1. The new Schengen visa fee rate will go up from €80 to €90 (around Rs 8,122) for adults and from €40 to €45 (Rs 4,065-plus) for children from June 11.
The European Commission had proposed a fee hike for the Schengen visa application. The European Union (EU) is also planning to raise the fee even more for countries showing “insufficient cooperation on readmission,” which refers to accepting the re-entry of individuals expelled from Member states. For countries which have not demonstrated cooperation in citizen readmission, the cost will increase from €120 to €135 and from €160 to €180.
The Commission has emphasised that the proposed price hike has been caused by the rising inflation rate in the EU. The body undertakes a revision of the Schengen visa fee every three years. The revision of the visa fees does not affect the fees laid out in visa facilitation agreements, unless the agreement’s provisions make explicit reference to the visa fees set out in the Visa Code.
Nationals of countries including South Africa, India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka and China require the Schengen visa, which permits stay in 28 European countries for up to 90 days for tourism purposes or family visits.
2. UK releases Net Migration Factsheet: Latest official estimates show that net migration in the year to June 2023 was 672,000 - up significantly on pre-pandemic volumes.
The United Kingdom (UK) has experienced unprecedented levels of immigration since the pandemic and the latest official estimates show that net migration in the year to June 2023 was 672,000 - up significantly on pre-pandemic volumes but lower than the 745,000 who came in the year to December 2022.
The government has already taken action to address the rise in legal migration with measures to tackle the substantial rise in the number of students bringing dependents to the UK, which came into force in January 2024.
The key measures that the Government is taking to cut net migration include:
Stopping overseas care workers from bringing family dependents and requiring social care firms in England to be undertaking Care Quality Commission registered activities to sponsor visas from March 11.
Increasing the earning threshold for overseas workers by nearly 50% from its current position of £26,200 to £38,700 from April 4, 2024, encouraging businesses to look to British talent first and invest in their workforce.
Reforming the Shortage Occupation List into an Immigration Salary List. It will end the 20% going rate salary discount for shortage occupations and the Migration Advisory Committee has been asked to review the composition of the list in line with the increased salary thresholds.
Raising the minimum income for family visas to £38,700 in line with the minimum salary threshold for the Skilled Worker route to ensure people only bring dependents to the UK they can support financially and will apply to all British and settled sponsors under the five-year partner route.
The government will review the graduate route to prevent abuse, protect the integrity and quality of UK higher education.
3. In 75 years, 6 million people from 200 countries became Australian citizens: Since 1949, Australia has welcomed nearly 6 million people from 200 countries as Australian citizens
Since 1949 when the first Australian citizenship ceremony was held at Albert Hall in Canberra, Australia has welcomed nearly 6 million people from 200 countries as Australian citizens. Exactly 75 years ago, seven people from seven nations became the first Australian citizens by conferral. These seven new citizens represented each state of Australia and the Australian Capital Territory. They hailed from some of Australia’s largest migrant source countries at the time - Czechoslovakia, Denmark, France, Greece, Norway, Spain and Yugoslavia.
From July 1, 2023, to December 31, 2023, a 13% increase in citizenship by conferral applications were finalised compared to the same period in 2022.
In December 2023, a 14% improvement in average processing time for citizenship application decisions compared to December 2022. Of the 42,447 applications submitted between July 1 2023 and December 31, 2023, 15,937 applications have been approved under the new direct pathway to Australian citizenship for New Zealand citizens.
The 2022-2023 Refugee and Humanitarian program was delivered in full with 17,875 visas granted. The 2023-2024 program has been increased to 20,000 places. 12,937 Subclass 851 Resolution of Status (RoS) visas granted as on December 31, 2023, providing a permanent visa pathway for Temporary Protection Visas (TPV) and Safe Haven Enterprise Visas (SHEV) visa holders.
At the end of 2023, the Australian Government took significant steps in reforming the country’s migration system as outlined in the Migration Strategy released on December 11, 2023. To achieve the objectives set out in the Migration Strategy, the Government is delivering on 8 key actions, supported by 25 new policy initiatives in addition to existing commitments made by the Government.
4. Emirates has tied-up with VFS Global: The service is exclusively available to Indian passport holders who have a valid six-month visa for the US, US Green Card, EU Residency, or UK Residency.
Emirates has announced a partnership with VFS Global which will enable Indian passport holders to travel to the country with a pre-approved visa, which applies to specific categories and can last for stays of up to 14 days.
Indian nationals who have a valid six-month visa for the US, EU Residency, UK Residency, or US Green Card will be allowed to come to the country with a pre-approved visa-on-arrival, considering they fly with the Emirates. The issuance of visas remains at the absolute discretion of the General Directorate of Residency and Foreign Affairs.
Emirates customers can book their flights through emirates.com or through their preferred travel agent. After retrieving their booking through ‘Manage an existing booking’ on emirates.com, customers should click on the ‘apply for a UAE visa’ link. They will be redirected to the online UAE Visa application site powered by VFS Global Services, which sets out the requirements, terms and conditions to facilitate the visa application process.
Emirates currently serves nine destinations in India with 167 weekly flights, connecting travellers to Dubai and onwards to a global network of more than 140 destinations. The airline’s network in India includes Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Kochi, Kolkata, Mumbai, and Thiruvananthapuram.
5. Japan to introduce digital nomad visa soon: Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has confirmed that the country will offer six-month visas to digital nomads.
Toeing the line of several European countries, Japan is likely to roll its Digital Nomad Visa (DNV) by late March this year.
Japan’s Immigration Services Agency (ISA) has confirmed that the country will offer six-month visas to digital nomads who earn ¥10 million ($68,300) or more. The program will permit citizens from a total of 49 countries to stay in Japan under the “specified activities” visa category.
Who is eligible for the DNV?
They must make a minimum of ¥10 million per year (USD$68,341 based on current conversion rates).
They must have private international health coverage—they will not be allowed to enjoy the benefits of Japan’s national health-care system.
People who are self-employed or considered independent contractors must show proof that they regularly work for an organization based outside of Japan.
Spouses and children will be allowed to live in Japan with the visa holder. They must be covered by private international insurance as well.
It may be noted that Japan’s digital nomad visa only allows for a six month maximum stay. Compare it with other East Asian countries such as South Korea, which accommodates remote workers for up to two years. Also, remote-worker visa holders will not be considered residents of Japan - that means they won’t be able to legally rent long-term accommodations such as an apartment or house. Travellers will have to opt for short-term housing like Airbnbs or hotels.
6. Immigration New Zealand warns of ‘too good to be true’ job offers: Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has warned migrant workers in New Zealand to be wary of too good to be true job offers
Immigration New Zealand (INZ) has warned migrant workers in New Zealand to be wary of too good to be true job offers and is urging them to educate their family and friends overseas on how to spot potential immigration scams.
INZ’s advice for people who wish to work in New Zealand is to apply through approved pathways rather than via third party agents using apps.
Any person providing New Zealand immigration advice, anywhere in the world, must be licensed by IAA or be exempt. Licensed Immigration Advisers have met competency standards and are required to follow a professional Code of Conduct (the Code). Amongst other requirements, the Code requires advisers to have a written agreement with the applicant setting out the services they will provide and the cost of those services. Licensed Immigration Advisers must charge fees that are fair and reasonable.
Senior Investigator Helen Garratt says immigration scams are nothing new but with the rise of social media including apps like WhatsApp it is easy for people to get pulled into a scam, according to an INZ press release.
“The general rule is if someone offers you a job in New Zealand and it sounds too good to be true, then it probably is. However, there are a few hallmarks of scams that people can look out for in order to protect themselves. An employer or a recruiter cannot charge you for a job. So beware of offers asking you to pay a large sum of money in return for a visa and a job. Also, paying a sum to have your visa application fast-tracked is another sign the offer could be a scam,” Garratt said.
It is important to remember that migrant workers have the same minimum employment rights as New Zealand workers. Information on employment rights and responsibilities is available in a range of languages on the Employment New Zealand website.
7. Turkish Airlines Launches TK Wallet: Turkish Airlines has added a new service to its digital offerings for passengers by launching the TK Wallet application.
Turkish Airlines, the airline flying to more countries than any other in the world, has added a new service to its digital offerings for passengers by launching the TK Wallet application. Miles&Smiles members can complete payment and refund processes quickly and easily with TK Wallet.
Flag carrier provides Miles&Smiles members the ability to make payments and refunds faster using TK Wallet. Turkish Airlines also offers an opportunity to earn TK Money on top of the refund amount for ticket and additional service purchases made through its mobile application and website.
TK Money earned through refund transactions via TK Wallet, which is offered in four different currencies (Turkish Lira, Euro, US dollar and British pound) through Turkish Airlines' online channels, can be used quickly and securely.
“In line with our digitalization goals, we continuously improve ourselves to implement applications that will facilitate our passengers' travels. We are working to make our services more accessible and continue to introduce innovations that will add comfort to our guests' travel experiences. We have added TK Wallet to our digital payment methods by incorporating it into our digital services used through the Turkish Airlines mobile application and website,” Turkish Airlines Chief Commercial Officer Ahmet Olmuştur said.
9. Japan introduces visitor cap at Mount Fuji: Beginning this summer, visitors to Mount Fuji will have to pay to hike one of the routes up the mountain
In a bid to protect Mount Fuji, a UNESCO World Heritage site, from over-tourism and pollution, Japan has introduced a visitor cap at Mount Fuji. Beginning this summer, visitors to Mount Fuji will have to pay to hike one of the routes up the iconic mountain.
Hikers will be restricted to 4,000 a day as of July 1 this year, which marks the start of the 70-day summer climbing season.
Climbers will also be prohibited from beginning the ascent between 4 pm and 2 am.
To help clean up the mountain and preserve its environment, Japanese authorities have introduced a fee and a daily visitor cap along the most popular trail.
It may be noted that the Yoshida trail is the most popular ascent to the iconic mountains because of its proximity and easy access from Tokyo and the frequency of mountain huts en route offering accommodation and meals.
The country’s Yamanashi prefectural government, which is responsible for overseeing hiking activities at the UNESCO World Heritage site, has deemed it necessary to introduce the toll to protect the environment.
Rising 12,388 feet (3,776 metres) above sea level, Mount Fuji is Japan’s highest mountain. It is a volcano that has been dormant since its last eruption in 1707, but geologists still classify it as an active volcano.
10. Etihad Airways launches new collection of amenity kits and loungewear: Etihad Airways has launched a new collection of amenity kits and loungewear created in partnership with Giorgio Armani and ESPA
Etihad Airways has launched a new collection of amenity kits and loungewear created in partnership with renowned Italian design house, Giorgio Armani, and luxury wellbeing brand ESPA. In addition, the UAE’s national airline has introduced a range of complimentary tote bags for guests on longer flights in Economy.
The stylish new range features bespoke amenity kits for each premium cabin, as well as luxurious designer loungewear and slippers.
The partnership extends Etihad’s award-winning collaboration with Armani/Casa which was launched on board in 2023 and features jointly branded tableware and soft furnishings across Etihad’s Business class.
Etihad’s new Business class amenity kits, designed by Giorgio Armani, come in two unisex styles – a clutch bag and a cube. The co-branded Giorgio Armani and Etihad unisex clutch bag features ‘The Dunes’, a contemporary print design drawing inspiration from the rolling sands of the stunning Liwa desert in Abu Dhabi.
The cube bag features a convenient, geometric shape for easy packing and organisation in trolley bags, suitcases or wardrobe drawers at home. Following the flight, the bags can be used to conveniently store small tech products, cables, or personal items for convenience on the go.
The Residence and First class guests are also gifted bespoke Giorgio Armani and Etihad loungewear and slippers packed in large Giorgio Armani folio bag.
With travel wellbeing in mind, the Business class kits are filled with luxury ESPA skincare products including Nourishing Lip Treatment, Hydrating Spa Face Mist and Rejuvenating Hand and Body Lotion, alongside convenient gifts including plush slippers, an eyeshade, earplugs and a travel dental kit.
11. Japan to expand financial aid to non-Japanese students: Japan's Ministry of Education is expanding the scope of its financial aid provisions for non-Japanese students' university education
Starting in April, Japan’s Ministry of Education has expanded the scope of its financial aid provisions for non-Japanese students' university education. The Ministry offers scholarships, loans, and tuition reductions or exemptions through the Japan Student Services Organization.
Currently, the aid is limited to Japanese citizens and permanent or special permanent residents. However, the Ministry has now decided to expand the eligibility to students with a ‘dependent’ status, which covers spouses and children of foreign workers in Japan. Those eligible must have graduated from elementary through high school in Japan, and intend to work in the country after graduating from university.
The Ministry estimates that there would be about 200 non-Japanese students eligible for the program every year.
The number of people living in Japan on dependent visa was about 228,000 in 2022, an increase of more than 100,000 from a decade ago.
Japan Student Services Organization (JASSO) was founded on April 1, 2004, as a core institution to comprehensively implement various student support services for higher education in Japan.
It may be recalled that the Japanese government has set a target of having 400,000 foreign students studying in the country by 2033, hoping to encourage them to work in the country after they graduate. The government's future education panel revealed the goals, which include 500,000 Japanese studying abroad by the same year. According to the target, the government will consider support measures to encourage international students to remain in Japan after their studies.
12. New way to complete your global entry interview at Washington Dulles International Airport: Washington Dulles International Airport now has a pre-departure interview facility.
There’s a new way to complete your global entry interview if you’re traveling through Washington Dulles International Airport. The pre-departure interview facility is located near gate B41 in the airport’s B concourse and the office will be staffed daily from noon to 8 pm.
Global Entry allows participants to take advantage of expedited passport screening at participating airports around the country and pre-clearance facilities abroad. The program costs $100 for a five-year membership, and includes TSA Precheck as a benefit.
Global Entry interviews can be hard to get. Applicants with conditional approval routinely have to wait for months before finalising the process. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) which runs the expediting program, has long allowed international travelers to complete their interviews on arrival at select airports, but on Feb. 12, Dulles became the first airport to offer pre-departure interviews.
According to CBP, travellers must be flying out on an international flight to qualify for pre-departure Global Entry interviews. In addition to their passport, they’ll need to present proof of residence, like a driver’s license, bill or other document that shows their current address.
“Conditionally approved applicants to CBP’s trusted traveler programs can now complete their interviews before boarding a flight leaving the United States. This is great news for those trying to schedule interviews to complete their membership into this critically acclaimed trusted traveler program” Marc E. Calixte, Area Port Director for CBP’s Area Port of Washington, D.C., said in a statement.
13. Switzerland tops leaderboard of best education destinations for mobile HNW: Switzerland has topped the list of the best education destinations for young HNWs, according to Henley & Partners
Switzerland has topped Henley & Partners’ new global ‘Opportunity Index’, which ranks the best destinations for High Net Worth (HNW) in terms of accessing the best education in the world – and the ease at which HNW individuals can move there and gain citizenship.
An education in Switzerland, the US or Singapore — and relocating for the long term — could bring an ‘opportunity advantage’ to young HNWs, according to Henley & Partners new global ‘Opportunity Index’.
Young and internationally-mobile UHNWs can ‘maximise their career prospects’ through an education in Switzerland, the new report has found.
The Alpine education hub scored a chart-topping 85% on the index, which has ranked countries on their earning potential, career advancement opportunities, economic mobility and ‘liveability’ – in addition to the quality of education each destination delivers.
Switzerland’s schools, which are widely regarded as world-leading, often come with hefty price tags. Institute auf dem Rosenberg, for instance, has fees upwards of $150,000.
Meanwhile, the USA came in second place with a score of 82 per cent, followed by Singapore with an appraisal of 79 per cent.
Both Singapore and Switzerland scored a maximum 100% when it comes to earning potential, although the Asian city-state gained 55% when it comes to accessing a ‘premium education’, compared to 72% for Switzerland.
Anglophone countries performed well in the index, with Australia in fourth place, followed by Canada and the UK in fifth and sixth place.
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