Canada Launches New Immigration Pathway for Construction Workers   In a bid to strengthen Canada’s construction workforce and tackle labor shortages, Minister of Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Marc Miller has unveiled a new immigration framework under the 2025–2027 Immigration Levels Plan. The initiative aims to support infrastructure growth while providing

U.S. Warns Citizens Against Traveling to Pakistan Amid Security Concerns   The U.S. State Department has issued a Level 3 travel advisory for Pakistan, urging American citizens to reconsider travel due to terrorism and potential armed conflict. Certain regions, including Balochistan, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, and areas along the India-Pakistan border, fall

UK Expands ETA Entry Permit Scheme to European Travelers Report by Ishrat Yasmeen   The United Kingdom has expanded its Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) scheme, requiring European travelers to apply for a €12 (£10) permit before entering the country. The ETA is a pre-entry security measure aimed at enhancing border

New Zealand Slashes Visa Processing Time to Just 9 Days for Faster Approvals in 2025   New Zealand has reduced its visa processing time to just nine days. This streamlined approval process is set to benefit tourists, students, and professionals seeking opportunities in the country. The new processing time applies

France Introduces New Work Visa Rules to Address Labor Shortages in 2025   France has updated its work visa regulations to tackle ongoing labor shortages across key industries. The new rules aim to ease work permit processes for foreign workers, particularly in hospitality, construction, healthcare, and transportation, where demand for

EU Agrees on Phased Launch of Entry/Exit System to Strengthen Border Security   After years of delays, European Union (EU) member states have reached a landmark agreement to implement the long-awaited Entry/Exit System (EES), an automated border control mechanism designed to modernize security and streamline immigration processes. The decision, finalized

Pakistan Strengthens Global Tourism Presence at ITB Berlin 2025   Pakistan took center stage at ITB Berlin 2025, the world’s leading travel trade show, showcasing its diverse tourism potential, rich cultural heritage, and adventure travel opportunities to a global audience. The Pakistan Pavilion, jointly organized by the Pakistan Tourism Development

Australia’s Pacific Engagement Visa Faces Cost, Delays, and Stress for Applicants   Applicants for Australia’s new Pacific Engagement Visa (PEV) have raised concerns over high costs, slow processing, and mounting stress, making the migration process increasingly challenging. The visa, designed to strengthen ties between Australia and Pacific nations, offers 3,000

Japan Considers Raising International Tourist Tax to Curb Over tourism Report by Fida Muhammad Fida   The Japanese government is considering a significant increase in the international tourist tax, currently set at 1,000 yen (RM29.60), as part of efforts to combat over tourism. A subcommittee within the ruling Liberal Democratic

Dubai Introduces ‘Salama’ – A Smart, AI-Powered Visa Renewal System Report by Tayyab Abid   Dubai residents can now renew their visas in minutes with the launch of ‘Salama’, an AI-driven digital platform introduced by the General Directorate of Residency and Foreigners Affairs (GDRFA). This initiative is part of Dubai’s