News

Canadian Permanent Residence Application Fees to Increase End of April

Effective 30 April 2024, applicants for Canadian permanent residence will encounter increased fees as part of a regular update process. According to Wego, these fee adjustments occur every two years to accommodate rising program and service delivery expenses and to counteract the effects of inflation. The upcoming changes in fees, which apply to all permanent resident applications, signify the Canadian government’s commitment to managing the costs associated with immigration processes while ensuring the sustainability of immigration programs.

Read more

Hit by boycott, Maldives reaches out to India for tourism boost

As the number of Indian tourists to the Maldives continues to decline, the island country's tour and travel association has reached out to India to arrest the further slide. The Maldives Association of Travel Agents and Tour Operators (MATATO) met Munu Mahawar, the Indian High Commissioner to the Maldives on Monday "to explore collaborative efforts in tourism promotion". The association expressed its intention to collaborate closely with the Indian High Commission to bolster tourism initiatives. "Plans are underway to launch a comprehensive roadshow across key cities in India and to facilitate influencer and media familiarisation trips to the Maldives in the forthcoming months," it said. The number of Indian tourists, who ranked among the top sources for tourism for Male in the last few years, plunged after January when now three suspended ministers made derogatory remarks against India and Prime Minister Narendra Modi after he pitched Lakshadweep as a tourist destination. The insulting comments against India and PM Modi did not go down well with a section of people and organisations, who started "BoycottMaldives" campaign on social media. Within weeks, from being the top tourist group visiting the Maldives, Indians slipped to fifth position in the last three weeks of January. In the last three years, over 2 lakh Indians visited Maldives annually - the highest from any country post-Covid. Over 17 lakh tourists visited Maldives in 2023, of which the maximum were Indians (2,09,198) followed by Russians (2,09,146) and Chinese (1,87,118). The number of Indian visitors to Maldives was more than 2.4 lakh in 2022 and over 2.11 lakh in 2021. As per the latest data till April 8, tourists from India to Maldives slipped to the sixth position. So far, only 36,840 tourists visited the island nation, a sharp decline compared to similar months in previous years. Maldives' tour association in a statement said that "India remains a vital market" for Maldivian tourism and it looks forward to partnering with prominent travel associations and industry stakeholders across India to further promote the island nation as a premier travel destination. "The Association is confident with the support from the industry and the Government agencies, Maldives can regain the current decline in Indian tourists," it said. MATATO said India's burgeoning middle class is anticipated to spend a substantial $144 billion annually on international travel by the year 2030, drawing significant interest and investment from global players in the hospitality, airline, and tourism industries. According to Euromonitor, it said, the number of outbound Indian travelers is expected to double to 47 million by 2030, with their spending projected to increase from $35 billion in 2019 to an impressive $84 billion by 2030. "This growth trajectory positions India to ascend to the sixth-largest outbound travel market globally by 2030, trailing only China, the U.S., the U.K., Germany, and France." The association said industry reports forecast robust expansion in Indian outbound travel, with a compounded annual growth rate of 11.2 per cent through 2032, closely mirroring Euromonitor's predictions. This surge in outbound tourism, it added, has led to a fervent pursuit of Indian tourists by top destinations such as Dubai and prominent airlines like Qatar Airways, leveraging the star power of Bollywood icons. In February this year, Dubai rolled out a five-year multiple-entry visa for Indians to "bolster travel between India and Dubai, to foster sustained economic collaborations and encourage tourism and business ties."

Read more

This European nation is encouraging retirees to travel by offering discounted vacations

When contemplating retirement, many individuals envision spending their golden years exploring the world. However, such aspirations often entail significant expenses, effort, and meticulous planning. Yet, there exists a country that alleviates much of the financial burden associated with travel for retirees. Spain, consistently ranked among the world's best places to retire, pioneers a unique initiative that subsidises travel costs and logistics for its senior citizens and residents, facilitating affordable getaways inclusive of transportation, meals, and accommodations. Administered by Spain's Institute for Seniors and Social Services (IMSERSO), this innovative program, termed ‘social tourism,’ believes that investing in travel for seniors enhances their well-being and fosters active engagement. A spokesperson from IMSERSO added that the sole aim of this program is to promote active ageing, intergenerational solidarity, and economic activity, while also nurturing inter-territorial solidarity through travel between different regions. The subsidised trips are available annually during the ‘shoulder season’ from October through June, with the Spanish government expanding the program's capacity each year to accommodate growing demand. Offering a diverse array of travel experiences, the program encompasses various types of trips, ranging from city breaks to nature excursions and cultural circuits. Destinations covered span the breadth of Spain's picturesque regions, including Andalusia, Catalonia, Valencia, and beyond. Whether exploring the vibrant streets of Barcelona, unwinding in the tranquil beach town of Castellón, or marvelling at the natural wonders of Asturias, retirees are spoilt for choice with a plethora of captivating destinations. Crucially, the program's offerings extend beyond mere vacations, covering accommodations, meals, insurance, and sightseeing expenses. While some packages include transportation, travellers have the flexibility to customise their trip based on preferences and budget. Eligibility criteria encompass various scenarios, including retirees receiving pensions or subsidies from the Spanish Social Security system, widows receiving pensions, and individuals insured or beneficiaries of the Spanish Social Security system.

Read more

Nonstop To Saigon! Air India's New Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City Route Takes Flight In June

Starting June 1, Air India will offer direct flights from New Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, responding to the growing demand for travel between India and Vietnam. This new route strengthens connectivity and provides convenient one-stop connections in New Delhi for travellers from the USA, Canada, Europe, and the UK heading to Vietnam. Previously, travellers relied on other airlines for this route. Air India’s Airbus A320neo aircraft, featuring both economy and business class seating, will service this route five days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Flights are now open for booking. AI388: The flight will depart from New Delhi at 1.15 pm and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 7.55 pm. AI389: The flight will depart from New Delhi at 8.55 pm and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 12.30 am (+1). NONSTOP TO SAIGON! AIR INDIA'S NEW DELHI-HO CHI MINH CITY ROUTE TAKES FLIGHT IN JUNE Nonstop To Saigon! Air India's New Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City Route Takes Flight In June Expanding its reach in Southeast Asia, Air India will now provide non-stop direct flights from New Delhi To Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. ADVERTISEMENT BY: YASHITA VASHISHTH PUBLISHED: APR 11, 2024 10:00 AM IST Hoi An, Vietnam | Image Credit: Hien Phung Thu/Shutterstock Starting June 1, Air India will offer direct flights from New Delhi to Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, responding to the growing demand for travel between India and Vietnam. This new route strengthens connectivity and provides convenient one-stop connections in New Delhi for travellers from the USA, Canada, Europe, and the UK heading to Vietnam. Previously, travellers relied on other airlines for this route. Air India’s Airbus A320neo aircraft, featuring both economy and business class seating, will service this route five days a week: Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Flights are now open for booking. Also read – Skyward Bound: New Airlines Soar In India’s Aviation Landscape Air India’s New Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City flight schedule Hoi An, Vietnam | Image Credit: Teerachat paibung/Shutterstock Commencing on June 1, the Air India flights along the New Delhi-Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, will follow this schedule: Sponsored Content Recommended by Rihanna Buys Beverly Hills House: This House Is A Beauty Rihanna Buys Beverly Hills House: This House Is A Beauty Mansion Global [Photos] 25 T-shirts That Went Too Viral 25 T-shirts That Went Too Viral Mister Stocks [Photos] 27 Awkward Photos That Are Hard to Forget 27 Awkward Photos That Are Hard to Forget The Super Mommy AI388: The flight will depart from New Delhi at 1.15 pm and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 7.55 pm. AI389: The flight will depart from New Delhi at 8.55 pm and arrive in Ho Chi Minh City at 12.30 am Air India, a member of Star Alliance (the largest global airline alliance), is committed to strengthening its services in Southeast Asia. The airline currently offers direct flights from India to Singapore, Phuket (Thailand), Bangkok (Thailand), and Yangon (Myanmar). The addition of Ho Chi Minh City to the portfolio will provide Indian travellers with more options for hassle-free exploration in the region.

Read more

US considers relaxing travel warnings for China-bound Americans

The US is contemplating lifting travel advisories for its citizens travelling to China, deputy secretary of state Kurt Campbell mentioned on Tuesday. He recognised worries that these advisories could have restricted interactions between Americans and Chinese individuals. Campbell, speaking at an event organised by the non-profit National Committee on US-China relations, noted that communication channels between Washington and Beijing had largely returned to normalcy following months of heightened tensions. However, he cautioned that China's support for Russia's war in Ukraine jeopardised efforts to stabilise relations. The state department has periodically issued tiered advisories for Americans planning trips to China, urging them to reassess their visits or be extra cautious due to potential risks such as "arbitrary enforcement of local laws," exit bans, and wrongful detentions. However, the presidents of both countries have endeavored to rebuild people-to-people exchanges as a cornerstone for managing the escalating geopolitical competition between the superpowers. "I don't want to speculate prematurely, but I would just say that this is definitely a matter being actively considered," Campbell stated when questioned about whether the US would relax the advisories. He accepted the notion that they had hindered academic and other exchanges. China has issued travel advisories for the US and condemned what it perceives as escalating harassment of Chinese nationals by US authorities at entry points, allegations US officials have denied. Despite China's advisories, hundreds of thousands of Chinese students pursue education in the United States, whereas only a few hundred Americans study in China. However, the state department's second-ranking diplomat, who previously asserted that China aided Moscow in "retooling" and strengthening its military following initial setbacks in the Ukraine conflict, warned Beijing bluntly about its "significant" support for Russia's war endeavors. "We have directly informed China that if this behavior persists, it will affect the US-China relationship. We will not stand idly by and pretend that everything is normal," Campbell said. "If Russia gains territory in Ukraine, it will alter the balance of power in Europe in ways that are unacceptable to the US" He continued, saying, "And we will see this not as just a Russian unique set of activities, but a conjoined set of activities backed by China, but also North Korea," Campbell said.

Read more

New Zealand tightens visa rules; will Indians be impacted?

As per the latest development, New Zealand has announced immediate modifications to its employment visa program, in response to a near-record influx of migrants last year. If reports are to go by, it has deemed it as unsustainable. This decision follows a similar move that was made by neighbouring Australia, which also experienced a significant increase in migration and aims to halve its migrant intake over the next two years. Here are the changes that have been implemented by the New Zealand Government: - Implementing a mandate for proficiency in the English language for migrants seeking employment in lower-skilled level 4 and 5 roles. - Setting a baseline requirement for skills and work experience for the majority of Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) positions. - Mandating that employers seeking authorisation to recruit migrants for level 4 and 5 positions must interact with Work and Income. - Lowering the maximum duration of continuous stay for the majority of level 4 and 5 roles from five years to three years. - Disestablishing the franchisee accreditation category, allowing these businesses to apply to bring in overseas workers through standard, high-volume, or triangular employment accreditation. Referring to this, Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stressed that these immediate changes to the Accredited Employer Worker Visa (AEWV) scheme aim to ensure New Zealand attracts needed skills while reducing migrants' vulnerability to exploitation. She stated their government's focus on attracting and retaining highly skilled migrants, such as secondary teachers, to address skill shortages. Additionally, Stanford added that they are prioritising New Zealanders for jobs where no skill shortages exist. These adjustments will enhance the scheme's integrity and help prevent migrant exploitation, aligning with recommendations from the recent Bestwick review, which identified significant issues with AEWV processes. Implementing an English language requirement aims to empower migrants to understand their rights and address concerns about employers early on. If records are to go by, last year, nearly 173,000 individuals migrated to New Zealand, which is actually nearing a record high. The country, with a population of approximately 5.1 million, has experienced rapid migrant growth since the pandemic's end, sparking concerns about inflation.

Read more