News Room
Oman expands cultural visa to include family!
Photo credit: Curly Tales Oman has expanded its cultural visa and residential system, broadcasting efforts to become a regional hub for the creative industries by allowing the families and first-degree relatives of foreign artists, writers, and cultural entrepreneurs to live and work in the country. Gulf News reports that the updated system adds several vosa and…
In Spite of All… – Adewale Sobowale
I noticed one sometime last week. Since then, several have appeared on my street. When I was a kid, we normally saw them at St Jude’s Church and St Paul’s, too. Christmas lightings! It’s a reminder that the year is coming to an end. Well, while the year has had to bow to COVID 19,…
UNHCR asks for aid to sustain refugee returns in West and Central Africa!
Photo credit: UNHCR This year, over 42,000 refugees have been able to return home voluntarily in the West and Central Africa region. The UNHCR says this brings the total to more than 272,000 since 2021, offering renewed hope for communities recovering from years of displacement. The majority have returned to Nigeria and the Central African Republic (CAR). About…
Undocumented migrants’ boat breaks apart in Malaysia!
Photo credit: Times of Israel A boat believed to be carrying 990 undocumented migrants from Myanmar, Bangladesh and the Rohingya community has broken apart in waters near the Malaysia-Thailand border. Malay Mail reports that so far six survivors have been rescued, while a Myanmar woman has been confirmed dead. Kedah police chief said the vessel was part of a…
Indigenous veterans honoured in Toronto!
Photo credit: Toronto Today A fire burned warmly outside the Toronto City Hall to warm the cold temperatures on Saturday morning as veterans, service members and Indigenous people from diverse backgrounds gathered to observe Indigenous Veterans Day. Toronto Today reports that every November 8 honours the thousands of First Nations, Metis and Inuit people who have served in Canada’s…
Court allows Trump to stop food aid to 42m people!
Photo credit: News.rthk The US Supreme Court has said the Trump administration does not have to immediately pay Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) food benefits defunded during the government shutdown, a temporary order that leaves millions in limbo. RTHK reports that in a ruling on Friday, the court came after a lower court had ruled that the government…
Humanitarian permanent residency gets hiccup in Canada!
Photo credit: Get in Canada The federal government is cutting the number of spots available in its refugee, humanitarian and permanent residency streams. CTV News reports that the updated immigration levels plan released this week shows 49,000 spaces available for refugees seeking permanent residency in 2016, down from about 58,000 this year. The Canadian Council for Refugees…