VISA ISSUE
Will Indian diaspora rally behind Rishi Sunak in UK elections?
UK Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is rallying conservative voters ahead of the upcoming election, warning against a potential landslide victory for Keir Starmer's Labour Party, which has campaigned on a platform of change after 14 years of Conservative rule. The Conservative Party's tenure has been marked by major events like Brexit, the Covid-19 pandemic, and economic challenges.
Jaishankar raises safety of Indian nationals in meeting with Russian counterpart Sergey Lavrov
External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar met with Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov in Astana during the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) summit. They discussed bilateral relations, noting progress since their last meeting. Jaishankar raised concerns about Indian nationals in conflict zones, urging their safe return. The meeting precedes Prime Minister Narendra Modi's upcoming visit to Moscow.
Nordic "coolcations" turn up the chill factor
Cati Padilla and other tourists from southern Europe are increasingly opting for "coolcations" in Nordic countries like Norway and Sweden to escape the summer heatwaves. The trend is driven by a desire for cooler weather and less crowded destinations. Norway saw a 22% increase and Sweden an 11% rise in foreign overnight stays in 2023, influenced by the easing of Covid restrictions and fluctuating Scandinavian currencies.
New Zealand’s popularity soars as a study hub, witnesses 69,000 international student enrollments in 2023
Education New Zealand reported a significant increase in international student enrolments in 2023, reaching 69,135, marking a 67% rise compared to 2022 and representing 60% of 2019 figures. This surge underscores New Zealand's appeal as a study destination known for quality education in a safe environment. Linda Sissons from Education New Zealand highlighted the positive impact of international students on the education sector and communities, emphasizing the enriching cultural exchange that fosters global understanding.
India, Belarus hold first-ever consular dialogue in Minsk
India and Belarus conducted their inaugural Consular Dialogue in Minsk, addressing a wide range of consular issues including the welfare of Indian students in Belarus and boosting tourism between the two nations. The Indian delegation, led by Aman Puri, Joint Secretary (Consular, Passport and Visa Division), engaged with Belarusian counterparts headed by Andrei Kozhan, Head of General Directorate for Consular Affairs at Belarus' Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Applying for a US student visa? American Embassy has a warning for you
Indian students continue to favor the United States as their top destination for overseas education, with expectations of increased student visa applications in 2024. In 2023, India issued 140,000 student visas, and the number of Indian students in the US surged by 35 percent to reach a record 268,923, constituting over 25 percent of the international student population in the country. Acting spokesperson Nicole Holler highlighted the appeal of US universities for their facilities, faculty quality, research opportunities, and career benefits.
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China offers foreign permanent residents of Hong Kong, Macau five-year visas
China's National Immigration Administration announced that foreign permanent residents of Hong Kong and Macau can now apply for multiple-entry travel visas valid for five years to visit mainland China, effective from July 10. Each visit under these visas is limited to 90 days. However, those intending to work, study, or engage in news reporting in mainland China must apply for other specific visas or residence permits.
India presents its priorities under Colombo Process
Chairing the Colombo Process, I, Muktesh Pardeshi, focused on safe and orderly migration for overseas employment, emphasizing renewed commitment, collaboration, and financial sustainability while presenting an action plan for membership expansion and addressing migration issues.
Inclusion of Taiwan in Laos Govt's visa-waiver program for Chinese tourists gives false impression: Taiwan's Foreign Ministry
Taiwan's Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) criticised Laos' visa-waiver program for Chinese tourists, stating it falsely implies Taiwan is part of China. The program, valid from July 1 - December 31, allows Chinese nationals to visit Laos visa-free for up to 15 days as part of a group tour. MoFA expressed concerns that Laos' collaboration with China undermines Taiwan's sovereignty and international standing, emphasising that Taiwan and China are not subordinate to each other.
Australian study visa grants drop sharply in 2024
Australia has experienced a significant decrease of nearly 30% in study visa grants during the first four months of this year, with 74,421 visas granted to offshore applicants from January to April, compared to 104,808 granted in the same period in 2023. This decline, although substantial, is less severe than the 53% drop observed between 2019-20 and 2020-21 due to the pandemic.
Over 14 lakh visa applications submitted monthly in 2023: EAM Jaishankar on Passport Seva Divas
External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar highlighted the Ministry's accomplishment of providing 1.65 crore passport-related services to Indian citizens in 2023 and processing over 14 lakh visa applications monthly during the 12th Passport Seva Divas.
Germany: The top choice for obtaining multiple-entry Schengen Visa this year
The report suggests that Germany is the best option for obtaining a multiple-entry visa to enter Schengen Area countries, as it has a high rate of issuing such visas. In 2023, 90.4% of visas issued by German consulates were multiple-entry, only slightly lower than the previous year's rate of 90.6%. Out of the 1,459,560 visa applications received, Germany approved 1,233,561, with 1,115,424 being multiple-entry visas.
Moving to the US: Understanding the H-4 visa for dependents of H-1B visa holders
The H-4 visa, issued by USCIS, is for dependents of certain nonimmigrant workers like H-1B and H-1C visa holders. It allows spouses and children to accompany the primary visa holder to the US and study there.
Winny Immigration IPO opens today: Check issue size, price band, GMP and other details
Winny Immigration's SME IPO, aiming to raise Rs 9.13 crore, opened for subscription and will close on June 24 on the NSE SME platform.
Industry executives a worried lot: Why India-China tensions are equal to a big headache for electronics makers
Indian electronics manufacturers have suffered $15 billion in production losses and 100,000 job cuts due to escalating tensions with China. Visa delays for Chinese executives are hindering the industry's expansion plans, leading to a $10 billion export opportunity loss and $2 billion in value addition loss. Government probes into Chinese companies operating in India have further impacted the sector.
US Visa Bulletin For July 2024: Huge leap forward in a major Green Card category for Indians
For those who are applying for Green Cards, it is essential to comprehend the Visa Bulletin since it contains important details regarding the deadlines for modifying immigration status and eligibility depending on application submission. With two crucial sections, the bulletin serves as a roadmap for the Green Card application process.
UAE visa pre-approval simplified: Options for Indian travelers explained
Indian travellers can obtain a 14-day entry visa upon arrival in the UAE by holding a US green card or a residence visa from the UK or any EU country. The General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs Dubai (GDRFAD) offers a pre-approval service to streamline immigration procedures. To apply, individuals can visit the GDRFAD website, log in with their UAE Pass or online account details, and complete the application form under "Port services."
Hungary to relaunch Golden Visa as Guest Investor Program on July 1
Hungary relaunches its Golden Visa Program as the Guest Investor Program (GIP) for non-EU/EEA nationals, offering residency through real estate investments or donations. The program grants visa-free travel across the EU and extends permits to family members. Hungary's new immigration law introduces changes and delays in implementation.
Pakistan issues 962 visas to Sikh pilgrims on 'Martyrdom Day' of Guru Arjun Dev
The Pakistan High Commission issued 962 visas to Sikh pilgrims from India for Martyrdom Day events of Guru Arjun Dev. This is part of a bilateral protocol allowing Sikh and Hindu pilgrims to visit religious shrines in both countries. The pilgrims will visit Gurdwara Panja Sahib, Gurdwara Nankana Sahib, and Gurdwara Kartarpur Sahib in Pakistan. The Pakistan High Commission stated that this visa issuance is in line with their commitment to implement the Bilateral Protocol on Visits to Religious Shrines of 1974.
Portugal to use golden visa scheme to help migrants, build affordable homes
Portugal plans a 'solidarity visa' to allow wealthy foreigners to invest in affordable housing for locals or migrants, complementing the golden visa scheme attracting over 7.3 billion euros since 2012.
UK announces plans to introduce new caps on work & family visas
UK's ruling Conservative party plans to implement new annual caps on work and family visas to curb rising net migration levels ahead of the upcoming July election.
Govt finally takes note of woes of companies that need but can't get Chinese hands on time
Many Indian companies need Chinese expertise for execution of certain phases of projects. But visa issues don't allow these entities to avail the services of these workers when they need it. The Indian govt is seized of the problem and is now planning a fix.
New Zealand's high rejection rates for student visas from India raise alarm
New Zealand universities tackle high Indian student visa rejection rates. Chris Whelan raises concerns over delays. Immigration New Zealand notes 40% rejection rate for Indian applicants, 2% for Chinese students.
MEA issues warning for Indians against fake job offers in Cambodia and Laos
The Ministry of External Affairs issued an advisory to Indian nationals about fraudulent job offers and fake agents in Cambodia and Southeast Asia, involved in cybercrimes, emphasizing caution in job searches.
Maximizing job opportunities in Canada: A guide for Express Entry candidates
Canada's economic immigration programs are vital for expanding the national workforce, with nearly all recent growth attributed to them, according to CIC News. To address labor needs, initiatives often connect with immigration programs, like hiring from the Express Entry pool. Employers must meet criteria, including offering skilled work and proving a lack of domestic candidates. Through the Job Match feature of the Job Bank, employers can match job postings with suitable candidates.
Got your Canada Student Visa? Here's what you need to do next
After submitting a Canada student visa application, receiving approval is followed by obtaining a letter of introduction for entry, travel authorization, and presenting necessary documents at the border for a smooth entry.
Canada Student Visa: Eligibility criteria, application process and the documents you need
Indian students are attracted to Canadian universities for higher education. Admission to top universities requires excellent academic records. A study permit from the Canadian High Commission is essential for studying in Canada.
Indian entrepreneur shares plight of Schengen Visa delays, says even Rs 4 lakh and months of waiting aren't enough
An Indian investor based in London, Aashima Arora, missed an international flight despite spending over Rs 4 lakh and waiting months for a Schengen visa to visit Denmark. Arora, a venture capitalist at LocalGlobe, expressed frustration over the lengthy visa process, highlighting the impact on her business plans. The wait time for Schengen visas remains particularly high for Indian travelers.
Japan begins issuing eVisas for Indian tourists; Here's how to apply and use the eVisa
Japan introduced eVisas for Indian tourists, offering a 90-day stay for tourism purposes. Applicants can apply through VFS Global, receive electronic visas, and must display a visa issuance notice with a two-dimensional barcode during airport check-in.
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