Palestinians return to shattered homes (pictures)

These images show Palestinians returning to their shattered homes in Khan Younis, southern Gaza. The area has seen some of the most intense fighting of the war and a continuing air campaign above the city has left many residential streets devastated.  These Palestinians have returned to recover what they can from from their homes. 

Sri Lanka to stop offering free long-term visas to Russians and Ukrainians

After large numbers of countries placed restrictions on Russian nationals following the invasion of Ukraine two years ago, many flocked to Sri Lanka when it effectively offered near-indefinite stays. Indeed, nearly 200,000 Russians and 5,000 Ukrainians visited the country last year, according to Sri Lanka's tourism department. However, a Sri Lankan government official announced today that the … Continue reading Sri Lanka to stop offering free long-term visas to Russians and Ukrainians

Is Germany still attractive for foreign workers?

Photo by vectors icon on Pexels.com Germany is becoming less attractive to top foreign talents, according to a new Bertelsmann/OECD study that will worry Olaf Scholz's government, which is trying to get more foreign skilled workers to fill labor market gaps. The Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's (OECD) "Indicators of Talent Attractiveness," released on Thursday, shows Germany slipped … Continue reading Is Germany still attractive for foreign workers?

Top 10 cities you should visit in 2024

The list of best cities in the world is a strongly debated topic. Accept it, we are aware. Every year, we publish our ranking of the world’s top cities based on data collected from our poll of urban inhabitants throughout the world, which covers topics such as sustainability and safety as well as nightlife, green … Continue reading Top 10 cities you should visit in 2024

China

China’s ‘ice city’ Harbin offering amazing New Year holiday attractions

The enchanting 'ice city' of Harbin in China's Heilongjiang province achieved a remarkable milestone during the New Year holiday as it attracted unprecedented visitors. https://twitter.com/TaranQ/status/1745204666072219800?s=20 The city's annual Ice and Snow Festival, featuring intricate and towering ice sculptures illuminated with dazzling lights, lured 3.05 million tourists during the three-day holiday. This surge in visitors resulted … Continue reading China’s ‘ice city’ Harbin offering amazing New Year holiday attractions

China relaxes visa requirements to lure US tourists

China is simplifying visa restrictions for U.S. travelers, hoping to attract more visitors and revitalize its tourism sector. Starting January 1, American tourists will not need to provide round-trip air tickets, hotel reservations, itineraries, or invitations when applying for Chinese visas, as announced by the Chinese Embassy in Washington. The move aims to encourage "people-to-people … Continue reading China relaxes visa requirements to lure US tourists

Nigeria

Third Mainland Bridge: How to use the roads during closure

The Lagos State government has restated that the Third Mainland Bridge will be closed by 11am on Tuesday, January 9, 2024, for continuation of its rehabilitation by the Federal Ministry of Works. Consequently, the Iyana Oworonshoki-Adeniji Adele bound will be closed to motorists for the effective repairs of the entire section of the bridge. However, … Continue reading Third Mainland Bridge: How to use the roads during closure

MORAL COWARDICE: UN special rapporteur slams Israel’s visa threat to staffers

The UN special rapporteur on Palestine slammed Tuesday Israel's decision to deny visa to UN staff, saying "baseless attacks" on the organization proves "moral cowardice." "Baseless attacks agst the UN only proves moral cowardice. The UN has been weakened by decades of ISR impunity for breaches of Intl Law, incl colonisation of occup.territory & Pal. … Continue reading MORAL COWARDICE: UN special rapporteur slams Israel’s visa threat to staffers

British woman missing in Thailand

The UK Foreign Office is supporting the family of a British woman after a scuba diving tour boat reportedly capsized off the coast of Thailand. Millie Young, 57, reportedly from Brighton, and a female Thai crew member went missing near the Ko Torinla island, in the Andaman Sea, local media reported. The trip was being … Continue reading British woman missing in Thailand

Which country tops the hospitality list?

Every country has its good points, be it magnificent landscapes, a rich history, or diverse cuisine, but a friendly destination with warm, open, smiling inhabitants guarantees a meaningful trip full of authentic experiences. Here are 20 of the world’s friendliest and most welcoming countries. ICELAND This island nation not only features volcanic reliefs and unique landscapes, but … Continue reading Which country tops the hospitality list?

Driverless vehicles functioning on US routes despite scrutiny

Despite renewed doubts after an October accident involving a General Motors Cruise car, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania-based Aurora and California startup Gatik are among companies developing self-driving technology for vehicles that operate on set routes and have mainly avoided public skepticism about robotaxis on busy city streets. The companies, which mainly develop autonomous technology to equip vehicles, … Continue reading Driverless vehicles functioning on US routes despite scrutiny

international passport

New Visa Report tells consumers to stay alert this holiday shopping season

In the Holiday Edition Threats Report, Visa anticipates threat actors will use advanced schemes to exploit consumers’ information during the holiday season and shares tips and tricks for safe transactions. Visa Inc., a world leader in digital payments, revealed its Holiday Edition Threats Report, which anticipates heightened scam activity during the holiday season across both … Continue reading New Visa Report tells consumers to stay alert this holiday shopping season

woman wearing red and black checkered dress shirt and beige fedora hat holding canada flag looking at lake

Canada increases proof of funds for Nigerians, others by 100%

The Canadian government has increased its “cost-of-living” financial requirement for study permit applicants and overseas students, to $20,000 from $10,000 beginning January 1, 2024. The country’s Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, Marc Miller, announced this in a statement on Thursday. He said starting from 2024, a single applicant will need to show that they … Continue reading Canada increases proof of funds for Nigerians, others by 100%

Hawaii looks changing travel process for Japanese visitors

The islands' leaders are working on streamlining the travel process for Japanese tourists, making it more convenient for them to visit the picturesque islands. The plan involves establishing a pre-clearance program, allowing Japanese travelers to undergo immigration, customs, and agricultural inspections before departing for Hawaii. This initiative aims to reduce waiting times at Honolulu Airport … Continue reading Hawaii looks changing travel process for Japanese visitors

Russia launches electronic visa from Aug. 1

The Russian Foreign Ministry announced on Thursday that citizens of 52 countries will be able to get an electronic visa in four days beginning Aug. 1. The ministry said in a statement posted on its website that the visa will be issued based on an application submitted via the electronic visa portal or the mobile … Continue reading Russia launches electronic visa from Aug. 1