tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-45997879273547217122024-03-06T16:04:15.584+08:00Travel and Immigration 101Immigration, Travel, Tips and news on staying to other country.Travel and Immigrationhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/04793051377172397535noreply@blogger.comBlogger160125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-85759019833447045762018-02-15T09:56:00.006+08:002018-02-15T09:56:55.352+08:00How to Afford a Cruise If You Are on a Low Income<div style="text-align: justify;">
If you make enough money to put away an extra $500 or $600 a month into your savings account, you could be boarding a cruise ship in little more than a few months. Low wage earners on the other hand will need to pinch their pennies in order to afford even a basic weekend getaway. From Disney themed cruises to luxury cruises that take voyages all around the world, there’s a way for travelers to go on a trip no matter what their financial constraints are. Sure, budget savvy vacationers might be more interested in all-inclusive cruises than their more well-to-do peers, but if taking a vacation while out on the water appeals to you, it won’t really matter how you get there. <a href="https://www.insureyonder.com/travel-insurance/cruise/" target="_blank">Purchase a cruise travel insurance policy</a> so that you are able to enjoy the fruits of your labor. Next up are a few tips that will get you in the mood to go on a lavish cruise.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs11-r4wN9YDimQBLAC7oSlfATMN4WTD-AFC-N9KT2Kg-JZ8LtE9u0exo6qXn0EH28Ob4tJnn6EdmBb_ju-Y-VTkgyHgUo3LSjSa-QQ9TnyAPTxYCeYsu6kcwrOCDHF9LYkS6b0TUUJmtx/s1600/travel.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="627" data-original-width="940" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs11-r4wN9YDimQBLAC7oSlfATMN4WTD-AFC-N9KT2Kg-JZ8LtE9u0exo6qXn0EH28Ob4tJnn6EdmBb_ju-Y-VTkgyHgUo3LSjSa-QQ9TnyAPTxYCeYsu6kcwrOCDHF9LYkS6b0TUUJmtx/s400/travel.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<i>Compare Travel Deals</i></div>
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At any given time, there are likely dozens of cruise specials going on that will help you to stay within your budget. Think about saving for a cruise in the same way you go grocery shopping. If you see a brand name product on sale for a price that is 50% off it’s regularly suggested retail price, are you going to get upset? Of course not. In fact, you might stock up on that deal so that you can enjoy the savings even longer. <a href="https://www.travelpulse.com/opinions/column/making-sense-of-clia-s-2018-cruise-travel-report.html" target="_blank">Travel</a> deals on cruises can be found via travel agents, on cruise websites, and even television commercials. You will probably need to act fast, put down a deposit and lock in your travel dates to get the deal so be sure you’re ready to go. </div>
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<i>Get Friends and Family to Chip In</i></div>
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People can crowdfund for their honeymoons, to help pay medical expenses, or help get money to buy a new car. Since donations are completely voluntary, you can create a campaign for any reason and then share the link with your closest family and friends. Consider how much faster you would be able to save up for your <a href="https://economictimes.indiatimes.com/magazines/panache/want-to-experience-happiness-take-a-cruise-vacation/articleshow/62637430.cms" target="_blank">vacation cruise</a> if you received a helping hand from your closest companions. </div>
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<i>Choose a Date Far in Advance</i></div>
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People who are on a lower income might take a little longer to save up for a cruise on average, which actually puts them in good position to plan ahead. If you won’t be going on your cruise for at least another year or two, there will be plenty of slots available on a number of cruise ships. Having your cruise booked for a date far in advance will be beneficial in case you need to change your itinerary, such as staying in a different cabin or departing from a different port. </div>
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You aren’t required to max out your credit cards or sell all of your personal belongings to save up to go on a cruise. Just cut out some of the extras that you have been accustomed to, look for deals and plan your cruise a year or so in advance. You’ll get extra savings and get to sail around the world. </div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-89879466915553772712017-04-10T18:18:00.002+08:002017-04-10T18:18:32.994+08:003 Essential Tips for Finding Great Real Estate in Dubai<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dubai is one of the few nations in the Middle East where expats are allowed to buy real estate, whether a condo in one of the new developments popping up or land on which they may build a future home. While Dubai is an increasingly popular haven from Middle Eastern chaos and a new center of world trade and commerce, buying property here is not always simple. Here are three essential tips for finding great real estate in Dubai.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjJq5oHTBn7ipxssX6OHwKUV0e3F26gnFqft1qEpfNZTq1HAzOE8JAZsSYiXLKfONbvcWkP8bOaJpjb9igyDPJziJI2tBYjN8OAqw0xYhmytj5krDx24mzGMA9T-Qwx2z4E96myV3Fa8P/s1600/dubai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPjJq5oHTBn7ipxssX6OHwKUV0e3F26gnFqft1qEpfNZTq1HAzOE8JAZsSYiXLKfONbvcWkP8bOaJpjb9igyDPJziJI2tBYjN8OAqw0xYhmytj5krDx24mzGMA9T-Qwx2z4E96myV3Fa8P/s400/dubai.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://pixabay.com/en/dubai-skyscraper-sky-architecture-1050418/" target="_blank">Royalty Free Photo</a></div>
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<b>Decide Why You Want to Buy in Dubai</b></div>
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Are you an expat deciding to put down roots in Dubai? Buy a home that suits your long-term needs, such as a condo in a neighborhood you’d like to live in for the rest of your career or a house in the suburbs with enough space for your family. If you are considering an investment property for rental income, buy a one or two bedroom flat that many expats and locals would be willing to rent, not a villa that is prestigious to own but won’t provide a good return on the investment.</div>
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<b>Do Due Diligence</b></div>
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Before you buy a <a href="http://www.investopedia.com/articles/investing/090815/buying-your-first-investment-property-top-10-tips.asp" target="_blank">property</a>, do your due diligence. Research the reputation of the developer, since some developers use shoddy materials and have a poor quality of work. Others don’t complete on time, while a few are at risk of going bankrupt. You also want to review the currently completed projects by the developer if the unit you want to buy hasn’t been completed so that you have a realistic expectation of what the finished property will look like. If you are buying a pre-owned home, the property should be surveyed. Have a registered professional surveyor check the property for maintenance needs, required repairs, damage or shoddy workmanship. These issues become your responsibility when you buy it, and you want to know about them in advance so that you either lower the purchase price to take the repair costs into account or can find a property that is not a “fixer-upper”.</div>
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Another reason to have the property surveyed before you formally enter the buying process is to avoid surprises when you apply for financing. If the bank evaluator says the property is worth more than expected after you’ve already put down a deposit, you could be required to put up a much larger down payment immediately. And if you don’t have a well-written contract, you’d lose the deposit on the property, especially if you can’t secure financing for a home worth much more than initially expected.</div>
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<b>Understand the Purchase Process for Dubai</b></div>
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Dubai is an attractive real estate market for people in the region because it is one of the few nations that allows foreigners to buy real estate instead of just rent. Property can be bought from the <a href="http://smallbusiness.chron.com/become-successful-real-estate-developer-22502.html" target="_blank">developer</a> “off-plan” or a private seller. When buying from the developer, foreign buyers must submit a copy of their passports and put down a reservation fee of five to fifteen percent of the property value. This is similar to the down payment on a home, but if your contract doesn’t have a specific opt-out clause, you lose this money if you can’t come up with financing for the rest of the property. Then the Sale and Purchase Agreement is drawn up. If the property is still under construction, the SPA contains a completion date and payment to be made if the completion is delayed after that point.</div>
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When someone purchases the property from a private seller, a Memorandum of Understanding or MoU is used. The standard down payment for that type of real estate purchase is 10%. Once financing for homes or <a href="https://www.propertytrader.ae/en/buy/apartments-for-sale.html" target="_blank">apartments for sale</a> is secured, the deed for the property is transferred to the new owner. You can save yourself significant hassle if you secure pre-approval from a bank before you start shopping for a new home so you don’t have to worry about losing out on a deal for lack of funding. You want to understand the process of buying property in Dubai so you aren’t surprised by the 2% land registration fee or maintenance fees required of those who buy apartments for sale.</div>
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Foreigners are advised to have professional legal advice when buying property in Dubai. The best choice is a conveying company registered with the Dubai Land Department. This helps protect both the buyer and the seller. For example, legal experts know how to verify that the title is free of liabilities or debt.</div>
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<b>Conclusion</b></div>
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Think about why you want to buy real estate in Dubai before you start shopping for a new home or piece of land. Do your due diligence with a surveyor and research the developer, and work with a reputable legal expert to avoid problems with the contract. Learn about the purchasing process in Dubai before you draw up a contract and put down a reservation fee. And secure pre-approval for the mortgage before you enter the contract to avoid problems.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-27134711046767362752017-02-28T14:36:00.000+08:002017-02-28T14:36:02.636+08:00Ozamiz City to host Dine Philippines 2017<div style="text-align: justify;">
Dine Philippines is a seminar series organized by Courage Asia that brings together the expert advice, trending concepts, and inspiring ideas that promote a healthier business atmosphere for the food industry. Set in key provincial venues, it is the largest gathering of its kind, reaching an audience of close to 10,000 stakeholders by each year. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPCf5NS3n89cLwE8FYBBZuwXq_mUWGkTmlgPharGNV04KsC-AmY-5MdtikaJktTOyyq8aQJKZu97FqjYGerAIb90PJRv3D1FTxXRiHDW6VqLPYE-pzPlai5XeTWa1pXltAE2PE2MYXi_F/s1600/dinephilippines.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="147" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoPCf5NS3n89cLwE8FYBBZuwXq_mUWGkTmlgPharGNV04KsC-AmY-5MdtikaJktTOyyq8aQJKZu97FqjYGerAIb90PJRv3D1FTxXRiHDW6VqLPYE-pzPlai5XeTWa1pXltAE2PE2MYXi_F/s400/dinephilippines.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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This year, Dine Philippines will be held at Ozamiz City since it is also inline with the current foot traffic and tourism initiative of Ozamiz City. Also, the culinary flavors of Ozamiz has already been featured in national TV and magazine making more people in the food industry more curious about what the city can offer to the business atmosphere. That makes Ozamiz City ready for Dine Philippines.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Sa14UJOsc79hZn5pIedzoi8_UM75qh-uTl-Kfoogjr8_kUpRmFrzbPg7zK7yXBmI1xmsFcbmKOK2RDNi2nkCG01IrYAc6Owtb5rJV5CTFfKNuxKD8boC4XCj5vjuoVaZW5smAMrlvn-A/s1600/johannscuisine.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="168" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi2Sa14UJOsc79hZn5pIedzoi8_UM75qh-uTl-Kfoogjr8_kUpRmFrzbPg7zK7yXBmI1xmsFcbmKOK2RDNi2nkCG01IrYAc6Owtb5rJV5CTFfKNuxKD8boC4XCj5vjuoVaZW5smAMrlvn-A/s400/johannscuisine.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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Johann’s Cuisine 3.0 The Promenade located in Barangay Lam-An Hi-way is a proud host of the first and ever Dine Ozamiz from March 2-3, 2017 and you are invited to support a strong educational component with several seminars, cooking expedition and networking dinner. This 2 day celebration will feature a travel fair, hotel and restaurants, a job fair and a launch of the ultimate food fair, The OZAMIZLICIOUS. </div>
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ACTIVITY FOR MARCH 2, 2017</div>
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Trade Fair</div>
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Food Fair</div>
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EVENT: CREATIVE LUNCH BOX COMPETITION - Make your Own Bento Box</div>
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When it comes to a packed lunch, the bento box is one of the most entertaining ways to send kids off to school. It may seems like it’s all kinds of crazy to spend so much time on a lunch, but as you can see from the following photos, the result is a work of art! At Dine Ozamiz, we will invite different stakeholders to create their own lunchbox masterpiece using San Miguel – Purefoods products &amp; it’ll be super fun!</div>
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FIRST PHASE – STUDENTS</div>
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Open to all culinary and or HRM students</div>
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SECOND PHASE – MOMS</div>
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Open to all Moms </div>
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CONTEST RULES</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">With a minimum purchase of 500 worth of receipt from any San Miguel- Purefoods products, anyone can be a contestant</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Members can be only up to 3 </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Dine Ozamiz will provide ingredients as well as additional tools that can be used for doing the decorations</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Theme: Let your imagination fly :). Can be anything really, it doesn't have to be Japanese either, rational, modern or whatever kind of style is fine as long as it's a meal in a box/container.</li>
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CRITERIA FOR JUDGING</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Food Balance: We'll not only look at how cute or pretty your bento is, but also if your bento is well balanced. Let's say, a bit of carb, meat, veggies, fruit, etc. instead of just rice with a cute nori face.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Colour Balance: People would be more attracted to your bento (including us, judges) if your bento doesn't look too dull.</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Creativity: Impress us with your creativity </li>
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ACTIVITY FOR MARCH 3, 2017</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Trade Fair</li>
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CHEF SHOWDOWN – using local ingredients</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Chef Bruce Lim</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Chef Dino Datu</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Chef Datu Pendatun</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Chef Jam Melchor</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Johann Dagandara</li>
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ACTIVITY FOR MARCH 4, 2017</div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;">Trade Fair</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Food Fair</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Business to business </li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">The Promenade Open House</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Chef’s consultation</li>
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Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-78275477141129199722016-12-20T17:42:00.000+08:002016-12-20T17:42:13.945+08:007 Ways Students Can Enjoy the Holidays on a Budget<div style="text-align: justify;">
The holidays may be a stressful time for any student with a tight budget. You’ll need to spend money buying gifts for your loved ones, travelling, attending and hosting parties among other things. All these activities are likely to leave your pockets dry. How about looking for ways to spend less and even earn some extra cash during the holidays? The following tips should help you get started.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikixo-aEr2Nba0Ok-dxf3APoQTe0Evt5FDRBrjceBZKYysh_mqJT3r2yqLFnILAGYC5EtkOazXA1dCH15F2oajPU9SO9Ua1uPPmmo2ZsGd_kp2Fb3mRxKPkgGZC_ZN2_17Eqgna9LAn8bB/s1600/student+tight+budget.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikixo-aEr2Nba0Ok-dxf3APoQTe0Evt5FDRBrjceBZKYysh_mqJT3r2yqLFnILAGYC5EtkOazXA1dCH15F2oajPU9SO9Ua1uPPmmo2ZsGd_kp2Fb3mRxKPkgGZC_ZN2_17Eqgna9LAn8bB/s400/student+tight+budget.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i>Set A Budget And Stick To It:</i> Know how much you can spend during the holidays even before you set out to shop. Allocate a budget for gifts, travelling, parties and any other expense that is common at this time of the year. When setting your budget, don’t just pick random numbers, go over every aspect to make sure you are setting realistic figures. Compare what you spent last year to this year and make an informed decision. You may even want to cut back on expenses in the long term by looking for cheaper <a href="http://quadatyork.ca/" target="_blank">housing for YorkU students</a>.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i>Bake Something Special:</i> Your friends and family are likely to enjoy your amazing homemade treats. Spend one evening preparing some cookies or bites for your visitors. No need to spend money visiting pricey restaurants when you can try out the cool recipe you saw online.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i>Take Advantage Of Holiday Sales:</i> If you really have to shop for Christmas gifts for your relatives or friends, holiday sales can help you save a lot of money. Shop online for discounted items. Make sure you compare the cost of the item offered by different retailers. Some retailers will only put the “sale” sign to lure customers even though the item is not truly discounted. You can also use coupon codes to save more money on your holiday shopping.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i>Make Christmas Crafts And Handmade Gifts:</i> Perhaps you may want to try making some cool necklaces using different materials that are readily available. The gift recipient will appreciate the fact that you took time to create something special rather than just rushing to the stores to get a present. One cool idea is to give your loved one a deck of cards with 52 reasons why you love or like him/her. The other idea that would work perfectly for couples is 12 letters which represent each month. Each letter can have some fun things to enjoy together within that month.</li>
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<li style="text-align: justify;"><i>Opt For Indoor Activities:</i> One of the easiest ways to save money during the holidays is to minimize on outings. You can still enjoy bonding with your friends at the student residence near York University by looking for fun things to do. Consider watching a movie, baking together or making Christmas crafts. It’s easy to get into the trap of spending more than you could afford during the holidays. While you are in the Christmas spirit, remember that your wallet is at risk. Know how much you can stretch your budget at this time of the year and focus on having more fun without spending a lot.</li>
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Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-55221726218609465432015-07-08T16:44:00.001+08:002015-07-08T16:44:30.897+08:00PHL Embassy in Riyadh to issue machine readable visa stickers starting July 8 <div style="text-align: justify;">
Starting July 8, the Philippine Embassy in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, will start issuing Machine Readable Visa (MRV) stickers to modernize consular processes.</div>
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In a post on its website, the embassy said this is part of the Department of Foreign Affairs' efforts to modernize Philippine consular processes.</div>
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"The new Philippine visa stickers will mark the departure from a pre-printed label production with varying design layouts to a blank sheet production that complies with International Civil Aviation Authority (ICAO) standards for a 'machine-readable visa format-B' specification," it said.</div>
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New stickers will have a modern background design on a soft color scheme, with several security features, it added.</div>
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However, the embassy added those issued Philippine visas in the old format can still enter the Philippines provided their visas remain valid.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-5040345318175042502015-07-01T18:39:00.000+08:002015-07-01T18:39:09.437+08:00South Korea waives visa fees to attract tourists amid MERS<div style="text-align: justify;">
South Korea on Wednesday said it would waive visa fees for visitors from China and Southeast Asia as it struggles to recover from the Middle East Respiratory Syndrome (Mers) outbreak which has seen tourist numbers plummet.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-HHaniXOyG-SIHqluf5zku5SOqqSOx20yjT8BZQWR4hFS0Av3o4kyNrJk75xUjbyfMEwuA6mWR2sYuf8WdHAiMOhaYl2N6l5lF8WXXQ96DhyuUe8UMLMqtkDVgQTahrI9thQnA5Jvo0j/s1600/South+Korean+Visa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="302" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQ-HHaniXOyG-SIHqluf5zku5SOqqSOx20yjT8BZQWR4hFS0Av3o4kyNrJk75xUjbyfMEwuA6mWR2sYuf8WdHAiMOhaYl2N6l5lF8WXXQ96DhyuUe8UMLMqtkDVgQTahrI9thQnA5Jvo0j/s400/South+Korean+Visa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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The announcement came as the country reported no new cases for a fourth consecutive day in the outbreak of Mers which has infected 182 people, killing 33.</div>
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The justice ministry said visas which had been already issued would be extended for another three months as South Korea enters its peak tourist season of July and August.</div>
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“These measures are aimed to help boost the tourism industry, which has been affected by the Mers outbreak”, it said in a statement.</div>
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The outbreak has dealt a serious blow to the tourist industry, with the southern resort island of Jeju suffering a 46 percent fall in Chinese visitors in June compared with last year.</div>
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Vice tourism minister Kim Chong has warned the country’s earnings could be slashed by up to $2.3 billion if the number of foreign travelers drops by 50 percent.</div>
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South Korea will waive tourist visa fees, worth $15, from July 6 through to September 30 for those travelling in groups.</div>
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They include tourists from China, Cambodia, Indonesia, the Philippines and Vietnam, the ministry said.</div>
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The validity of one-off visas issued between March 1 and June 30 would be automatically extended from three months to six months.</div>
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More than a million tourists have been issued these visas.</div>
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Chinese tourists travelling in groups with Japanese visas will also be allowed to enter South Korea visa-free for stays of up to 15 days, it said.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-68113063086009565952015-06-27T21:10:00.001+08:002015-06-27T21:10:47.384+08:00EU lifts ban on other PH airlines aside from PAL and Cebu Pacific<div style="text-align: justify;">
In an unprecedented move, the European Union (EU) lifted on Thursday its ban on Philippine commercial flights and allowed all of the country’s air carriers to fly over Europe’s skies.</div>
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Assured of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines’ (CAAP) oversight capability and the Philippine airline companies’ compliance with international air safety regulations, the EU removed all of the country’s carriers from the European Air Safety List.</div>
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In a press conference on Thursday organized by the CAAP and the EU, charge d’affaires Lubomir Frebort announced, “All airlines certified in the Philippines have been removed today from the European Air Safety List and are therefore allowed to operate in the European airspace.”</div>
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Frebort pointed out that it was the first time for the entire aviation sector of one country to be removed from the air safety list or the list of banned airlines in Europe.</div>
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The lifting of the ban will allow Air Asia Inc., Air Asia Zest, Air Philippines Corp., Island Aviation Inc., Magnum Air or Skyjet Inc., Southeast Asian Airlines International Inc., and Tiger Airways to have direct flights to European destinations.</div>
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Previously the EU only allowed flag carrier Philippine Airlines and budget airline firm Cebu Pacific in European skies.</div>
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The decision of the EU resulted from the positive review of a safety assessment team from the European states which conducted in April an evaluation of the aviation safety measures in the operations of the country’s airlines as well as the oversight function of the Caap.</div>
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It was further boosted by an invitation to the CAAP and airline representatives by the EU air safety committee in Brussels early this month. During the hearing, the aviation regulating body and the airline companies presented evidence on their ability to comply with international air safety regulations.</div>
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According to Frebort, “The air safety committee, which includes representatives of all 28 EU member-states, made a unanimous positive recommendation on the basis of the evidence it heard. The recommendation was endorsed by the full college of European commissioners that met earlier today (Thursday) in Europe.”</div>
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In a later interview Frebort told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that the EU committee decided to lift the ban on Philippine air carriers due to the change in the CAAP management, which proved to be a positive development for the regulating body and the country’s aviation industry.</div>
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Based on the safety audit of EU assessors, he said, the CAAP has become “well-positioned” to ensure international air safety standards would be met by Philippine airline firms.</div>
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CAAP director general William Hotchkiss III said that the development was favorable, not only to airline companies and the aviation industry, but was “Good news for all of the Philippines.”</div>
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He pointed out that it was a certification of the CAAP’s capability to act as the country’s aviation regulator.</div>
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The challenge for all members of the aviation industry, Hotchkiss said, would be to sustain this capacity to meet international aviation standards.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-58598652864544606092015-06-15T15:39:00.001+08:002015-06-15T15:39:21.704+08:00Worldwide Delay in Issuing US Passports and Visas<div style="text-align: justify;">
There has been a worldwide delay in issuing US passports and visas due to technical problems for some time. It is not specific to any particular country, the US embassy clarified on today, while apologizing for the delay.</div>
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"The department of state's bureau of consular affairs is currently experiencing technical problems with our overseas passport and visa systems," the embassy said in a statement here.</div>
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Apologizing for the inconvenience caused, the embassy said: "This issue is not specific to any particular country, citizenship document, or visa category." </div>
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"We apologize for the inconvenience and are working urgently to correct the problem and restore full operability. This issue is affecting our operations across the embassy and consulates in India," it added.</div>
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Passport applications accepted overseas on or after May 26, 2015 are affected by this delay, it said. </div>
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"If you applied for a US passport overseas during this time frame and have travel plans within the next 10 business days, please consider requesting an emergency passport at the US embassy or consulate at which you originally applied," it said.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-45977610687496165712015-05-20T16:22:00.000+08:002015-05-20T16:22:43.960+08:00Changes to the UK Investor Visa<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tier 1 (Investor) visas were introduced in 2008 to allow individuals with at least £1m available to invest to remain in the UK on a long-term basis. They are seen as a shortcut for wealthy foreign nationals to become British citizens. Surprisingly, Chinese nationals accounted for 43% of all Tier 1 visas issued last year. Of the minimum £1m capital invested, no less than £750,000 must be invested in UK government bonds, share capital or loan capital in active and trading UK registered companies. The remaining £250,000 can be invested in other UK assets such as un-mortgaged UK property or cash held in a UK bank account. One challenging condition is that if the value of the investor’s overall investment drops below the £1m threshold at any point during the visa application period, it must be ‘topped up’ by the next reporting period and as such, the portfolio should be cognisant of changes in market movements.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c0RTDzAOzdLeH9yG1Tn73NmixeIx-m3tAKn52vqG_WZnMpkQaZ6-6Ij76dJ399MiIVqKLsqpKhL5R_qXPmgjvVnlYqelz-1mDLLjTS-d0_ImppH9Z4eWst7ln3zKf_ouW3ZKX3NDmVrV/s1600/uk+visa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="260" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c0RTDzAOzdLeH9yG1Tn73NmixeIx-m3tAKn52vqG_WZnMpkQaZ6-6Ij76dJ399MiIVqKLsqpKhL5R_qXPmgjvVnlYqelz-1mDLLjTS-d0_ImppH9Z4eWst7ln3zKf_ouW3ZKX3NDmVrV/s400/uk+visa.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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A temptation would be to invest entirely in low risk assets such as UK government bonds but that might not necessarily be the ‘risk-free’ option in the current macro-economic environment, with the requirements for keeping the portfolio’s book value above the £1m threshold. However on February 26th, 2015, the Home Office announced significant changes to the Tier 1 visa immigration rules and these changes will come into effect on November 6th of this year.</div>
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Changes include raising the minimum investment threshold from £1m to £2m whilst the full investment sum must be invested in permissible investments rather than 75% of the total as under the previous rules. It is also no longer acceptable to source the investment sum by loan. Most interestingly, the ‘topping up’ requirement has been removed and instead, investors will need to purchase new qualifying investments only if they sell part of their portfolios. The increase in threshold from £1m to £2m is substantial but investors are afforded a higher degree of freedom, likely meaning that this scheme will remain attractive for high net worth individuals seeking to gain a foothold in the UK.</div>
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Any visa applications submitted before November 6th, 2014, will be considered in accordance with current rules and clients who have already held a Tier 1 visa would not be affected by the new rules, since they do not have a retrospective effect. Nonetheless, the increase in flexibility has allowed new Chinese Tier 1 clients to adjust the risk levels of their portfolios more freely.</div>
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The removal of the requirement for portfolio top up will lead to many investors building a portfolio wholly made up of UK government bonds, due to the principle being safely retained whilst earning a coupon payment on the bonds. This scheme offers a lower opportunity cost than taking investment risk for higher returns, given that the primary purpose of the investment is to achieve British Citizenship. Amid the uncertainty surrounding the 2017 Brexit referendum, a growing number of multi-asset fund and wealth managers are reducing their holdings of UK equities. Many Chinese Tier 1 clients will opt to invest heavily in UK government bonds despite the all-time high reached by the FTSE 100 this week.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-44958352917781801682015-05-18T16:44:00.000+08:002015-05-18T16:44:06.265+08:00Seair, Skyjet Airlines operator certificates suspended by CAAP<div style="text-align: justify;">
MANILA, PHILIPPINES- The Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on Monday ordered the suspension of the Air Operator Certificates (AOC) of low-cost carrier SEAIR International Inc. and leisure airline MAGNUM AIR (Skyjet) Inc. effective May 18 for various safety "observations" based on a report by the European Union Assessment Team relative to their recent inspection visit held last month.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLJkd68daMj5QoenYTdAV4HxfhTPz134BDkL2CtQeknUqOsyCpR1VMqcm1liHl-Wxlvyu4QfkXJY9hrytVUzX3L-OoNP4s7m7P_gQ8QNXcs99ZPIdXei0Yxu6SgX4cyydnj9Z0B9aGig6/s1600/interphoto_1360912477.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="246" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhDLJkd68daMj5QoenYTdAV4HxfhTPz134BDkL2CtQeknUqOsyCpR1VMqcm1liHl-Wxlvyu4QfkXJY9hrytVUzX3L-OoNP4s7m7P_gQ8QNXcs99ZPIdXei0Yxu6SgX4cyydnj9Z0B9aGig6/s400/interphoto_1360912477.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
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AOC is the approval granted by CAAP to aircraft operators allow them to use their aircraft for commercial purposes.</div>
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In a letter address to Mr. Avelino Zapanta of SEAIR and Capt. Teodoro Fojas of Magnum Air, CAAP informed the two airline officers of the suspension order due to various safety shortcomings that apparently did not meet prescribed rules and standards under the Philippine Civil Aviation Regulations (PCAR).</div>
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The letter was signed Friday, May 15, 2015 by CAAP Director-General William K. Hotchkiss lll, who said that the results of the assessment visit and investigation requires that the issue be given immediate corrective actions.</div>
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CAAP said that the suspension order took effect Monday, and will remain in effect until CAAP is assured that the necessary corrective actions and compliance with aviation safety standards have been undertaken by the respective airline operators.</div>
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Seair mounts flights to and from Manila to Basco in Batanes, several flights daily from Manila to Caticlan and Manila to Tablas Island in Romblon, while Magnum Air (Skyjet) operates to and from Manila to Basco, and Manila to Busuanga in Palawan.</div>
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<span style="font-size: xx-small;">Source: <a href="http://www.interaksyon.com/article/110717/seair-skyjet-airlines-operator-certificates-suspended-by-caap" target="_blank">Interaksyon</a></span></div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-37839118018831383142015-05-12T16:28:00.002+08:002015-05-12T16:28:10.907+08:00Australia Announced New International Immigration Partnership<div style="text-align: justify;">
Australia has signed a new partnership agreement with the International Organisation for Migration (IOM), it has been announced.</div>
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Immigration Minister Peter Dutton said it will further strengthen Australia’s important relationship with the organisation.</div>
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‘We both commit to cooperating strategically on key shared migration priorities, establishing structured dialogue to enhance governance arrangements and to develop and implement programmes that make substantial positive difference to migrants,’ he explained.</div>
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Since its founding in 1951, Australia and IOM have shared a close collaborative working relationship. Australia was one of the 16 countries that formed the original membership of IOM, and Australia continues to value the important role this organisation plays,” Mr Dutton said.</div>
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IOM has shown commitment to the principle that humane and orderly migration benefits migrants and society. This has defined it as the leading organisation for international migration,’ Dutton added.</div>
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Meanwhile, the Department of Immigration and Border Protection, the Australian Customs and Border Protection Service and the Queensland Police Service have detained more people found illegally working in the construction industry in Brisbane.</div>
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Some 13 people from China and four from Malaysia were detained. Seven of the Chinese men were unlawful non-citizens and six were working in breach of their visa conditions. Three Malaysians were unlawful non-citizens and one was working in breach of his visa conditions.</div>
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‘Australians can be assured that we committed to being as tough on those who seek to rort our migration programmes as we are on those who arrive illegally by boat. We will devote the same resolve, resources and commitment that is necessary to get the job done,’ Dutton said.</div>
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Maximum penalties per illegal worker include infringements from $3,060 for individuals and $15,300 for corporates and up to $51,000 and/or five years imprisonment for individuals and $255,000 for corporates for aggravated criminal offences.</div>
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Dutton pointed out that the Department of Immigration and Border Protection works closely with employers who want to do the right things by assisting them to complying with their obligations. Employers can easily check visas and work rights through the Visa Entitlement Verification Online (VEVO) tool, free of charge on the Department’s website.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-60661320693769328742015-03-18T12:02:00.001+08:002015-03-18T12:02:54.213+08:00Philippines targets more 'high-spending' tourists<div style="text-align: justify;">
Tourist arrivals in the Philippines may be among the lowest in Southeast Asia, but a ranking official doesn’t mind, as long as the country attracts “high-value” visitors.</div>
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“Our numbers may seem low compared to Malaysia, for example, but we must take intra-ASEAN visitors into account,” Tourism Promotions Board chief operating officer Domingo Ramon Enerio said Thursday.</div>
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In 2012, the Philippines attracted 4.3 million tourists, lower than Malaysia (25 million), Thailand (22.4 million), and Singapore (14.5 million), ASEAN data showed.</div>
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But unlike its neighbors whose visitors were mostly from within the region, about 80 percent of tourists in the Philippines were from other high-income countries.</div>
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“We are targeting high-value tourists, who tend to stay longer and spend more,” Enerio said at the sidelines of the Philippine Tourism Exchange at the SM Mall of Asia.</div>
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Assistant Secretary for International Tourism Promotions Benito Bengzon, Jr. agreed, noting that in 2013, tourists spent some $4.5 billion in the Philippines.</div>
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“This meant that every foreigner spent around $1,000 in the country, excluding air fare. We want to increase that to around $1,500 per visitor,” Bengzon said.</div>
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He added that the government aims to boost tourist expenditure by offering more attractions and enhancing tourism offers such as travel packages.</div>
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Both Enerio and Bengzon nonetheless admitted that the boost in tourism spending should still be accompanied by an increase in the number of tourists visiting the country.</div>
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The government is targeting 6.8 million visitors this year, up from 4.7 million in 2013. President Benigno Aquino III is pushing for 10 million arrivals by 2016.</div>
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The Tourism officials also recognize the urgent need to address hurdles in the tourism industry, particularly the longstanding problem on infrastructure.</div>
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Philippine infrastructure, specifically in terms of airports and seaports, was among the areas the World Economic Forum tagged in its latest Global Competitiveness Report.</div>
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But Bohol Rep. Rene Relampagos, who is also House Tourism Committee chairman, is optimistic that Aquino’s “ambitious” tourism goal by the end of his term is achievable.</div>
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“The Philippines has emerged not only as an alternative destination but a necessary part of international travelers’ itinerary,” he said in his speech during the MOA event.</div>
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The congressman cited as proof how PHITEX attracted more than 200 foreign delegates this year, up from the 170 in 2013. This is the 13th PHITEX so far.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
PHITEX is organized by the government and private sector to encourage tourism buyers—tour operators and other industry players—to promote Philippine destinations.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-75193420022343848142015-03-16T09:44:00.002+08:002015-03-16T09:44:37.401+08:00Immigration expert: If I were to come to Canada to become terrorist, I would apply for "pretty easy" student visa<div style="text-align: justify;">
An immigration expert says the student visa process in Canada is "pretty easy." </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
"If that was my goal, to come into Canada and either stay illegally, work illegally, or yes, become a terrorist, I would probably apply for a student visa," says Arne Kislenko, a professor at Ryerson University and the University of Toronto who specializes in immigration and national security. </div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
We told you earlier this week that a 33-year-old Pakistani man is accused of plotting to bomb the U.S. Consulate in Toronto and other buildings in the Financial District. The federal government is trying to get him deported. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Jahanzeb Malik first came to Canada in 2004 on a student visa to study at York University. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Generally speaking, (the student visa) would rank as probably the easiest of the visas, in my opinion, to get," Kislenko says. </div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Kislenko was an immigration officer for 12 years. </div>
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"I'd come as an ESL student, where the threshold is much less (than university)," he says of the simplest way to get into the country. </div>
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Kislenko says that Canada's immigration process, as a whole, is one of the most Liberal in the world. </div>
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"I really get nervous when I hear in the media how onerous the immigration system in general is... that's ludicrous," he says. </div>
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But Kislenko adds that he doesn't think the student visa process needs to change. </div>
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"There are processes in place, whether it's immigration law, or criminal law, or even anti-terror law, which are abundantly adequate to do the job that they need to do."</div>
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He says that "we need and want" people to come and study here in Canada. </div>
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"From a revenue-generating perspective, universities want it, the public wants it."</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-49339748667762243322015-03-14T13:00:00.001+08:002015-03-14T13:00:28.886+08:00Portugal's 'Golden Visa' Trade for Rich Immigrants<div style="text-align: justify;">
Portugal is selling EU residency permits to any rich foreigners willing to pay. The opposition calls them corrupt deals that encourage organized crime, but the government simply wants to lower the prices.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Portugal's Deputy Prime Minister Paulo Portas has at least been honest about what's important to him. "The golden visa has brought Portugal 1.27 billion euros [$1.38 billion] of investment in two years," he said. "So it would be stupid if we shut up shop and other countries earned that money."</div>
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Even if the special residency permits for non-EU millionaires have already cost the head of the immigration authorities his job, and even if the criticism of "visa dispensation by wealth" has grown louder, Portugal seems determined to carry on stamping the passports of rich Chinese, Brazilians, Angolans, and Russians so that they can live anywhere they like in the European Union's Schengen Area.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The condition is that anyone who wants one of the much-prized EU residency permits has to invest 500,000 euros in Portuguese property. In expensive Lisbon that's more or less a bargain - many Chinese are used to much higher prices and are grasping the opportunities. Many luxury apartments in the Portuguese capital and at the beaches of the exclusive suburb Estoril are now owned by Chinese people. The fact that some of these high-end immigrants may not have earned their fortunes honestly was illustrated by the arrest of a "gold visa" owner wanted in China for fraud and other serious offences. He is now awaiting extradition.</div>
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Criminal sources</div>
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"We are offering residency permits to people when we don't know where their fortunes are coming from," warns Joao Semedo, parliamentarian for the left-wing alliance "Bloco da Esquerda," which, like the Socialist Party, is against the government's generous visa policies. Ana Gomes, MEP for the Socialists, also believes that the "golden visa" is a backdoor to criminal organizations and international money launderers, and is calling for it to end.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The visa was temporarily interrupted after the director responsible at the immigration authorities was arrested last year, along with a dozen senior state officials, on suspicion of corruption. It is still unclear who may have taken money to stamp a passport, but the scandal did force the resignation of then-Interior Minister Miguel Macedo.</div>
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Chinese customers</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Altogether, more than 1,500 golden visas were handed out in 2014, and by far the most of them went to Chinese applicants. Second and third place were Brazilians and Russians. But most of them did not invest anything to build up small businesses. Instead they bought luxury apartments, said Sergio Alves, general secretary of the Portuguese-Chinese Chamber of Commerce. "The golden visas have not led to any investments in the economy," he said. "It is being used exclusively to buy real estate. Most of the Chinese who buy don't even live here on a permanent basis."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, the luxury property market is booming. Portuguese and Chinese firms are now specializing in rich customers, offering complete packages including a visa application and a Portuguese cleaner. Real estate agent Nuno Durao, who has an expensive office next to the fashionable casino in Estoril, is happy enough. "The government's golden visa law was one of the best ever for helping Portugal," he says. "It is uncomplicated and brought investments immediately."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Durao specializes in anything expensive - from the palace to the penthouse. Portugal was never an industry country anyway, he argues, in fact - it was always dependent on tourism. Accordingly, the property boom made the country attractive to rich tourists and helped out the ailing, crisis-hit construction industry.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Lowering the price</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Ana Gomes says that the urge to make quick money is leaving ethics by the wayside, which is why she insists that the golden visa needs to be cancelled. Portuguese MP Joao Semedo also warns that the visa offers a backdoor for criminal money to the EU. For that reason, his left-wing alliance has called for an end to the program and an investigation into the money that has already entered the country. "It could have come from economic crimes, or out of international money-laundering centers," he says.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Deputy Prime Minister Portas is not impressed by any of these arguments. He even wants to lower the price for the new golden visas. If he has his way, a pledge to invest 350,000 euros in building renovation or art or science projects will be enough to get a residency permit. Those investing in underdeveloped regions can even expect a discount of 20 percent. The competition to win over rich foreigners has got tougher, says Portas: "After all, we're competing with 13 other countries."</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Instead of scaring potential applicants away with tough conditions, Portas would rather offer them gifts. As for the accusations of corruption and other crimes in connection with the golden visa, Portas has just this to say: "Anyone who is guilty should be hit by the full weight of the law." What he fails to mention is that Portugal's police, state prosecutors, and judges are now hopelessly overburdened thanks to the austerity measures imposed by his government.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-74573449487545861842014-11-04T13:11:00.000+08:002014-11-04T13:11:00.121+08:00Canada Won’t Issue Visas to Residents of Ebola-affected Countries<div style="text-align: justify;">
Canada has suspended the processing of all visa applications from the West African countries affected by the Ebola epidemic.</div>
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On Friday, Immigration Minister Chris Alexander issued the ministerial instruction as a measure of precaution against the spread of the disease by stopping travelling from that part of the hemisphere.<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
“There is an outbreak of a communicable disease in several regions of West Africa,” the instruction said. “The entry into Canada of persons who have recently been in those regions may introduce or contribute to the spread of the disease in Canada.”</div>
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Canadian visa posts in the region have immediately stopped processing both pending and new applications for travel and immigration from Sierra Leone, Liberia and Guinea.</div>
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The ban also applies to those who have “resided, travelled or transited” in an Ebola affected country in the three-month period prior to the issuance of a visa. Processing fees will be refunded in those cases. However, “discretionary relief” would be granted to facilitate entry to Canada in justified cases.</div>
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“The precautionary measures announced today build on actions we have taken to protect the health and safety of Canadians here at home,” Alexander said in a statement.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
“Our government continues to monitor the situation in West Africa very closely and will continue to act in the best interests of Canadians.”</div>
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Although Australia has already restricted admissions of visitors from countries battling Ebola, immigration experts say it’s a rare move by Canada.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
“It is an unusual step,” said Toronto lawyer Mario Bellissimo, former chair of the Canadian Bar Association’s immigration law section. “(Canada) has the right to ensure a visitor is not a danger to the public, but this is targeting everyone from a region . . . . The question is: Is this an overreaction?”</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
While preventing potential virus-carriers from coming to Canada is a more effective disease control than medical screening at the borders, Bellissimo said the suspension on travellers from an entire country could potentially breach the Charter of Rights.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Both the UNMEER (the United Nations’ Ebola mission) and African presidents from the affected areas have asked Western countries to avoid such visa bans.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Australia’s move this week was criticized by World Health Organization director general Dr. Margaret Chan, who questioned the effectiveness of border closing in halting the spread of Ebola.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-80127002443350107882014-11-03T13:05:00.000+08:002014-11-03T13:05:00.258+08:00Europe Clears Colombia and Peru for Travel Without Visa<div style="text-align: justify;">
The European Union on Wednesday said Colombia fulfills the requisites necessary for its citizens to enter the Schengen zone without a visa.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Two reports were released on Wednesday after the completion of a risk analysis carried out by the European Commission (EC) which took into account criteria such as the potential threat of illegal immigration, the impact on public order and safety, economic benefits or effects on tourism and foreign trade.</div>
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“The significant improvements accomplished by Colombia and Peru in many areas in recent years mean that it is no longer justified to maintain a visa obligation on citizens of these countries visiting the Schengen area for short stays. By abolishing the visa obligation we will be fostering mobility and people-to-people contacts – something that is fundamental to reinforce the social and economic development and mutual understanding between the EU and other countries”, said Cecilia Malmstrom, Commissioner for Home Affairs, EC</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Countries in Schengen Area</div>
<br />
<ul>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Austria</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Belgium</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Czech republic</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Denmark</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Estonia</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Finland</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">France</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Germany</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Greece</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Hungary</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Iceland</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Italy</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Latvia</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Liechtenstein</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Lithuania</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Luxembourg</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Malta</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Netherlands</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Norway</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Poland</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Portugal</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Slovakia</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Slovenia</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Spain</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Sweden</li>
<li style="text-align: justify;">Switzerland</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
After obtaining the approval of the EU Parliament and the Council, the EC will negotiate an agreement with Colombia and Peru for its citizens to travel to EU territory for a period of less than 90 days without a visa.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The EC completed the evaluation in coordination with European agencies such as the European Asylum Support Office ( EASO ) , the European Police Office (Europol ) and the European external borders agency Frontex and the EU offices in Bogota and Lima in addition to local authorities in both countries.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These reports will be forwarded to the European Parliament and the EU Council, which must give the green light to start negotiations on the deal, expected in the first quarter of 2015, according to a statement by the EC.</div>
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Brussels predicted that the new travel freedoms could come into force at the earliest, in the second half of 2015.</div>
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The new freedoms would allow Colombians to travel to the Schengen area which is made up 22 of the 28 countries of the European Union plus Switzerland, Norway, Iceland and Liechtenstein from outside of the EU.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The main conclusions of the reports are the following: trust in visa applicants of both countries is on the rise, with low visa refusal rates; irregular migration is at relatively low levels; security of travel documents is sufficient; security threats have receded; organised crime groups are currently not assessed as a significant threat to the EU (with the exception of drug trafficking); economic opportunities, including enlarged trade and touristic flows, are expanding in parallel with significant growth of the Colombian and Peruvian economies; human rights and fundamental freedoms are now much better protected and respected in these countries than in the past; visa reciprocity will be ensured as these countries already exempt all EU citizens from the visa obligation; and the visa-free regime will further strengthen the relationship between the EU and the two countries, especially since the (provisional) application of free trade agreements in 2013.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
The general positive assessments do not ignore that there exist certain risks, including possible increases in the use of drug couriers and in trafficked people as well as in the number of Colombians and Peruvians who enter the EU legally and who would overstay, thus becoming irregular migrants.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
These risks are nevertheless considered to be manageable, in particular through a correct implementation of border checks, with reinforced means if necessary, at the airports through which most Colombians and Peruvians reach the Schengen area’s external borders.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-8453554641084512852014-11-02T13:05:00.000+08:002014-11-02T13:05:20.170+08:00POEA Raps 3 Recruitment Agencies Over Double-Visa Racket<div style="text-align: justify;">
Three recruitment agencies now face charges from the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), after some overseas Filipino workers they deployed were caught with two different visas each.</div>
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POEA head Hans Leo Cacdac also advised OFWs against engaging in such a practice, so they would not encounter problems at the airport and at the worksite.<br />
<br />
In a <a href="http://www.twitlonger.com/show/n_1sdoe95" target="_blank">post on his social media account</a>, Cacdac said the POEA has initiated separate complaints of misrepresentation against:<br />
<br />
<ul>
<li>Hiro Global Manpower Inc.</li>
<li>CAZ International Inc.</li>
<li>Al-Walih International Manpower Services Company</li>
</ul>
<br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
He said "greedy" recruiters favor the double-visa scheme to "bypass protective mechanisms" by the government, thus making OFWs open to abuse and exploitation.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
"Most of the household service workers who took shelter at the Migrant Workers and Filipino Resource Center in Dubai were deployed using two visas," Cacdac noted.</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cacdac said the Bureau of Immigration barred the respective recruits of these companies from leaving the country for possession of two different visas.</div>
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He cited reports from the BI indicating each of the three recruits of Al-Walih International were found to have "two employment visas for United Arab Emirates bearing two different occupations."</div>
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"The workers allegedly admitted that they knew their actual work was household service work, and not what was stated in the documents processed by the POEA," Cacdac said.</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Also, another OFW was found having visas for UAE and Jordan, Cacdac said.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Meanwhile, six female workers deployed by CAZ International were stopped at the airport by the Bureau of Immigration for having separate UAE visas for salespersons and domestic workers.</div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
The POEA said the Bureau of Immigration intercepted a “manicurist” bound for Dubai, an OFW recruited by Hiro Global Manpower. The manicurist was found having a visa of a household service worker.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-5592359685720217742014-10-21T21:38:00.001+08:002014-10-21T21:38:38.927+08:00Palawan is Top Island in the World<div style="text-align: justify;">
With its world-renowned underground river, the island of Palawan in the Philippines emerged as the top island destination in a poll by an award-winning US travel magazine.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXS3kYPySeBO9JAKk6i2uglTAA-dIDgssIpNVEOXVitMC12oC9L5RmtoZN98pU4ad_mo1aUAMWbnmnvewzci6KWTSdNNRiZwYg0qcXw9avBNd4fZXTQHAjHTBTBlCp-h9_iXS-FuLaUuH/s1600/620x413xPuerto-Princessa-Puerto-Princesa-Underground-River-660x440.jpg.pagespeed.ic.f0EO_2jFiG.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGXS3kYPySeBO9JAKk6i2uglTAA-dIDgssIpNVEOXVitMC12oC9L5RmtoZN98pU4ad_mo1aUAMWbnmnvewzci6KWTSdNNRiZwYg0qcXw9avBNd4fZXTQHAjHTBTBlCp-h9_iXS-FuLaUuH/s1600/620x413xPuerto-Princessa-Puerto-Princesa-Underground-River-660x440.jpg.pagespeed.ic.f0EO_2jFiG.jpg" height="266" width="400" /></a></div>
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Beating 147 other islands throughout the world, Palawan was voted as “Top Island in the World” in the 27th annual Readers’ Choice Awards of Conde Nast Traveler magazine.</div>
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The magazine announced the results on its website Monday October 20 (US Time) after over 76,600 readers cast their votes.</div>
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Palawan was given a rating of 88.750 by the readers owing mostly because of the declaration of the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River as one of the new seven natural wonders of the world.</div>
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“Palawan’s natural wonder is one of the longest underground rivers in the world, traveling five miles through a subterranean cave system. Guided boat tours take visitors down a portion of the waterway, where karsts, natural rock formations created by dissolving limestone, loom in every direction,” the magazine said.</div>
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Boracay Island in Aklan province was also included in the ranking at number 12 and given a rating of 82.683.</div>
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“This itty-bitty island (10 square miles) in the Philippines is as close to the tropical idyll ideal as you’ll find in the Philippines, with gentle coastlines and transporting sunsets. Add in a thriving nightlife scene, and you have one of the top tourist spots in the region,” the magazine said.</div>
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“The aptly named White Beach is Boracay’s main draw, with powdery white sand and shallow azure water ideal for swimming and snorkeling,” it said.</div>
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Palawan was able to beat other world-famous islands such as Bora Bora in French Polynesia (25th), Maldives (19th), Bali in Indonesia (17th), Bermuda (14th), Santorini and Cyclades in Greece (7th), and Maui in Hawaii (3rd).</div>
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The Condé Nast Traveler Readers’ Choice Survey started in 1988. The 2014 survey got 76,659 responses</div>
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“Individual candidates are judged on a set of criteria relevant to their category, based on a standard five-point scale: excellent, very good, good, fair, and poor,” Conde Nast explained in how they are ranked.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-19658111993499699982014-08-29T17:25:00.001+08:002014-08-29T17:25:57.437+08:00Cebu Pacific Named Official PH Carrier to Canada and New Zealand<div style="text-align: justify;">
Cebu Pacific has been designated as an official Philippine carrier to New Zealand, Myanmar and Canada, the Civil Aeronautics Board (CAB) said.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoI7uOQ-POMbezrKISJs1aunU2Fjj_2amPRmNxU572ynMhn-mrTyCP2QfP8ceBHBmuDeOt9yJFIK4ClqszBJ-Smxw9T0Jd-C_lwfm5rwj3lH6D3oLDtO6lo0HGY1EI2ipTuVwYeBN0m1k/s1600/cebu-pacific-air-promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhoI7uOQ-POMbezrKISJs1aunU2Fjj_2amPRmNxU572ynMhn-mrTyCP2QfP8ceBHBmuDeOt9yJFIK4ClqszBJ-Smxw9T0Jd-C_lwfm5rwj3lH6D3oLDtO6lo0HGY1EI2ipTuVwYeBN0m1k/s1600/cebu-pacific-air-promo.jpg" height="262" width="400" /></a></div>
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CAB said the decision was made in its recent board meeting, which also granted Cebu Pacific additional entitlements for 5 international routes from Manila to Singapore, Myanmar, New Zealand and Macau; and from Cebu to Hong Kong.</div>
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The Gokongwei-led budget airline was granted seven flights weekly from Manila to New Zealand and 1,260 entitlements from Manila to Singapore.</div>
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The additional entitlement also allowed Cebu Pacific to upgrade its current daily Airbus A320 service to an Airbus A330 service.</div>
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CAB also granted Cebu Pacific’s opposition to the extension of the code share agreement between Philippine Airlines (PAL) and Emirates on the Manila-Dubai route, which is set to expire in October this year.</div>
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“We commend the CAB air panel for their wisdom in rendering decisions that allow Philippine carriers to expand services in international routes. This ultimately benefits the travelling public, as Cebu Pacific continues offering the lowest fares, and driving international arrivals aligned with the country’s tourism goals,” said Cebu Pacific Air vice president Atty. Jorenz Tañada.</div>
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Cebu Pacific is set to launch thrice weekly flights from Manila to Kuwait on September 2, 2014 and four times weekly flights from Manila to Sydney on September 9, 2014.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-80030464788890897852014-08-27T10:02:00.001+08:002014-08-27T10:02:47.661+08:00DOLE to Provide Jobs for Pinoy DHs in Hong Kong<div style="text-align: justify;">
The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) will open up more jobs to allow Filipinos working abroad to go home and practice their profession.</div>
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Based on the records of Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA), 160,000 Filipino domestic workers left the country to work abroad in 2013.</div>
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The most popular destination for domestic workers are Saudi Arabia, Hong Kong, Singapore and United Arab Emirates (UAE).</div>
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In an interview on radio DZMM, DOLE director Nicon Fameronag said the move is part of the government's goal to prevent professionals like teachers and others from leaving the country to work as domestic helpers.</div>
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"Kukuha sila ng exam at ang tangi lamang kondisyon ng DepEd is that kung tatlo o hanggang limang taon silang hindi na nakakapagturo, magte-take lang sila ng refresher course," Fameronag said.</div>
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The director added that the Department of Education (DepEd) will prioritize teachers who are working as domestic helpers in Hong Kong for the 39,000 teaching positions that will be available next year because of the K-12 program.</div>
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Fameronag also said the POEA and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) have already identified jobs available for Filipino domestic helpers.</div>
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"Ilalatag 'yung mga training options sa ating mga domestic workers at doon pipili sila," added POEA administrator Hans Cacdac.</div>
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The DOLE and POEA will first implement this "career pathing" program for workers in Hong Kong, which will also be implemented for workers in UAE.</div>
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Jobs will also be available for other professionals.</div>
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"Pupunta ang TESDA, ipo-profile ang mga household service worker kung ano 'yung kanilang educational attainment, skills," Fameronag explained.</div>
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Despite the difference in the amount of salary that will be given for workers who will be willing to go back to the country, Fameronag believes these workers will choose to go back for their families.</div>
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"Sumusweldo ka ng P30,000 sa abroad tapos ang sweldo mo dito sa Pilipinas ay P15,000. I-assign mo 'yung P15,000 na balanse sa pagiging kapiling ng iyong anak, magagabayan mo ang paglaki, kasama mo ang asawa mo tapos nandito ka sa bansa. 'Yung money equivalent nun, sapat na," he said.</div>
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He added that they are also in talks with foreign governments to ensure the safety of Filipino domestic helpers.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-43811249624026615892014-08-21T10:09:00.000+08:002014-08-21T10:09:23.013+08:00Countries With Visa-Free Access for Philippine Passport Holders<div style="text-align: justify;">
To Filipinos traveling overseas, getting a visa can be a time-consuming, if not resource-draining exercise. Consulates and embassies often require plenty of documentation to justify them granting visas: financial statements and proof of employment are among them. And that’s if the destination country has its consular presence in the Philippines. Given such challenges faced by a legitimate tourist, another alternative is to visit countries that don’t require Philippine passport holders to apply for visas.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzs7pFJWSVWpkHWzbtwSutBYAaMqKcCTYCINaO7CPW5-v6qktwrQnO-bso6h3I-Z7ipY36hyphenhyphenIymAP-thjBkiPh3Qqz_5JZOa0XYqdDob4UdlyoubxW0Jx72Akhlc2cWrVFrKgEw701dstr/s1600/passport.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzs7pFJWSVWpkHWzbtwSutBYAaMqKcCTYCINaO7CPW5-v6qktwrQnO-bso6h3I-Z7ipY36hyphenhyphenIymAP-thjBkiPh3Qqz_5JZOa0XYqdDob4UdlyoubxW0Jx72Akhlc2cWrVFrKgEw701dstr/s1600/passport.png" height="357" width="400" /></a></div>
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<strong>Asia</strong></div>
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ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)</div>
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Brunei Darussalam – 14 days</div>
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Cambodia – 21 days</div>
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Indonesia – 30 days</div>
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Laos – 30 days</div>
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Malaysia – 30 days</div>
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Myanmar – 14 days</div>
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Singapore – 30 days</div>
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Thailand – 30 days</div>
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Vietnam – 21 days</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
Non- ASEAN</div>
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Azerbaijan – 30 days visa issued upon arrival</div>
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Taiwan – 30 days if holding a valid visa for Australia, Canada, Japan, New Zealand, Schengen countries, United Kingdom or United States. Check at https://nas.immigration.gov.tw/nase/ to meet the requirements.</div>
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Georgia – 90 days visa issued upon arrival, 360 days visa free to those who have temporary residence of Qatar, Oman, Bahrain and Kuwait</div>
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Hong Kong – 14 days</div>
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India – 30 days visa issued upon arrival</div>
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Iran – 15 days visa issued upon arrival if holding an e-visa pre-approval code obtained via email from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at www.mfa.gov.ir</div>
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Israel – 90 days (3 months)</div>
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South Korea (if arriving at Jeju Island only) – 30 days</div>
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Macau – 30 days</div>
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Maldives – 30 days visa issued upon arrival, extension of maximum 90 days is possible by paying MVR 750</div>
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Mongolia – 21 days</div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nepal – 15/30/90 days visa issued upon arrival for around US$25/40/100</div>
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Sri Lanka – 30 days visa obtain upon arrival if holding Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA). You can get this prior to arrival at www.eta.gov.lk</div>
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Timor-Leste – 30 days single entry visa issued upon arrival for around US$30, extension is possible up to 90 days</div>
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<strong>Europe</strong></div>
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Kosovo – 90 days</div>
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<strong>Oceania</strong></div>
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Cook Islands – 31 days</div>
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Fiji – 120 days Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival and can be extended</div>
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Marshall Islands – 30 days visa issued upon arrival and can be extended</div>
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Micronesia – 30 days</div>
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Niue – 30 days</div>
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Palau – 30 days visa issued upon arrival, additional USD 50 for extension</div>
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Samoa – 60 days Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival</div>
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Tuvalu – 30 days visa issued upon arrival</div>
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Vanuatu – 30 days</div>
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<strong>North America</strong></div>
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Bermuda – 31 days before but since May, they now require visas for Philippine passport holders</div>
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Costa Rica – 30 days Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival</div>
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Dominica – 21 days</div>
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Haiti – 90 days</div>
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Nicaragua – 90 days visa issued upon arrival</div>
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Saint Lucia – 6 weeks Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival</div>
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Saint Vincent and the Grenadines – 30 days visa issued upon arrival</div>
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Turks and Caicos Islands – 30 days</div>
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<div style="text-align: justify;">
<strong>South America</strong></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
Bolivia – 90 days</div>
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Brazil – 90 days</div>
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Colombia – 90 days</div>
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Ecuador – 90 days</div>
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Peru – 183 days</div>
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Suriname – 90 days</div>
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<strong>Africa</strong></div>
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Burundi – 1 month visa issued upon arrival</div>
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Cape VerdeIslands – visa issued upon arrival around £ 25</div>
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Comoros – visa issued upon arrival</div>
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Djibouti – 1 month visa issued upon arrival</div>
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Gambia – visa issued upon arrival</div>
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Kenya – 90 days visa issued upon arrival for US$50</div>
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Madagascar – 90 days visa issued upon arrival for MGA140,000</div>
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Morocco – 90 days</div>
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Mozambique – 30 days visa issued upon arrival. Extension of 30 days is possible around USD 66</div>
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Saint Helena – visa issued upon arrival</div>
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Seychelles – 1 month Visitor’s Permit issued upon arrival if holding return ticket, sufficient funds (minimum USD150 per day of stay, and proof of accommodation)</div>
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Tanzania – visa issued upon arrival for around USD50 to USD200</div>
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Togo – 7 days visa issued upon arrival if with return ticket, 3 passport photos, and yellow fever vaccination certificate</div>
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Uganda – visa issued upon arrival for US$50</div>
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Zambia – 90 days visa issued upon arrival for USD 50/80/160 single/double/multiple entry</div>
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**UPDATED and CHECKED:</div>
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**Information is intended for tourist visit purpose only</div>
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**Details may change anytime after the update due to new laws so double-check the immigration rules of the country you’re planning to visit</div>
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**Transit visa may be required when you’re not on a direct flight</div>
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**Sources: International Air Transport Association (IATA), Qantas, Wiki, Visalink, VisaHq.ph</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-44132868233104172852014-08-18T13:13:00.000+08:002014-08-18T13:13:10.866+08:00British Embassy Makes It Easier For Filipinos To Apply For A Visa<div style="text-align: justify;">
After having approved over 90 percent of visa applications from the Philippines, the British Embassy announced on Monday a number of "enhancements" to its visa processing procedures in the country.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c0RTDzAOzdLeH9yG1Tn73NmixeIx-m3tAKn52vqG_WZnMpkQaZ6-6Ij76dJ399MiIVqKLsqpKhL5R_qXPmgjvVnlYqelz-1mDLLjTS-d0_ImppH9Z4eWst7ln3zKf_ouW3ZKX3NDmVrV/s1600/uk+visa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_c0RTDzAOzdLeH9yG1Tn73NmixeIx-m3tAKn52vqG_WZnMpkQaZ6-6Ij76dJ399MiIVqKLsqpKhL5R_qXPmgjvVnlYqelz-1mDLLjTS-d0_ImppH9Z4eWst7ln3zKf_ouW3ZKX3NDmVrV/s1600/uk+visa.jpg" height="260" width="400" /></a></div>
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The British embassy said that these included an improved application center in Manila and a new one in Cebu City.</div>
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In a news release, the embassy said the improvements, meant "to cater [to] the growing demand" for UK visa services, also included a new international visa enquiry center, an optional priority visa service that returns visa decisions within three to five working days, and a Prime Time service for those who couldn't attend appointments within the usual office hours.</div>
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More than 49,000 tourist and business visit visas were issued to Filipinos from March 2013 to March 2014, the embassy said. It said this "[dispelled] misconceptions that it [was] difficult for Filipino travellers to get a UK visa."</div>
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Asif Ahmad, British ambassador to the Philippines, said the embassy "[wanted] to welcome even more Filipino visitors in the coming 12 months."</div>
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For frequent visitors to the UK, the British embassy announced that it was also offering long-term visit visas, which would be valid for one to 10 years. </div>
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The embassy said such a long-term visa runs under "the same conditions as a regular six months visit visa," but may be more convenient for those travelling in and out of the UK since "you will only need to make one application and provide biometrics once for the entire duration of the visa."</div>
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Ahmad said the embassy was encouraging those who wish to apply for a tourist or business visit visa "to apply early and have with you all the necessary documents when you go for your appointment."</div>
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Applicants should also "be clear about the purpose" of their visit, he added.</div>
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The growth in the number of visitors may be attributed to "a wider range of flight options" between London and Manila, the news release said.</div>
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Flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) began its five-times-a-week flights to London in late 2013.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-31912247305526337312014-08-01T14:21:00.000+08:002014-08-01T14:21:00.579+08:00More Foreign Nurses May Qualify for H-1B Visas<div style="text-align: justify;">
More foreign nurses may be able to come and work in the US sooner than usual, following the release of a recent memo by the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) describing how they can be sponsored for the H-1B temporary work visa.</div>
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The H-1B visa is available to foreign workers who fill specialty occupation jobs in the US, such as physical therapists, accountants, engineers, graphic designers, finance or IT professionals, or teachers.</div>
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The term “specialty occupation” is generally described as jobs that require highly specialized knowledge or at least a bachelor’s degree for an entry-level position.</div>
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The critical factor for H-1B sponsorship is the job requirement and not whether the foreign worker has a bachelor’s degree.</div>
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The recent USCIS policy memorandum, dated July 11, potentially expands and formalizes which nursing positions in the US may be considered for H-1B sponsorship. It could open the door tomore foreign registered nurses (RNs) who already possess at least a bachelor’s degree in the field of nursing.</div>
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Since entry-level nursing jobs in the US do not normally require a bachelor’s degree, prior USCIS policy did not consider nursing as an H-1B specialty occupation, except in limited cases. As a result, very few foreign nurses qualify for H-1B visas, and eventually obtain their green card while working in the US.</div>
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Most of them come to the US on immigrant work visas after waiting for three to five years. For instance, nurses from the Philippines – one of the largest sources of foreign RNs – are currently stuck in a four-year wait.</div>
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Under the recent seven-page memo, foreign registered nurses can skip the long wait for immigrant visas and instead enter the US as H-1B temporary workers and pursue their green card applications while in the US.</div>
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Three general groups of nursing jobs in the US may now be H-1B-caliber positions:</div>
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Nursing positions at healthcare organizations, under the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC) Magnet Recognition Program. An H1B sponsor with ANCC Magnet status indicates that its nursing workforce has attained high standards of nursing practice and possesses at least a bachelor’s degree.</div>
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Nurses performing specialized and complex duties usually associated with the attainment of a bachelor’s degree, such as: addiction nurses, cardiovascular nurses, critical care nurses; emergency room nurses; genetics nurses; neonatology nurses; nephrology nurses;oncology nurses; pediatric nurses; peri-operative nurses; or rehabilitation nurses.</div>
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Advanced Practice Registered Nurse (APRN) is considered a specialty occupation “due to the advanced level of education and training required for certification.” Some APRN positions include the Certified Nurse-Midwife (CNM); the Certified Clinical Nurse Specialist (CNS); Certified Nurse Practitioner (CNP); and the Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA).</div>
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All nurses in the US must possess a nursing license. To be licensed, the nurse must complete an approved nursing program and pass the National Council Licensure Examination (NCLEX). Other specific requirements to practice the nursing profession vary from state-to-state.</div>
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At present, there is no state that requires a bachelor’s degree in nursing for licensure. However, state licensure requirements may change. In case a bachelor’s degree will be required for a nursing job in a particular state, a foreign RN may obtain an H-1B work visa for that particular job.</div>
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The U.S. government has projected a faster than average growth in the demand for nurses until 2022. Many factors lead to the growing need for nurses and other healthcare professionals in the U.S., including: the implementation of the Affordable Care Act (also referred to as “Obamacare”); the emphasis in preventative care; high rates of chronic conditions; and the increasing demand for healthcare from the baby boomer population.</div>
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H-1B workers are allowed to work for a maximum of six years in the U.S. This six-year maximum may be extended, provided a green-card case is on track for the H-1B worker. Their spouse and children under 21 years old may obtain H-4 visas and accompany them in the U.S. </div>
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At present, an H-4 spouse is not allowed to work while in the US. The USCIS, however, is studying the possibility of granting H-4 spouses work authorization.</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-11844770545139022902014-07-31T14:21:00.001+08:002014-07-31T14:21:31.274+08:00New Australian Visa Program to Lure Wealthy Chinese<div style="text-align: justify;">
country. The visa helps its holder to invest money abroad. A typical applicant is a millionaire and invests around $4.73 million to qualify for Australian residency. The visa also helps to sidestep restrictions imposed by the Chinese government on converting the currency and sending it to foreign shores.</div>
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The visa has literally opened a money train into Australia. According to Baker & McKenzie LLP, a law firm, investments through this channel could be in the tune of $9.45 billion per year. Approximately $1,000 individuals have sent in their applications. Many more applications are to be expected after a similar program was canceled by Canada in February. The sheer numbers have compelled the Australian government to hasten the review process and quicken the proposals. Many banks and hedge funds are actively competing to capture this kind of money.</div>
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According to Bill Fuggle, partner, Baker & McKenzie, based in Sydney, these investors are not the run-of-the-mill private equity kind of investors. He says that fund managers are required to visit China and then convince a prospective client of investing in Australia not simply for a visa, but also for a better lifestyle and also with the aim of preserving wealth.</div>
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These Significant Investor Visas, issued by Australia, are available with a minimum investment of $500,000 and a need for job creation. The visas are created to attract foreign capital and permit permanent residency in Australia.</div>
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According to the website hosted by the Department of Immigration, immigrants must put A$5 million into certain funds or government bonds which invest in agribusiness, infrastructure and real estate assets. The applicant at first must complete a residency of a minimum of 40 days every year over a period of four years before the permanent residency is granted.</div>
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The first visa under this program, named the 188 visa, after the number eight being considered auspicious among Chinese, was given to a Chinese toy manufacturer in 2013. The Australian Government has now made clear its intentions of “rebooting” the concerned visa regime making it easier to implement it.</div>
The visa approval process has been made quicker after the new Liberal National coalition took over Australian administration reins in 2013. About 282 applicants were awarded the visas in the September 2013 to June 2014 period, in contrast to the four granted during the program's initial seven months.Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4599787927354721712.post-58726457112717575032014-07-27T08:36:00.000+08:002014-07-27T08:36:00.608+08:00Very Bad Week: Airline Disasters Come In A Cluster<div style="text-align: justify;">
Nearly 300 passengers are killed when their plane is shot out of the sky over eastern Ukraine. Airlines suspend flights to Israel's largest airport after rocket attacks. An airliner crashes during a storm in Taiwan, and yet another disappears in West Africa. Aviation has suffered one of its worst weeks in memory. Industry analysts and safety experts say they can find no common themes. Nor do they think the events indicate that flying is suddenly becoming less safe.</div>
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Less than one in 2 million flights last year ended in an accident in which the plane was damaged beyond repair, according to the International Air Transport Association. That includes accidents involving cargo and charter airlines as well as scheduled passenger flights.</div>
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"One of the things that makes me feel better when we look at these events is that if they all were the same type event or same root cause then you would say there's a systemic problem here, but each event is unique in its own way," said Jon Beatty, president and CEO of the Flight Safety Foundation, an airline industry-supported nonprofit in the U.S. that promotes global aviation safety.</div>
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But Beatty said he also finds the disaster cluster "a cold reminder" that airline accidents are likely to increase because the industry is growing, especially in developing countries. The more flights there are, the more potential for accidents, he said.</div>
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The misfortunes began July 18 when Malaysia Airlines Flight 17 was shot down over eastern Ukraine with 298 people on board. It's still not clear who fired the missile that destroyed the plane, but Ukrainian officials have blamed pro-Russian rebels.</div>
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The mysterious disappearance in March of Malaysia Airlines Flight 370 with 239 people on board, combined with the destruction of Flight 17, added up to more than twice the total global airline fatalities in all of last year, which was the industry's safest year on record. Ascend, a global aviation industry consulting firm based in London, counted 163 fatalities in 2013 involving airliners with 14 seats or more.</div>
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On Wednesday, a TransAsia Airways plane crashed in Taiwan in stormy weather trailing a typhoon, killing 48 passengers, injuring 10 others and crew and injuring five people on the ground. On Thursday,an Air Algerie flight with 116 passengers and crew disappeared in a rainstorm over Mali en route from Burkina Faso to Algeria's capital. The plane was operated for the airline by Swiftair, a Spanish carrier.</div>
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Together, the disasters have the potential to push airline fatalities this year to over 700 — the most since 2010. And 2014 is still barely half over.</div>
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Aviation industry analyst Robert W. Mann Jr. said he doesn't expect the recent events to deter travelers from flying.</div>
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"They're all tragic, but the global air travel consumer has a very short memory, and it's highly localized to their home markets where they fly," he said.</div>
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Airline passengers interviewed by The Associated Press said they weren't overly concerned about their safety.</div>
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"It could be happening every day or never again," said Bram Holshoff, a Netherlands traveler at Berlin's Tegel Airport. "It's a bit much that it happened three times this week, but for me nothing will change."</div>
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Lam Nguyen, 52, of Tahiti, who was headed to Los Angeles from Paris' Charles de Gaulle airport, said he considers flying "a very safe mode of transportation."</div>
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"And if it has to happen, it will happen. ... It doesn't prevent me from taking planes," he said.</div>
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The shootdown of Flight 17 has raised questions about whether airlines, and the aviation authorities in their home countries, are adjusting flight routes quickly enough when unrest in troubled parts of the world threatens the safety of planes. But aviation safety consultant John Cox, a former airline pilot and accident investigator, said he sees no connection between that event and the other disasters.</div>
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"I don't know how you could respond to anything when there is not a commonality of events," he said. "We don't have a full understanding of the Taiwan accident, and certainly not on the" Air Algerie plane.</div>
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Cox attributed the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration's decision Tuesday to prohibit flights to Ben Gurion International Airport in Tel Aviv to "hypersensitivity" to the possibility of another shootdown. The FAA issued the order after a Hamas rocket exploded about a mile (1.6 kilometers) from the airport. The prohibition was lifted 36 hours later.</div>
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Aviation is "fundamentally safe and getting safer, but can it can always fall prey to the mistakes or ill will of man," said former FAA chief counsel Kenneth Quinn. "We sometimes forget the magic of flight, or the fragility of life, but this week has brought home the need to appreciate this more and protect both better."</div>
Sef Gutierrezhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05341038802751642032noreply@blogger.com0