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

Mongolia Hosts Nomadic Culture Festival to Boost Tourism   Mongolia is set to host a grand Nomadic Culture Festival aimed at promoting its rich heritage and attracting international tourists. The festival, scheduled to take place in the vast Mongolian steppes, will showcase the traditional lifestyle, customs, and arts of Mongolia’s

Finland to Implement Mandatory Citizenship Test for Applicants Report by Syed Farzand Ali   The Finnish government has proposed a mandatory citizenship test for individuals applying for naturalization, aiming to ensure that new citizens have a solid understanding of Finland’s society, values, and laws. The Interior Ministry has released a

Finland Opens 2025 Seasonal Work Permit Applications for Foreign Workers Report By Syed Farzand Ali   Finland has officially opened applications for seasonal work permits, inviting international workers to take up employment in key sectors such as agriculture, forestry, and tourism. With demand for seasonal labor growing, the Finnish Immigration

Tehran Hosts 18th International Tourism Exhibition, Showcasing Global Travel Trends Report by Syed Farzand Ali   The 18th Tehran International Tourism and Related Industries Exhibition successfully concluded on Friday, marking a significant step in Iran’s efforts to boost its tourism industry. The four-day event, held at the Tehran International Permanent