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5 COUNTRIES WITH RECENTLY UPDATED VISA POLICIES; FIND OUT HOW INDIANS WILL BE IMPACTED

In recent months, several countries around the world have made notable changes to their visa policies and requirements. These updates can have significant impacts on Indian citizens looking to travel abroad for business, leisure, education, or other purposes. It's important for Indian travellers to stay informed about the latest visa developments in key destination countries, to ensure they have all their documents in place. So, here is a list of 5 countries that have implemented notable visa changes. Australia: As per the reports, Australia has announced a significant increase in student visa fees for international students, doubling from AUD 710 ($473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068), effective July 1. Additionally, certain temporary visa holders, including those on Temporary Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew visas, will no longer be able to apply for a student visa from within Australia. The minimum savings requirement for student visas has also been raised from AUD 24,505 ($16,146) to AUD 29,710 ($19,576). This will impact Indian students, who are the second-largest group of international students in Australia. New Zealand: On June 26, 2024, New Zealand revised its visa regulations, affecting certain foreign workers and their families. The changes aim to streamline the visa process and align it with economic and immigration priorities. The main change is that holders of Accredited Employer Work Visas (AEWV) at ANZSCO skill levels 4 and 5 without a residency pathway can no longer sponsor partners or dependent children for work, visitor, or student visas. However, partners and dependents can still apply for their own visas if eligible. Ongoing visa applications will be assessed under the old regulations. Italy: Italy's digital nomad visa recently opened for applications, which allows non-EU remote workers to live and work in Italy for one year, bypassing the 90-day stay limit. Italy joins more than 50 countries offering similar visas. Self-employed freelancers and corporate remote workers, deemed ‘highly-skilled,’ can apply if they meet criteria like having a remote job, earning a decent sum annually, no recent criminal record, valid health insurance, and documented accommodation. Europe: The European Union also recently updated visa rules, wherein Indian nationals can now apply for multiple-entry Schengen visas with longer validity. The European Commission adopted the 'cascade' regime for Schengen visas for Indian nationals. This regime allows easier access to multi-year visas. Indian nationals who have lawfully used two Schengen visas within the past three years can now obtain a long-term, multi-entry visa valid for two years, followed by a five-year visa if their passport remains valid. Germany: Germany recently updated its skilled worker visa rules to attract more talent in engineering, IT, and healthcare. If reports are to go by, the country needs around 400,000 skilled employees annually to address labour shortages. Starting June 1, 2024, the 'Opportunity Card' allows non-EU citizens to relocate to Germany for a year to seek jobs. Applicants need at least two years of vocational training or a relevant degree, and proficiency in German or English.

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Pilgrims can view Kailash peak from September 15

In a recent update, devotees will be able to view the sacred Kailash peak from September 15 from the 18,300 ft high old Lipulekh pass. The pass, situated in the Vyas valley of Pithoragarh district in Uttarakhand, holds immense religious significance. Now pilgrims will have the rare opportunity to behold the sight of Kailash in Tibet as the historic pass will reopen for common pilgrims. The announcement was made by Pithoragarh District Tourism Officer Kirti Chandra Arya. Before this, the route was inaccessible due to closure since 2019 amid the Covid-19 pandemic. The route via Lipulekh pass towards Kailash-Mansarovar has been eagerly awaited by l.devotees. Although the pass remains unopened by China, pilgrims can now journey in their vehicles up to Lipulekh from Dharchula starting mid-September. From there, a short 800-meter trek on foot leads to a vantage point offering clear views of the majestic Kailash peak. The significance of this reopening extends beyond spiritual pilgrimage, marking an important milestone in Uttarakhand’s tourism. Minister Satpal Maharaj and his wife Amrita Rawat recently visited and admired the peak from this iconic pass on June 22, underscoring the cultural and religious importance of the region. Acknowledging the permissions granted by the Central government, the Uttarakhand Tourism Department is actively preparing Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) to facilitate safe and hassle-free access for tourists. District Magistrate Reena Joshi confirmed ongoing efforts in this regard, highlighting the meticulous planning underway to ensure a seamless experience for visitors. This initiative not only revitalizes tourism but also reconnects devotees with their spiritual heritage, offering a chance to witness both the Kailash peak and Om Parvat from within Indian borders. As preparations intensify for the reopening, anticipation builds among pilgrims and tourists alike, eager to explore this revered passage once more. The reopening of the old Lipulekh pass signifies more than just a geographical passage; it represents a renewed cultural and spiritual journey, promising unforgettable vistas and experiences for those who embark on this historic pilgrimage route. Lipulekh Pass, situated in the Himalayas, connects Uttarakhand in India with Tibet and Nepal. Historically significant for trade and pilgrimage, it serves as a crucial route for the Kailash Mansarovar Yatra. The pass offers stunning vistas and challenges trekkers with its rugged terrain.

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EaseMyTrip Partners With Uttar Pradesh To Promote Eco-Tourism

EaseMyTrip, a leading online travel platform in India, and the Uttar Pradesh EcoTourism Development Board (UPETDB) announced a strategic partnership today to promote eco-tourism within the state. This collaboration leverages EaseMyTrip’s extensive digital reach and technological expertise to shine a spotlight on Uttar Pradesh’s diverse and often unexplored eco-tourism offerings. Elevating Eco-Tourism Experiences The partnership will focus on several key initiatives: Promoting Sustainable Lodging: EaseMyTrip will actively promote all registered homestays in Uttar Pradesh on its platform, providing travelers with a unique and environmentally friendly accommodation option. Targeted campaigns will position homestays as a preferred choice for tourists seeking an authentic cultural experience. Curating Unique Itineraries: EaseMyTrip will curate special travel packages designed to showcase Uttar Pradesh’s hidden gems. These packages will highlight unexplored destinations, immersive cultural experiences, delectable local cuisine, and traditional crafts, catering to travelers interested in a deeper connection with the region. Developing Educational Content: The collaboration extends to the development of educational products related to Uttar Pradesh’s renowned bird sanctuaries. EaseMyTrip will draw inspiration from successful case studies to create engaging content for birdwatching enthusiasts, fostering a deeper appreciation for the state’s rich biodiversity. Leveraging Social Media Reach: The UPETDB will actively promote EaseMyTrip’s microsites dedicated to Uttar Pradesh eco-tourism on various social media channels, maximizing their reach and impact. Mutual Benefits and Sustainable Growth “We are excited to embark on this new project with the UPETDB,” said Rikant Pittie, Co-founder of EaseMyTrip. “Uttar Pradesh boasts a wealth of natural beauty and cultural heritage waiting to be explored responsibly. This partnership will not only benefit both parties but also contribute significantly to the growth and responsible tourism practices within the state.” About EaseMyTrip EaseMyTrip is India’s second-largest online travel portal, offering a comprehensive suite of travel solutions, including flight bookings, hotel reservations, holiday packages, rail tickets, and bus bookings. The company has witnessed significant growth in recent quarters and is well-positioned to play a leading role in promoting eco-tourism in Uttar Pradesh.

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Pune Metro Sets New Ridership Records

Pune Metro achieved a ridership of 199,437 passengers on June 30th, 2024, generating a total revenue of ₹2,415,693, marking its highest ridership to date. Out of 199,437 passengers, 83,426 traveled on Line 1 (PCMC-District Court) and 116,011 traveled on Line 2 (Vanaz to Ramwadi). This achievement reflects the increasing trust and preference of the public for Pune Metro as a reliable and efficient mode of transportation. PCMC metro station witnessed the highest footfall of 19,919 passengers followed by PMC (18,079), Shivajinagar (17,046), Pune Railway station (15,378), and Ramwadi (14,770). In addition to it, around 51,026 passengers change their lines at the District Court interchange station. Prior to this, the highest ridership was recorded on 15th August 2023, with 168,012 passengers, and on 6th August 2023, with 131,027 passengers across both Line 1 and Line 2. Notably, Line 1 achieved its highest ridership of 36,932 on 16th June 2024, while Line 2 saw its peak with 64,378 passengers on 25th June 2024. These figures reflect a continual uptick in usage and the public's belief in the reliability of the service provided by Pune Metro. Pune Metro's continuous efforts to improve and expand its services are reflected in the growing ridership numbers. As more people choose metro travel, Pune Metro remains dedicated to offering an unparalleled commuting experience, contributing to the sustainable development of the city. The Pune Metro's NCMC Maha Card and Student Maha Card have also seen substantial sales, with 39,025 and 10,522 cards sold respectively. On the record-breaking day, the top 10 stations in terms of ridership were PCMC Metro Station, PMC, Shivaji Nagar, Pune Railway Station Metro Station, Ramwadi, District Court, Vanaz, Deccan Gymkhana, Nal Stop, and Bhosari. Traveling by Pune Metro offers numerous benefits, especially during the monsoon season. It provides a reliable and punctual mode of transport, unaffected by traffic congestion and weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable and hassle-free journey. Pune Metro's state-of-the-art infrastructure and safety measures make it a preferred choice for daily commuters, contributing to reduced road traffic and lower pollution levels in the city. In light of this achievement, the Managing Director of Maha Metro said, “We are committed to providing world-class services and ensuring a safe, efficient, and comfortable travel experience for our passengers. As we continue to expand and enhance our network, we look forward to serving more citizens and making Pune Metro an essential part of urban mobility in Pune”.

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‘Shocking’ discovery reveals 30 ancient Egyptian tombs near Aswan, a top tourist spot in Egypt

As per the latest development, archaeologists have uncovered more than 30 ancient Egyptian tombs spread across a hill in Aswan, an ancient city on the Nile. These burials, dating back to the Greco-Roman period, offer insights into the lives of those who once inhabited this bustling trading port. The discoveries include mummies likely representing families buried together, coffins, amphorae (clay vessels) adorned with vine-leaf designs, cartonnage (a paper-mâché material made from recycled papyri or fabric), and artifacts such as offering tables. "It was a rich place, an important place," said Patrizia Piacentini, an Egyptologist and archaeologist at the University of Milan who leads a joint Egyptian-Italian mission at the site. "All the people who intended to make trade between Northern Africa and subtropical Africa, this was the place [for them] and it was a place for all the history of ancient Egypt," she said. The burial site came to light in 2015 following a series of illegal excavations. The government enlisted local archaeologists to survey the area, leading to the discovery of tombs from the late Greek and Roman periods (approximately 332 BC to AD 395). Former Egyptian Minister of antiquities, Khaled el-Enany, subsequently contacted Piacentini, who began surveying the site with a team of Egyptian and Italian archaeologists in 2019. They found terraces of ancient tombs layered across multiple levels on the hill near the modern Mausoleum of Aga Khan III. Among the finds were ancient oil lamps likely left behind by mourners. The tombs were used for approximately 900 years, from the sixth century BC to the second or third century AD, spanning a significant portion of history, including Persian rule, the Greek Ptolemaic dynasty initiated by Alexander the Great's general Ptolemy I Soter, and Roman rule, when Egypt became a province of the empire. The tombs on the hilltop were occupied by elites, while middle-class individuals were buried in the lower strata. Analyses revealed that 30% to 40% of the mummies in the newly discovered tombs were children as young as 2 years old and newborns, according to a statement from the Egyptian Ministry of Tourism and Antiquities. "We found many families, in fact, mother, father, and children," Piacentini said. "Probably there was some infection that killed the family or one died after another." Two mummies initially thought to be a mother and son were later identified as brothers buried with their parents. To learn more about the causes of death, the team partnered with doctors at the University Hospital in Aswan to perform X-rays, CT scans, and DNA analyses, revealing that anemia and infectious diseases were common causes of death, even among the affluent. The doctors confirmed tuberculosis in some mummies, which may have decimated entire families. The team continues to conduct biological analyses to understand more about the diseases of the time. The discovery has been ‘exceptional’ and very promising with many, many new aspects we are trying to understand, Piacentini said. The team plans to continue their mission to uncover the history of the diverse populations that inhabited the city. They have mapped out at least 300 tombs in the necropolis area, covering about 215,000 sq ft, with the potential for even more discoveries.

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China grants 5-year travel visa for Hong Kong, Macau residents

Non-Chinese permanent residents of Macau and Hong Kong will soon be able to apply for five-year travel permits to enter mainland China starting from July 10, as announced by Beijing. This move is expected to encourage foreign companies and talent to settle in these cities. The National Immigration Administration stated on Monday that permit holders would be able to use self-service clearance at control points after completing procedures such as fingerprinting. These multi-entry permits will allow entry into the mainland for short-term purposes including investment, tourism, visiting relatives, seminars, business, and exchanges. Permit holders can stay for up to 90 days per visit, though they are not permitted to work, study, or engage in news gathering activities. As per the reports, applications are open to all eligible residents, regardless of nationality or occupation, through China Travel Service (Holdings) in Hong Kong and Macau. Successful applications will result in permits being issued within 20 working days. The application fee is HK$260 (US$34), while renewals or replacements on the mainland will cost 230 yuan (US$32). The central government aims to facilitate people-to-people exchanges between Macau, Hong Kong, and the mainland, thereby supporting the integration of both cities into the broader national development framework. Chief Executive John Lee Ka-chiu emphasised that this new policy, announced on the 27th anniversary of Hong Kong’s return to Chinese rule, showcases the country’s support for Hong Kong. Lee highlighted that many non-Chinese permanent residents have deep roots in Hong Kong and are eager to take advantage of the opportunities presented by China’s rapid development. Lee expressed confidence that this permit would provide significant convenience for international talent working in Hong Kong, allowing easier northbound travel. He noted that the lack of restrictions on nationality or occupation shows Hong Kong’s unique status under the ‘one country, two systems’ principle and enhances its international character and diversity. This, in turn, is expected to attract companies and talent from around the world. This new travel permit is part of a series of more liberal visa measures granted by Beijing to Hong Kong since early 2023. Other measures include launching and expanding the Greater Bay Area exit endorsement for talent in Beijing and Shanghai, extending business visit durations in Hong Kong from seven to 14 days, and introducing multiple-entry ‘northbound’ visas for foreign employees in the city.

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