Category: Uncategorized

Visas, Immigration & Nationality

Edinburgh Set to Implement Tourist Tax by 2026

Edinburgh is poised to become the first city in Scotland to implement a tourist tax. Scheduled for introduction in the summer of 2026, this new levy aims to generate significant revenue for the city, providing much-needed funds to address critical issues like housing and urban infrastructure. With an expected income of £45-50 million annually by…
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EU Decides Against New Border Controls Amid Mpox Concerns

According to European Health authorities, additional border controls in the EU are an unnecessary response to the latest Mpox variant  (Monkeypox), citing the virus’s low risk to the wider population. During a recent meeting, the Health Security Committee (HSC) of the European Commission, in collaboration with the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC)…
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Sweden To Lower Salary Requirement for EU Blue Card

Sweden’s government has decided to reduce the minimum salary needed to qualify for an EU Blue Card by 10,000 kronor per month. This move aligns Swedish law with the EU’s updated Blue Card Directive, aimed at attracting more high-skilled workers to the European Union. Maria Malmer Stenergard, Sweden’s Migration Minister, emphasised that this change is…
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New Zealand To Increase Visa Fees In October

The New Zealand government has announced a significant increase in visa fees set to take effect in October, aiming to generate over NZ$500 million in revenue over the next four years. The fee hike will affect various visa categories, including student, work, and visitor visas.  The most notable change is for student visas, which will…
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EU Parliament Urges Suspension of Hungary from Schengen Over Russian Visa Concerns

Hungary’s recent move to relax entry requirements for Russian and Belarusian citizens has sparked significant concern within the European Union.  At least 70 European politicians signed a letter urging the European Commission to suspend Hungary’s participation in the visa-free Schengen Area. “We call on the European Commission to take urgent measures to investigate Hungary’s decision,…
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