Joshua Askew is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

Anguish grows over 'effective ban' on most UK citizens marrying foreign nationals

11 Dec 2023  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Immigration Policy

New family visa rules announced by the UK government require British citizens or settled individuals to earn £38,700 before their overseas partners can join them, affecting 73% of the population. The policy, aimed at reducing net migration, has been criticized for its detrimental impact on families, mental health, and potentially increasing undocumented migrants. Critics argue it contradicts traditional values and disproportionately affects women and younger people. Legal challenges are anticipated, citing potential violations of human rights.

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Family Visa Rules Immigration Policy Net Migration

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Nelson Chukwudi holds Diploma (Mass Comm); BSc (Public Admin); and Post-Graduate Diploma (Journalism). He began Journalism practice over 33 years ago at The Tide Newspapers in Rivers, Nigeria. He has held various Editorial positions: Reporter; Investigative & Crime; Oil & Energy Correspondent, ...

Visa Renewal: US Expands Interview Waiver Eligibility Period To 48 Months

28 Nov 2022  |  www.thetidenewsonline.com  |  English  |  Visa Renewal

The United States Mission has extended the eligibility period for non-immigrant visa renewals from 24 months to 48 months. Applicants whose previous U.S. visa expired within the last 48 months or will expire in the next three months may now qualify to renew their visa without an interview. The U.S. Mission is also opening thousands of visa renewal appointments to assist applicants. The article provides detailed criteria for eligibility and warns against fraudulent third-party services. The information is aimed at Nigerian applicants and emphasizes the importance of relying on official sources for accurate information.

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US Immigration Policy Visa Renewal

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Charlotte Elton is a freelance journalist based in London. Previously she worked as a state politics and health reporter at The West Australian, WA's major masthead. Skilled at feature writing, breaking news, and investigative work.

Migrants may be forced into destitution as UK hikes visa fees

06 Nov 2023  |  The Big Issue  |  English  |  Visa Fees

The article discusses the significant increase in visa fees for migrants in the UK. The cost of a first spouse or partner visa has risen by a fifth, and skilled worker and student visas have also seen substantial hikes. Additionally, the Immigration Health Surcharge is set to increase by 66%. The article highlights the financial burden these costs impose on migrants, particularly young people who consider the UK their home. It mentions the advocacy work of organizations like We Belong and Migrant Voice, which protest against the high fees and call for a fairer immigration system. The article also compares the UK's fees with those of other countries and notes the UK's fees are among the highest in the world. A national day of action was organized by Migrant Voice to draw attention to these issues, with a rally outside the Home Office.

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UK Immigration Policy Visa Fees Immigration

Victor Fernandes is a journalist based in Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Video editor, cameraman, handling various editing programs in any format, material management, live transmissions, streaming, LiveU management, use of Mac and PC systems, use of professional cameras, production assistance, ...

Exemption from American Visa Interview Will Continue in 2024

01 Dec 2023  |  Portal PANROTAS  |  Portuguese  |  Visa Policy

The US Department of State has indefinitely extended a program allowing consular offices to waive in-person interviews for low-risk non-immigrant visa applicants renewing within 48 months of their previous visa's expiration. Initially set to end this year, the program will now continue subject to annual review. This extension, seen as a victory for the US Travel Association, is expected to double the number of eligible applicants and significantly reduce visa processing times, benefiting the US economy by retaining millions of visitors and billions in travel spending.

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Visa Policy Travel

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Tom Grundy is the editor-in-chief and founder of local newspaper Hong Kong Free Press, *******.

Multiple-entry visa rules for Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar citizens relaxed

16 Oct 2024  |  hongkongfp.com  |  English  |  Visa Policy

Hong Kong Chief Executive John Lee announced relaxed multiple-entry visa rules for nationals of Cambodia, Laos, and Myanmar, extending the validity from two to three years. The initiative aims to strengthen ties with Southeast Asia, with expedited visa processing for group visitors and self-service immigration clearance for ASEAN business participants. The requirement for arrival or departure cards is also removed to streamline immigration processes.

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Visa Policy Southeast Asia Relations

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Yumi Jeung is a journalist based in Seoul, South Korea.

Started her work as a journalist in one of the Korean major newspaper, Hankyoreh(hani.co.kr).
Covered education issues as feature stories. 

In the meantime, she nominated as a representative of Korean young correspondents by Finnish ...

Visa and residency rule changes to attract global talent

05 Jul 2024  |  www.universityworldnews.com  |  English  |  Visa Policy

The South Korean government is revising visa and residency rules to attract global talent in science and technology. New policies allow international undergraduate students from top-ranked universities to be invited as research students by Korean universities. The Ministry of Justice has relaxed visa requirements, enabling institutions like Seoul National University and others to attract foreign researchers. The government aims to improve conditions for foreign researchers, offering more access to R&D funds and easing residency requirements. The changes are part of a broader strategy to address labor shortages in key industries and enhance South Korea's R&D capabilities.

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Visa Policy Global Talent Attraction Science and Technology

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I am based in Berlin and work as a Freelance journalist for tech topics and media freedom. I graduated with the Erasmus Mundus Master Journalism, Media and Globalisation, for which I studied in Denmark, Chile and Germany. My MA thesis is on Watchdog Journalism in Austria in a changing political ...

Will Namibia's new visa policy backfire?

08 Aug 2023  |  www.dw.com  |  English  |  Visa Policy

Namibia plans to implement a new visa policy requiring citizens from over 30 countries, including the US, Germany, and Japan, to obtain visas, aiming for reciprocity in international travel. This move, seen as Namibia asserting itself, may impact tourism and foreign investments, which are significant to its economy. The policy reflects broader trends in the Global South, with countries like Brazil also revising visa requirements. While some fear potential disruptions, others believe the process will be manageable. The policy raises questions about prioritizing visa-free travel within Africa, as the African Union struggles with intercontinental travel restrictions.

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Visa Policy Tourism International Relations

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Leonie Kijewski is a journalist based in Brussels, Belgium.

Portugal mulls scrapping golden visa scheme

11 Oct 2023  |  www.politico.eu  |  English  |  Golden Visa

Portugal is considering ending its golden visa scheme, which has attracted wealthy investors by offering residency in exchange for significant investments. Prime Minister António Costa indicated that the program might have outlived its usefulness. The scheme, launched in 2012, has been popular among investors from non-EU countries, but has faced criticism from the European Commission and European Parliament for undermining the essence of EU citizenship. The program has also been temporarily suspended for Russians following the invasion of Ukraine. Controversy arose when Russian oligarch Roman Abramovich obtained Portuguese citizenship through the scheme, leading to an investigation.

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Immigration Policy Golden Visa European Union

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Francis Kokutse is a journalist based in Accra, Ghana.

US warns of visa restrictions for people who undermine Ghana’s democracy

23 Oct 2023  |  www.seattletimes.com  |  English  |  US Visa Policy

The U.S. State Department announced visa restrictions for individuals undermining Ghana's democracy ahead of the December general elections. This policy, similar to one previously applied to Nigeria, targets those involved in voter roll irregularities. Ghana's opposition party, the National Democratic Congress, has raised concerns over unauthorized voter roll changes. The upcoming election will see former President John Dramani Mahama contesting against Vice President Mahamudu Bawumia, as current President Akufo-Addo steps down after his term.

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US Visa Policy Ghana Elections

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Davide Lerner is a freelance journalist based in Ankara, Turkey. He graduated from the London School of Economics and the London School of Oriental and African Studies. He has previously worked for Agence France Presse and Associated Press, as well as done live radio and TV. He freelances widely in ...

On Palestinians with Two Passports, Israel Yields to the USA

01 Oct 2023  |  www.editorialedomani.it  |  Italian  |  US Foreign Policy

Israel is negotiating with the United States to join the Visa Waiver Program, which would allow Israeli citizens to travel to the US without a visa. However, the US requires reciprocal access for all its citizens, including Palestinian-Americans, who currently face travel restrictions in Israel. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has initiated a pilot program to allow Palestinian-Americans to enter Israel, despite security objections from Shin Bet. The outcome of this program will be crucial for Israel's acceptance into the Visa Waiver Program, with a deadline for negotiations set for September 30.

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Visa Waiver Program US Foreign Policy Israel-Palestine Conflict

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Eva Levesque is a journalist and producer based in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.

Dubai Tourism The new visa under consideration aims to encourage tourism between GCC states for non-citizen residents

27 Sept 2023  |  AGBI  |  English  |  GCC Visa Policy

The UAE's minister of economy, Abdullah bin Touq al Marri, announced at the Future Hospitality Summit in Abu Dhabi plans for a new GCC visa to facilitate travel for non-citizen residents within the GCC states. This initiative is part of a broader strategy to boost local and regional tourism and diversify economies away from oil and gas. The tourism and hospitality sector in the GCC has seen a significant post-COVID recovery, with a 47% increase in its contribution to GDP in 2023. The UAE aims to double its GDP by 2030, with tourism playing a key role. Saudi Arabia is also making substantial investments in tourism as part of its Vision 2030. The Saudi Public Investment Fund has established Asfar, a tourism investment company, to drive the industry. With nearly $2 trillion in hospitality and residential projects under development in the Middle East, there is a potential risk of oversupply, but al Marri views the competition as beneficial for growth.

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GCC Visa Policy Tourism Economic Development Hospitality Industry

A former auditor turned into an investigative journalist. Writes about China technology, the US-China relationship, and China's propaganda system for the New York Times, Foreign Policy, WIRED, ChinaFile, and other publications.
Contributing US-Correspondent for Deutsche Welle Chinese.
My Chinese ...

Ecuador ends visa-free entry for Chinese nationals

30 Jun 2023  |  www.voanews.com  |  English  |  Ecuador Visa Policy

Ecuador will end visa-free entry for Chinese nationals starting July 1, citing increased irregular migration. This decision impacts many Chinese citizens who have used Ecuador as a starting point for migration to the U.S. The U.S. and China are showing signs of cooperation to curb illegal migration, with China willing to accept repatriated nationals. The U.S. has also restricted asylum eligibility at the U.S.-Mexico border. Despite these challenges, some Chinese migrants are exploring alternative routes through Cuba and Bolivia. The new policy is expected to significantly reduce the chances of Chinese migrants reaching and staying in the U.S.

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Ecuador Visa Policy Immigration US-China Relations

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Mwangi Maina is a Multimedia journalist working for KTN News, Kenya's leading 24 Hour TV Channel in Eastern Africa as a Content Producer. I cover topics ranging from Politics, Regional affairs (Africa's Great Lakes Region), Media Freedom, Fake news as well as human interest stories. I also write ...

South Africa President Ramaphosa due in Kenya tomorrow, to hold talks with William Ruto

31 Oct 2023  |  www.standardmedia.co.ke  |  English  |  Visa Policy

South African President Cyril Ramaphosa is set to visit Nairobi for a two-day State visit aimed at strengthening economic, political, cultural, and social ties with Kenya. He will meet Kenyan President William Ruto to discuss various bilateral issues, with a significant focus on the restrictive South African visa policy towards Kenyans. The visit will also cover regional, continental, and global issues, including peace, security, and stability. This marks Ramaphosa's first bilateral visit to Kenya as the South African leader.

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Visa Policy Diplomacy Bilateral Relations

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Donald Matthys is a journalist based in Windhoek, Namibia.

Namibia: Govt Urges Patience for New Visa Regime

21 Feb 2025  |  allAfrica.com  |  English  |  Visa Policy

The Namibian Ministry of Home Affairs, Immigration, Safety and Security is set to implement a new visa regime, including a visa-on-arrival process and an e-visa system, starting 1 April. The ministry's executive director, Etienne Maritz, emphasized the importance of these changes in enhancing Namibia's accessibility to global travelers and improving the logistics for tourists. The ministry calls for patience from the public and travelers as the new system is rolled out.

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Visa Policy Travel

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Maya Misikir is a freelance journalist based in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. She has experience working for print as well as broadcast, radio and TV. She mostly covers current affairs for VOA but also writes in-depth analysis for other publications.

Higher EU visa costs set to boost earnings from rejecting Africans

11 Jun 2024  |  www.semafor.com  |  English  |  EU Visa Policy

The European Union has increased the cost of Schengen visa applications by 12.5%, raising concerns about the financial impact on African applicants who already face high rejection rates. In 2023, 42% of the EU's earnings from rejected visa applications came from African applicants, despite the continent only accounting for 24% of applications. Analysts suggest that the new price hike could exacerbate existing inequalities, as African countries with lower GDPs experience higher rejection rates. The article highlights the economic implications of the EU's visa policies and the potential for increased revenue from rejected applications.

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EU Visa Policy African Migration Economic Inequality

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Alastair Newport is a journalist based in London, United Kingdom.

I am an experienced travel trade journalist, reporting on development in the hospitality and tourism industry for the last 10 years, specialising in MICE, Aviation and Hotels.

Koh Samui wants long-term visas for Europeans

03 Oct 2023  |  www.ttgasia.com  |  English  |  Travel Policy

Thailand anticipates a significant increase in revenue due to a surge in Chinese tourists benefiting from relaxed visa regulations. The country has introduced a visa exemption for Chinese tourists until February 2024 to boost tourism and GDP. However, stakeholders in Koh Samui, where Chinese tourists are a smaller proportion of visitors, are advocating for similar visa relaxations for European tourists. Susan Field of Tembo Beach Club & Resort supports extended visas for Europeans, citing the appeal of Thailand for digital nomads. Jane Soergel of InterContinental Koh Samui and an anonymous general manager also expressed the need for longer visa terms to encourage longer stays, especially during the winter months and to compete with other Southeast Asian destinations.

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Visa Regulations Travel Policy Tourism

Saskia ODonoghue is a text and video journalist based in London and East Sussex, United Kingdom.

Her specialisms are human interest stories, culture, the arts, fashion and luxury and entertainment.

Kosovo celebrates its long-awaited joining of the Schengen zone

03 Jan 2024  |  www.euronews.com  |  English  |  Visa Policy

Kosovo celebrates the waiver of visas for the Schengen zone, marking a historic moment for the nation. Prime Minister Albin Kurti praised the new visa-free system, highlighting the long wait and previous injustices. The Schengen area now allows Kosovars to travel freely within the EU, a significant change delayed by objections from France and the Netherlands. Kosovo, independent since 2008 but not a UN member, sees this as an opportunity for its citizens, though the government cautions against misusing the new rules.

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Visa Policy European Union Migration

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I am an editor and a journalist; 12 years' experience. In addition, advisory services in advertising, media planning, public relations, and research. Skilled in analysis, crisis management, content syndication, fact-checking, and press releases.

UK Tightens Student Visa Rules to Curb Net Migration

23 May 2023  |  Daily Post Nigeria  |  English  |  Immigration Policy

The UK government has announced new restrictions on student visa routes aimed at reducing net migration. The policy particularly affects students from Nigeria and other countries by limiting their ability to bring family members, except on postgraduate research routes. The move also seeks to close loopholes that allowed student visas to be used as a means to secure employment in the UK. Despite these changes, the UK reaffirmed its commitment to the International Education Strategy and the economic benefits of international students. The graduate route terms remain the same, and the government is looking to collaborate with the higher education sector to find alternative ways for top students to bring dependents. Additionally, measures are being introduced to prevent students from switching to work visas before completing their studies, starting from January 2023.

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Student Visa Restrictions Immigration Policy Net Migration

Yeshiel Panchia is a journalist based in Johannesburg, South Africa.

South Africa: Embracing Digital Nomads For Economic Growth

23 Feb 2024  |  www.forbesafrica.com  |  English  |  Visa Policy

South Africa is introducing a 'digital nomad' visa to attract global professionals and boost economic growth, as announced by President Cyril Ramaphosa. The Department of Home Affairs has invited public feedback on the proposed amendments, which aim to modernize immigration laws and make South Africa a competitive destination for remote workers. The country joins other African nations in this initiative, with Cape Town being a popular remote work destination. Challenges such as visa processing delays exist, but the economic impact of attracting digital nomads could benefit tourism, real estate, and local businesses. Rental prices in Cape Town have risen significantly due to the influx of foreign remote workers.

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Visa Policy Digital Nomads Economic Growth

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Mario J Penton is a journalist based in Miami, United States of America.

Mario Pentón, nació el 30 de diciembre de 1986 en Cienfuegos, una provincia central de Cuba. En la actualidad es reconocido como uno de los principales periodistas cubanos que en redes sociales da cobertura a los temas de ...

Cubans Complain About Changes in Transit Visa Procedures Required by Panama

14 Nov 2024  |  Martí Noticias | Martinoticias.com/  |  Spanish  |  Panama Visa Policy

The Panamanian government has reinstated a transit visa requirement for Cuban travelers using its airports, complicating the process by requiring the involvement of Panamanian lawyers. This change has led to increased costs and delays for Cubans, who are already facing significant challenges due to economic and political conditions in Cuba. The United States has pressured Latin American countries to curb Cuban migration, contributing to the difficulties faced by Cuban travelers. The article highlights the frustration and financial burden experienced by Cubans, as well as the broader implications of U.S. immigration policies under the Trump administration.

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Panama Visa Policy Immigration Cuban Migration

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Right

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Matthias Raynal is a freelance journalist based in Tunis, Tunisia. Correspondant of the French Radio RTL in Tunisia.
He writes also for French newspapers and websites.

North Africa: After the imposition of visas, Moroccans mock and deplore the escalation with Algeria

29 Sept 2024  |  fr.allafrica.com  |  French  |  Visa Policy

Algeria has imposed visa requirements on Moroccans, escalating tensions between the two countries. The Algerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs accuses Morocco of destabilizing actions, while Moroccans react with irony and indifference, viewing the move as political. The decision follows Algeria's previous diplomatic break with Morocco in 2021. Some individuals, like Rachid, an Algerian living in Morocco, express hope for improved relations. The potential for Morocco to reciprocate with visa requirements for Algerians remains uncertain.

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Visa Policy Diplomatic Relations

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Lili Rutai is a freelance journalist.

What's behind Hungary's easy visa for Russians?

06 Aug 2024  |  www.theparliamentmagazine.eu  |  English  |  Hungary Visa Policy

Hungary's decision to extend its visa scheme to Russians and Belarusians has sparked controversy within the EU, with concerns over potential security risks and espionage. The European Commission has demanded explanations from Hungary, with possible implications for its Schengen status. Critics argue the move lacks justification and may be politically motivated, reflecting Hungary's unique stance towards Russia compared to other EU nations. The situation raises questions about Hungary's EU presidency and its broader relationship with the EU.

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Hungary Visa Policy European Union Relations Russian Espionage Concerns

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