self-axing of VAT-free shopping for international tourists. We will continue to see high-value tourists choosing France and Italy over the UK and taking economic value and jobs with them," noted Julia Simpson, President & CEO of WTTC.</span></p><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjJ9-cJ0VI1RXl-NOXQQjI3XmCwClGxHGSHeXPZqjGGYgQnpQJ_SlhWlukE0G2EQeoJNnvifbOIuRvSxXlps4s7hDhBc7k5N51jIy7gLKlFlRNjSxZloEQDg4J4yv5ydyt0oFJfSRunJlGhdB1xLIONk4kiiOF8GYoeDaGxO26SJg4xVa6pmKrliYOhgo" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="" data-original-height="576" data-original-width="1024" height="180" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhjJ9-cJ0VI1RXl-NOXQQjI3XmCwClGxHGSHeXPZqjGGYgQnpQJ_SlhWlukE0G2EQeoJNnvifbOIuRvSxXlps4s7hDhBc7k5N51jIy7gLKlFlRNjSxZloEQDg4J4yv5ydyt0oFJfSRunJlGhdB1xLIONk4kiiOF8GYoeDaGxO26SJg4xVa6pmKrliYOhgo" width="320" /></a></div><p></p><p><span style="font-family: arial;">Additionally, the Global Tourism Organization has predicted that by 2033, the UK's travel and tourism sector will significantly increase its GDP contribution to nearly £315 billion, representing nearly 11 percent of the UK economy.</span><span style="font-family: arial;">In the previous year, the European Travel and Tourism sector also made a substantial contribution of €1.9 trillion to the regional economy, trailing just seven percent below the peak recorded in 2019. Therefore, WTTC forecasts indicate that this year, the sector's GDP contribution in the region will surpass two trillion euros, coming very close to the highest point observed in 2019. </span><span style="font-family: arial;">As per WTTC data, the sector employed almost 35 million people across the region in 2022, marking an increase of 2.9 million from the previous year. However, this employment figure remained 3.2 million jobs below pre-pandemic levels.</span></p>Global Visa Consultanthttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12462926174382434365noreply@blogger.com0