Ebola travel restrictions: India, Canada, UAE and other countries tighten entry rules
Nations worldwide are enacting stricter travel rules to curb disease spread. India launched an online health declaration portal for international arrivals. Canada has barred travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and suspended visas. Gulf countries and Israel have also imposed entry bans and quarantine measures. Other nations are enhancing health screenings and limiting cross-border passenger transport.
Migrate
Green-card interview pause casts a shadow over Indians' US plans
Indian families face uncertainty as US pauses immigrant visa interviews. Spouses and parents are significantly impacted by this administrative halt. This pause creates cascading scheduling delays and operational uncertainty for applicants. Experts advise applicants to remain calm and evaluate available options. Prolonged suspension could increase procedural hassle and costs for applicants.
Japan will sharply raise residence permit fees for foreign nationals from October 1, with permanent residence applications increasing from 10,000 yen to 200,000 yen. Fees for renewing or changing residence status will also rise, though relief will be available for some applicants facing financial difficulties.
Work
Malaysia introduces new photo verification process for Employment Pass, Dependant Pass applications
Malaysian authorities now require photograph verification for certain pass applications. Applicants must match photos to passports and meet eVISA specifications. This verification occurs instantly through the eVISA portal after MDEC approval. The Expatriate Services Division also implemented a similar direct verification process. This integration aims to streamline the application experience for employers and applicants.
India and France have launched ‘Desibel’, a multi-year initiative to take India’s animation, visual effects, gaming, comics and immersive-content industry global. The programme will focus on skills, wider access, preservation of visual storytelling and international opportunities for Indian creators.
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Study
US govt tightens work rules for international students
A federal memo dated Aug. 24 said the Student and Exchange Visitor Program (SEVP), part of US Immigration and Customs Enforcement, had "observed a rise in Curricular Practical Training (CPT) authorizations that appear to violate regulatory requirements" that allow CPT only when the training is an integral part of an established curriculum.
US immigration authorities have warned colleges of tougher scrutiny of Curricular Practical Training approvals for international students. School officials could face administrative or legal action for improperly authorising CPT, while institutions risk losing SEVP certification if they use the programme to bypass federal rules.
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Invest
India, Canada working on easing cross-border remittances: Nirmala Sitharaman
India and Canada are joining forces to improve remittance processes for students. With a focus on utilizing digital innovations, this initiative seeks to make financial transactions smoother for the over four lakh Indian students in Canada. Canadian Finance Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne underscored the massive growth opportunity that this cooperation presents for both nations' financial landscapes.
Citigroup and Axis Bank have tied up to finance non-resident Indians investing in foreign-currency deposits, leveraging RBI rules that allow standby letters of credit against such deposits. The arrangement could amplify dollar inflows through offshore financing as India seeks to strengthen foreign-exchange reserves and support the rupee amid strong NRI deposits.
Visit
Nepal floods spook Indian tourists, disrupt holiday plans and trigger travel cancellations
Indian travel cancellations to Nepal are rising due to flood visuals. Tour operators face significant losses as bookings drop sharply. Families are prioritizing safety and choosing alternative destinations for holidays. Road closures are forcing travel agencies to cancel existing bookings. This situation impacts popular tourist spots like Kathmandu and Pokhara.
New Zealand's Immigration Online system now handles visitor visa applications. This change affects group and tour escort visitor visa applications starting August 24. Existing applications submitted through the old system will continue processing normally. Applicants must submit draft applications on the old form by October 7. The new platform aims to simplify processes and improve applicant communication.
Ebola travel restrictions: India, Canada, UAE and other countries tighten entry rules
Nations worldwide are enacting stricter travel rules to curb disease spread. India launched an online health declaration portal for international arrivals. Canada has barred travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and suspended visas. Gulf countries and Israel have also imposed entry bans and quarantine measures. Other nations are enhancing health screenings and limiting cross-border passenger transport.
