South Africa identifies Andes strain of hantavirus in 2 passengers on a cruise ship with outbreak
South African health officials have identified the Andes strain of hantavirus. This strain may spread between people. The virus was found in two passengers from a cruise ship experiencing an outbreak. One passenger is in intensive care. Another passenger died after arriving in South Africa. Three people have died from the virus on the ship.
Migrate
Portugal tightens citizenship rules, raises residency requirement to 10 years
Portugal has significantly tightened its citizenship rules, extending the minimum residency requirement from five to up to 10 years for most foreign nationals. This change, aimed at easing pressure on public services, also impacts the 'golden visa' program. Existing applications are reportedly unaffected by the new legislation.
Japan's parliament has approved a bill to significantly increase immigration fees for foreign residents and applicants. New charges for residence status changes and permanent residency will rise substantially. The government also plans a new online pre-screening system for short-term visitors. These measures aim to manage the growing foreign population and improve immigration control.
Work
Trump's immigration crackdown backfires as jobs shrink, even for Americans
A new study reveals Trump's immigration crackdown negatively impacted employment. Key sectors saw fewer undocumented workers, and surprisingly, some American workers also lost jobs. The research indicates that stricter enforcement did not create new opportunities for US-born workers. Instead, it appears to have weakened overall labor demand in affected industries.
Canada increases validity of work authorisation support letters for foreign workers on maintained status
Canada has extended work authorization support letters (WP-EXT) to 365 days for foreign workers on maintained status, a significant increase from 180 days. This change allows individuals to continue working while their new permit applications are processed. However, Post-Graduation Work Permit holders' letters remain at 180 days. New guidance also clarifies maintained status rules for multiple applications.
Study
India and Canada: Building a smarter partnership for global talent
India and Canada are forging a new partnership. This collaboration moves beyond student numbers to strategic alliances. Governments, universities, and industries will work together. The focus is on shared economic growth and talent circulation. This aims to benefit both nations. New initiatives will strengthen research and innovation. Ethical talent pathways will be created. This partnership builds a smarter future.
New Zealand has achieved a national target for international student preference nearly a decade early, with 22% of prospective applicants now ranking it among their top choices. This rise in preference, observed across 11 global markets, signifies a crucial shift from general awareness to active consideration for studying in the country.
study abroad scholarships
Invest
Indian investments in US on rise, creating American jobs: Official
Indian companies are investing significantly in the United States. Recent data shows USD 16.4 billion in foreign direct investment, creating over 70,000 jobs. Indian firms are also contributing to research and development. Massive new investments are expected at the SelectUSA Investment Summit. This inflow of capital strengthens the American economy and fosters bilateral ties.
In recent times many resident individuals, banking with various financial institutions, have used cards to carry out international capital account transactions-oblivious that they were violating foreign exchange and banking rules. Some probably did it consciously to dodge the tax collected at source (TCS) or sidestep restrictions on overseas forex remittance.
Visit
Singapore Airlines delays premium seat upgrade rollout to 2027
Singapore Airlines has pushed back the debut of its upgraded First and Business Class seats on the A350-900 fleet to early 2027. This delay, attributed to global supply chain and certification issues, impacts a S$1.1 billion cabin overhaul. The new interiors, part of a fleet-wide upgrade, will also feature on future Boeing 777-9s and coincide with Starlink Wi-Fi integration.
Singapore Airlines (SIA) on Monday announced that it will introduce next-generation high-speed in-flight connectivity powered by Starlink, with a progressive rollout beginning in the first quarter of 2027.
South Africa identifies Andes strain of hantavirus in 2 passengers on a cruise ship with outbreak
South African health officials have identified the Andes strain of hantavirus. This strain may spread between people. The virus was found in two passengers from a cruise ship experiencing an outbreak. One passenger is in intensive care. Another passenger died after arriving in South Africa. Three people have died from the virus on the ship.