Visa mastercard

Just under three million people in Hong Kong are now able to apply to live, study and work in the UK after a new visa route opened. The government offered a pathway to British citizenship for those holding British National (Overseas) status and their eligible family members last summer. It followed the imposition of a controversial new security law in Hong Kong by China, which has since been described by the UK as means to "crush dissent" against Beijing. Please use Chrome browser for a more accessible video player Raab: 'China is violating the freedom of Hong Kong' As with other visas, after five years in the UK, they will be able to apply for settled status - and after a further 12 months, they will be able to apply for British citizenship. Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: "I am immensely proud that we have brought in this new route for Hong Kong BN(O)s to live, work and make their home in our country. Advertisement "In doing so we … [Read more...] about Hong Kong: New UK visa route opens for up to three million people

Another court has denied bail to Hong Kong media tycoon and democracy campaigner Jimmy Lai ahead of his April trial. He is accused of colluding with foreign elements to endanger national security, apparently for tweets he made and interviews or commentaries he gave to international media. Hong Kong's High Court said it would publish its reasons for rejecting Thursday's application at a later date. Hong Kong schools to teach children as young as six about colluding with foreign forces Last week the Court of Final Appeal ruled a lower court's decision last year to grant Mr Lai bail applied "an erroneous line of reasoning", but allowed his team to go to the High Court. Arrested and charged in early December, Mr Lai also faces fraud charges after police raided the offices of his Apple Daily newspaper. Advertisement The tabloid and other media reported on Wednesday that, while in custody, he was arrested again on suspicion of assisting a … [Read more...] about Jimmy Lai: Hong Kong media tycoon and democracy advocate denied bail

SINGAPORE: Parliament will debate a host of issues, ranging from bikes to childcare centre places and integration of new immigrants, when it sits on Monday. MPs have tabled 104 questions for debate. Another 36 questions have been tabled for written reply. NParks' purchase of the Brompton bicycles will come under scrutiny, with six MPs enquiring whether there are any lapses in the government's procurement and tender evaluation processes. Nominated MP (NMP) Tan Su Shan will ask the prime minister whether recent efforts to integrate new immigrants have been effective, and the specific goals to be achieved from these integration efforts. Several MPs will also ask about the shortage of places in childcare centres, and the quality of pre-school education. In light of Singapore's ranking of 29th out of 45 countries in a recent global survey on early childhood education, NMP Laurence Lien will ask the education minister whether there are plans to review its availability, … [Read more...] about Brompton bikes, new immigrants among issues for Parliament debate

SINGAPORE: The government on Monday proposed amendments to the Immigration Act that tightens regulation of immigration in four main areas. The changes will criminalise marriages of convenience by anyone in order to obtain immigration facility, including those trying to get entry visas, permanent residency or long-term passes. It will also be expanded to include middlemen and criminal syndicates who facilitate such illicit practices. Offenders will face a maximum fine of S$10,000, imprisonment of up to 10 years, or both. The proposed amendments, revealed in Parliament, also makes it an offence to manufacture, traffic and possess paraphernalia used to forge immigration documents. Under the proposed changes, it will be assumed that those who posess forgery equipment have the intent to commit forgery, unless proven otherwise. If convicted, one can be fined up to S$8,000, jailed up to five years, or both. The proposed amendments also gives the Immigration & … [Read more...] about Government proposes tighter immigration laws

Going into 2020, thousands of people around the world had high hopes for a new life in Canada after getting their permanent resident visas. They sold their homes, quit their jobs and got ready to move to a new country that had invited them to come to live. But then COVID-19 slammed the door in their faces. Since mid-March, Ottawa has imposed strict travel restrictions against foreign nationals, including holders of permanent resident visas. Meanwhile the clock is ticking for many whose permanent visas have expired or are near expiry. The federal government is working to restart the immigration system that faltered badly during this pandemic but the process has been slow and frustrating. Canada is falling far short of its immigration goals. In today’s episode of This Matters, the Star’s immigration reporter Nicholas Keung explains what is going on. Fatima Camara, a teacher from Belarus, also joins to share her family’s story of being stuck in limbo after getting their … [Read more...] about How COVID stranded new Canadian residents and stalled immigration