Cost of driving in Singapore soars as ownership certificates reach nearly $100,000
Singapore car buyers now face nearly $100,000 for ownership certificates. Certificate prices for small vehicles have quadrupled since pre-pandemic times. This makes Singapore the world's most expensive city for car purchases. Demand remains strong due to competitive electric car prices. Vehicle numbers are capped at approximately one million in the city-state.
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Kuwait announces eligibility rules for 15-year investor residency permit. Here's who can apply
Kuwait has announced eligibility criteria for its 15-year Investor Residency Permit. This long-term visa program is now operational for foreign investors and their families. Eligible applicants include company owners, directors, and senior management with specific investment requirements. The permit aims to boost Kuwait's appeal as an investment destination. Separately, a unified GCC tourist visa is expected to launch in 2026.
The US Department of Labour is set to modernize the PERM process for sponsoring foreign workers for green cards, a system unchanged since 2004. These proposed reforms aim to ensure employers make greater efforts to hire American workers and introduce safeguards for those affected by layoffs. This move aligns with the administration's ongoing efforts to tighten oversight of employment-based immigration and adapt hiring regulations to current technological advancements.
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Indian students, H-1B workers may face uncertainty as US plans tighter visa rules
New US immigration rules will tighten the H-1B visa program for employers. Increased costs and stricter H-1B rules are expected for sponsoring foreign workers. Student visa rules will change, requiring extensions for continued studies. Automatic work permit extensions will end, affecting H-4 visa holders. These proposals will impact Indian professionals and students significantly.
Saudi Arabia has granted a significant reprieve to foreign workers and their employers, extending the deadline to regularize work permit status until the end of 2026. This crucial extension benefits those whose permits expired over a year ago or who haven't received permits within six months of hiring. The move aims to boost compliance with labor laws and protect everyone's rights, urging timely renewal to avoid penalties.
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Canada extends direct PR pathway for French-speaking international students till 2027
Canada has extended a special immigration pathway for French-speaking students. This pilot program allows direct permanent residence applications outside Quebec. The Francophone Minority Communities Student Pilot will now run until August 2027. This initiative supports Canada's goal of increasing French-speaking permanent residents. Eligible graduates can apply for permanent residence without a job offer.
France is set to discontinue housing aid for non-EU/EEA/Swiss international students without scholarships from July 1, 2026, as part of budget cuts. This move aims to save over €100 million annually by redirecting public funds. While students from the EU, EEA, Switzerland, and scholarship recipients will retain eligibility, others must prepare for the change. Details on implementation are still pending.
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Why NRIs are re-evaluating health insurance for parents in India
Rising healthcare expenses in India necessitate reassessment of parental health insurance. Many existing policies offer insufficient coverage for current medical realities. Senior citizen plans now provide higher sum insured and tailored benefits for older individuals. Top-up and super top-up plans offer cost-effective ways to enhance protection. Reviewing and upgrading parental health cover is crucial before urgent situations arise.
India's UPI is set for a global upgrade! The National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) has partnered with HSBC India and J.P. Morgan Payments to enable real-time foreign exchange conversion and faster settlement for international UPI transactions. This move promises Indians traveling abroad more transparent pricing and quicker payments, enhancing the convenience and reach of India's digital payment system worldwide.
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Cost of driving in Singapore soars as ownership certificates reach nearly $100,000
Singapore car buyers now face nearly $100,000 for ownership certificates. Certificate prices for small vehicles have quadrupled since pre-pandemic times. This makes Singapore the world's most expensive city for car purchases. Demand remains strong due to competitive electric car prices. Vehicle numbers are capped at approximately one million in the city-state.
New Zealand will transition visitor visa applications to an enhanced online system. This move is part of a broader initiative to modernize immigration services. The updated platform aims for greater efficiency and improved applicant experiences. Additional testing ensures the system's stability before the August 2026 launch. Several visa categories have already been successfully migrated to the new system.
Cathay Pacific cuts fuel surcharges again as jet fuel prices ease
Cathay Pacific Airways will reduce fuel surcharges on most passenger flights starting July sixteenth. This marks the third reduction since the Middle East crisis began. Fuel surcharges for flights to North America and Europe will decrease by seventeen percent. Surcharges for flights to the South Asian subcontinent will also see a seventeen percent reduction. The airline will continue reviewing surcharges every two weeks for adjustments.
