oleh admin | Apr 8, 2025 | immigration, international news, tourists, Travel, vietnam
In the initial quarter of this year, Vietnam saw more than six million overseas tourists, marking the highest quarterly total documented to date.
The figure rose by approximately 30% compared to the corresponding period of the previous year, as reported by the General Statistics Office.
Airlines continued to be the primary means of arrival, recording more than 5.2 million entries during the initial quarter, trailed by road borders which saw close to 700,000 travelers.
The rest came by sea, amounting to over 133,000 visitors.
China topped the list as the biggest source of incoming travelers with approximately 1.6 million visits. Coming in second was South Korea, contributing around 1.3 million visitors. Other well-known sources included Taiwan, Japan, Cambodia, India, the United States, and Australia.
Tourists from Russia, Cambodia, the Philippines, and China were identified as the main contributors to growth, showing rises ranging from 178% to 210%.
The service sector experienced notable expansion, as reported by the General Statistics Office, due to heightened consumer demand during the Lunar New Year holidays along with an influx of international tourists visiting Vietnam.
Industry experts have noted that inbound tourism is witnessing significant expansion, with tourist arrivals exceeding levels from 2019—the pinnacle year for Vietnam’s travel sector.
If the current growth rate continues, the objective of attracting between 22 and 23 million will be achieved.
international visitors
This year seems attainable, they mentioned.
The unprecedented influx of tourists in the initial three months can be largely credited to promotional efforts spearheaded by multiple governmental bodies, more lenient visa regulations aimed at emerging tourist markets, and Vietnam’s attractiveness as an affordable getaway option amidst worldwide financial constraints, when individuals are being more cautious with their travel expenditures.
oleh admin | Apr 3, 2025 | citizenship, europe, immigration, nigeria, politics
For Nigerians, there are essentially four main routes to acquiring an additional passport: through birthright, ancestry, naturalization, or via investment programs.
With an increasing number of individuals pursuing international mobility and acquiring additional passports, demand for swift and straightforward routes to citizenship is escalating. Holding multiple nationalities has grown increasingly attractive due to factors such as enhanced financial stability, expanded lifestyle options, or merely having a contingency plan in place.
ALSO READ:
Top 10 Most Challenging Countries for Citizenship
Nonetheless, it’s crucial to verify whether the country you’re thinking of obtaining a second passport from recognizes dual citizenship. Although numerous Caribbean nations allow multiple citizenships, several European Union countries do not. Below is an overview of the simplest places to acquire citizenship—whether based on ancestry, naturalization, or financial investment.
Citizenship By Birth
Several nations offer citizenship at birth, typically based on place of birth (jus soli). Below is a list of such countries where Nigerians can obtain citizenship from birth:
Although numerous nations provide citizenship based on place of birth within their territory, certain exceptions might apply for individuals born to foreign diplomats or in particular unusual situations. It is crucial always to verify the individual nation’s regulations prior to deciding to relocate or pursue citizenship.
Citizenship by Descent
For individuals with family roots, obtaining a second passport can be quite simple. Numerous nations permit you to apply for citizenship by demonstrating that your forebears were natives of their country. Here are some of the most accessible places where you can acquire citizenship through lineage:
Italy
Italy provides a comprehensive jus sanguinis policy, permitting applications traced back to your great-grandparents. Although the procedure may be lengthy because of administrative holdups, it represents a clear route to obtaining an EU passport, complete with all the advantages of residing and working within Europe.
Ireland
Ireland provides one of the easiest routes to citizenship through descent. Should you have a grandfather or grandmother—or occasionally even a great-grandfather or -grandmother—who was born in Ireland, you may be eligible. Typically, this process tends to be faster and smoother compared to those in other European nations.
Hungary
Hungary provides an accelerated path to citizenship based on heritage, as long as you can show your Hungarian roots and exhibit elementary knowledge of the Hungarian language. Given Hungary’s European Union membership, obtaining this nationality can be quite advantageous.
ALSO READ:
JAPA: Top 10 Easiest Countries for Nigerian Migrants to Relocate to in 2025
Poland
Poland grants citizenship based on ancestry; however, this usually extends only as far back as great-grandparents. Despite the intricate nature of the procedure, which involves substantial paperwork, acquiring a Polish passport provides access to all the privileges associated with EU residence and travel.
Portugal
Portugal has one of the most adaptable laws regarding citizenship for descendents of Sephardic Jews who can prove their ancestral ties to the country. Although primarily aimed at direct offspring, Portugal’s liberal stance makes it an appealing option.
Spain
Spain’s program for acquiring citizenship through descent applies to individuals whose parents were born in Spain and includes a specific process for Sephardic Jews, akin to what Portugal offers. Nevertheless, extra paperwork is necessary for applicants who go beyond the first generation.
Citizenship by Naturalization
For individuals lacking familial connections, obtaining citizenship through naturalization can be a practical choice. This process generally involves residing in the nation for a specific period, demonstrating linguistic competence, and occasionally passing an examination. Below are some of the most straightforward nations for achieving citizenship via naturalization:
Argentina
In Argentina, one of the quickest paths to citizenship exists, with applications being approved after only two years of lawful residence. Those seeking citizenship must show their connection to the nation through factors like having a job or owning real estate.
You need to be at least 18 years old and should demonstrate that you have a genuine source of income. Additionally, some nations require a minimum residency period of two years.
Dominican Republic and Spain
.
Peru
Another nation offering expedited citizenship is Peru, which only requires two years of residence. The procedure is straightforward, and considering its low cost of living, this presents as an attractive option for individuals seeking a swift and budget-friendly additional passport.
Poland
In Poland, you may qualify for citizenship if you’ve held a permanent residence permit, an EU long-term residence permit, or the right of permanent residence for at least three years. Additionally, you must demonstrate that you have a steady source of income.
If your spouse is a Polish citizen and you’ve been married for at least three years, you may qualify for citizenship after just two years of living in Poland.
Serbia, Canada, Paraguay, and Armenia
All of these demand that you reside in the nation for three years prior to obtaining citizenship.
ALSO READ:
Top 10 nations you should consider adding to your travel itinerary for 2025
Brazil
In nations such as Brazil, you must reside legally for at least four years before being eligible to file for citizenship. Nonetheless, should you get married to a citizen or have a child born in Brazil, you would only require one year of residency to qualify.
Ethiopia and Australia
Additionally, permit foreigners to apply for citizenship after residing in the country for four years.
Portugal
In Portugal, you must reside legally for a minimum of five years before being eligible to apply for citizenship. Additionally, you will have to demonstrate that you maintain a spotless criminal history and possess an A2 proficiency level in Portuguese. Countries with similar five-year residency requirements include
Belgium and Barbados
.
Citizenship by Investment
For individuals who possess substantial finances, investing in citizenship provides the speediest and most straightforward route to obtaining an additional passport. By making a considerable monetary contribution, numerous nations offer instant worldwide travel opportunities. Here are some of the swiftest pathways available:
1. **Saint Kitts and Nevis**: This island nation allows investors to obtain citizenship through real estate investments or donations.
2. **Malta**: Known as one of Europe’s premium residency programs leading into citizenship, Malta requires both qualifying property purchase and capital investment.
3. **Turks and Caicos Islands**: Although not yet officially offering full citizenship, certain initiatives grant permanent residence which can be a stepping stone towards eventual naturalization.
These options enable quick access to multiple nationalities without lengthy waiting periods.
Vanuatu
Vanuatu boasts the quickest citizenship through an investment program, providing a passport within approximately two months after investing at least $130,000. As part of this South Pacific archipelago, individuals gain easy entry into numerous nations without needing visas, which makes it highly appealing to frequent international travelers.
Turkey
Turkey’s investment-for-citizenship scheme enables candidates to acquire a passport within three to four months by committing at least $400,000 to property investments. Thanks to its expanding economy and favorable geographic position, Turkey presents an appealing choice for potential investors.
Dominica
Dominica’s investment-for-citizenship initiative stands out as one of the most cost-effective options available, with a required minimum investment set at $200,000. Citizenship documents can typically be obtained within half a year, offering hassle-free travel opportunities across many nations, which makes this program particularly attractive to potential investors.
St. Kitts & Nevis
Saint Kitts and Nevis has one of the oldest citizenship-by-investment programs, enabling applicants to acquire a passport within roughly half a year by investing at least $200,000. This nation provides comparable advantages to Dominica, such as access to numerous countries without requiring a visa.
oleh admin | Apr 1, 2025 | crime, immigration, politics, politics and government, politics and law
Government attorneys contend that even with the error, U.S. courts lack the authority to facilitate the release of Kilmar Abrego Garcia.
Donald Trump’s strict immigration policies came under renewed examination on Tuesday when authorities acknowledged that a “clerical mistake” during the hasty deportation procedures led to the wrongful transfer of an individual to a well-known detention facility in El Salvador.
The Trump administration promotes its extensive initiative against immigrants – a major campaign pledge – as an effort to target gang members and other violent offenders.
However, numerous assertions that several people with tenuous or no links to organized crime have been swiftly expelled have sparked outrage among human rights organizations, Democrats, and even certain Trump supporters, such as the prominent podcaster Joe Rogan.
A man from El Salvador resided in the U.S. state of Maryland under protected legal standing until he was transported to El Salvador along with several hundred other individuals accused of being gang members in mid-March, according to a court document released on Monday.
The aircraft arrived shortly following Trump’s invocation of a seldom-used wartime measure, the Alien Enemies Act of 1798, even though a judge had instructed to stop these deportations.
In 2019, Kilmar Abrego Garcia faced accusations of being part of a gang; however, he wasn’t found guilty of any offenses. A judge had earlier ruled against his deportation, fearing potential harm to him in El Salvador.
In the court documents submitted on Monday, attorneys for the government acknowledged that he was sent back due to an “administrative mistake,” yet they contended that U.S. courts currently lack the authority to ensure his liberation.
When pressed on the topic on Tuesday, the White House stood firm, asserting that undisclosed evidence indicated Abrego Garcia was actually a key figure in the vicious MS-13 gang.
The Salvadoran group along with others like Venezuela’s Tren de Aragua has been labeled as “foreign terrorist organizations” under President Trump’s administration.
“The United States of America no longer offers legal protection to foreign terrorists, and President has both the executive authority and power to remove these reprehensible individuals from our communities,” said White House Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt at a briefing.
A distinct instance of a gay barber who was deported has drawn attention from U.S. media outlets, and attorneys representing multiple individuals facing deportation claim that their clients were singled out solely due to their tattoos.
Rogan, who supported Trump during the 2024 election, stated on Saturday that it was “horrible” that individuals not involved in criminal activities might get caught up in the efforts to remove gang members from the country.
“The fear arises as even non-criminals are being apprehended, deported, and end up in El Salvador prisons,” stated the comedian and mixed martial arts analyst.
Let’s remove the gang members. Everyone is on board with this. However, we shouldn’t include innocent gay hairdressers with these groups.
The US Vice-President, J.D. Vance, addressed the topic on social media on Tuesday, subsequently making several corrections after noticing inaccuracies in his initial postings.
Initially referring to Abrego Garcia as a “convicted MS-13 gang member,” he subsequently stated that an immigration judge had “concluded” he was part of MS-13, adding that “any ‘due process’ he was owed, he got.”
The activation of the ancient AlienEnemiesAct has ignited intense discussions among legal experts regarding immigrants’ entitlement to fair procedures and the degree to which courts can scrutinize decisions made by government officials.
On Friday, the Trump administration requested the Supreme Court to reverse the federal judge’s suspension of deportations carried out under that specific authority.
Stephen Miller, Trump’s deputy chief of staff and a strong adversary of unlawful immigration, has consistently criticized the judge’s moves as a danger to democratic principles.
“A kind reminder: if you have unlawfully entered our nation, the sole ‘procedure’ you’re entitled to is deportation,” he stated on social media Tuesday.
More Articles from SCMP
Beijing shifts exercises nearer to Taiwan, researcher appeals to China via AI: SCMP daily roundup
During the tariff conflicts, Chinese automobile manufacturers are taking over the Russian market.
Could new US tariffs on China be ‘too significant to handle, too obvious to evade’?
“Jimmie Lau Lane”: U.S. urged to name D.C. street after imprisoned businessman for Hong Kong trade office location
The article initially appeared on the South China Morning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China and Asia.
Copyright © 2025. South China Morning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
oleh admin | Mar 30, 2025 | crime, crimes, government, immigration, news
The interior minister stated that the deportee is affiliated with a gang from Trujillo state known as ‘El Cagon,’ without providing further details about the individual’s identity.
Venezuelan officials announced the arrival on Sunday of a fresh batch of 175 expellees from the U.S., which included a notorious gang leader — this being the initial instance where Caracas acknowledged that a convict was part of such returnees.
US President
Donald Trump
Since taking office in January, they have initiated a stringent approach towards immigrants, resulting in the deportation of numerous individuals to Latin American countries. These people have been labeled as “criminals” by their government.
“For the first time, during these trips… an individual of significance has arrived who is wanted by the Venezuelan judicial system,” stated Interior Minister Diosdado Cabello.
Are you looking for insights into the most significant issues and developments globally? Find your answers here.
SCMP Knowledge
Our updated platform features handpicked content including explainers, FAQs, analyses, and infographics, all provided by our acclaimed team.
The minister also stated that the individual “does not come from Tren de Aragua,” alluding to the Venezuelan gang which Washington has labeled as a “foreign terrorist organization” and alleges that numerous deported Venezuelan migrants are affiliated with this group.
Cabello welcomed the migrants at the Maiquetia International Airport, which serves Caracas.
“He is associated with a gang from Trujillo state, known as ‘El Cagon,’ ” Cabello said, without providing additional information about the criminal’s identity.
Cabello mentioned that regarding the migrants received by
Venezuela
So far, none have been part of Tren de Aragua.
In 2019, Venezuela and the United States severed their diplomatic ties, but they reconciled in January to discuss arrangements for deportation flights.
The collaboration was halted for a month following Washington’s crackdown on Venezuela’s oil industry, but services restarted just last week.
The flight that arrived on Sunday was the third to land since operations resumed.
Altogether, 918 individuals have reached Venezuela following their deportation from the United States. Additionally, 553 migrants have come back from elsewhere.
Mexico
, though it remained uncertain if they had been initially deported from US territory.
On Saturday, Venezuela’s President Nicolás Maduro stated that the U.S. had deported 324 Venezuelan immigrants to a high-security prison.
El Salvador
, noting that an official list had not been supplied.
According to the
United Nations
Nearly eight million Venezuelans have departed their nation due to an economic crisis that started showing signs of improvement in 2021.
The authorities assert that over 1.2 million individuals have come back.
More Articles from SCMP
Comac C949: China reveals stealthy supersonic aircraft offering 50% greater range compared to Concorde
‘Preposterous’: Starving Hong Kong Sevens attendees criticize insufficient food options at Kai Tak Stadium
Hong Kong coaches outline yearly strategies following teams’ victory in the Melrose Claymores doubles competition.
Here are seven top new Korean dramas premiering in April 2025, featuring Netflix’s gripping thriller “Karma.”
The article initially appeared on the South ChinaMorning Post (www.scmp.com), which is the premier source for news coverage of China andAsia.
Copyright © 2025. South ChinaMorning Post Publishers Ltd. All rights reserved.
oleh admin | Mar 30, 2025 | immigration, migrants, politics, politics and law, refugees
Germany’s new coalition government is considering stricter migration policies, including designating Morocco, Algeria, and India as “safe countries of origin,” according to a leaked internal document reported by German media.
The alliance comprising the Christian Democratic Union (CDU), the Christian Social Union (CSU), and the Social Democratic Party (SPD) is focusing on comprehensive actions aimed at reinforcing immigration policies. One of their suggestions involves increasing the authority granted to federal law enforcement agencies so they can more effectively apprehend and expel immigrants.
Upon approval, this classification would streamline the deportation process for asylum seekers from Morocco and other specified nations by assuming that their claims are not likely to fulfill the necessary protective standards. Individuals subject to deportation would find limited opportunities to contest their expulsion within Germany’s legal system.
The proposed plan additionally recommends eliminating the legal obligation for offering judicial support to those opposing deportation orders. Furthermore, federal law enforcement might obtain expanded power to hold migrants briefly pending their deportation.
Even though talks continue, disagreements persist among coalition members, notably regarding family reunification rules and the “Right to Remain” legislation. This law enables specific refused asylum applicants to stay in Germany following five years of lawful residency. The CDU disapproves of this policy, whereas the SPD pushes for greater compassionate safeguards.
The discussion also encompasses social welfare issues, where the SPD advocates for maintaining economic aid for migrants who may face expulsion, whereas the CDU and CSU advocate for more stringent rules to limit public support.
Previously, the CDU’s parliamentary group advocated for classifying Morocco as a safe country, contending that immigrants from this North African nation do not encounter persecution or insufficient governmental safeguards. It is anticipated that the alliance will conclude crucial immigration policy choices over the next few weeks.
The post
Germany plans to label Morocco as a ‘safe country’ under updated migration policies.
appeared first on
SANGGRALOKAEnglish – Morocco News
.
oleh admin | Mar 28, 2025 | business, citizenship, crimes, government, immigration
MANILA, Philippines —
On Thursday, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) disclosed that they have discovered a plan where foreigners adopt false Filipino personas to set up enterprises and potentially hire unauthorized employees in Mindanao.
Following this, the BI arrested five Chinese citizens during two distinct operations: one involved an illegal immigrant “running” a hardware shop listed under what appears to be a non-existent Filipino resident in Davao del Sur; another operation targeted four people who were employed unlawfully at a chemical facility located in North Cotabato. The said factory was supposedly owned by a Filipino individual but is believed to actually belong to a Chinese national residing in Manila.
Labeling the scheme as a “troubling development,” Immigration Commissioner Joel Anthony Viado cautioned that fake documents might also be used for spying purposes.
“These papers and altered identification records might be employed by outsiders who have [sinister] motives and could potentially be misused by undercover agents infiltrating our community by posing as locals,” he stated.
READ:
Adiong: Those issuing counterfeit Philippine birth certificates are linked to an extensive network.
READ:
Government blocks 1,600 birth certificates wrongly acquired by non-citizens.
Nonexistent owner
On March 20, the Bureau of Immigration, working alongside the Philippine Army and local police forces, apprehended Bangdie Pan, who goes by the alias Ditdit, a 50-year-old Chinese citizen, in Digos City, located in Davao del Sur.
Pan was arrested due to violations of Philippine immigration regulations during an operation backed by the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion, the 1002nd Brigade, the 10th Infantry Division, the Philippine National Police, and governmental intelligence agents in Region 11.
Based on the BI statement, the foreign national was actively running a hardware store that is officially registered under a purported Filipino citizen, whose identity is currently being looked into.
” Records showed that Pan had a work visa issued for a firm based in Pasig City, yet she was discovered performing duties outside her authorized scope in Davao del Sur,” the agency stated.
Staff members at the hardware store allegedly confessed that the claimed Filipino proprietor does not actually exist and that the establishment’s licenses were acquired through fraudulent papers.
After four days, agents from BI Intelligence, working alongside several governmental organizations, apprehended four Chinese citizens at a chemical production facility in M’lang, located in North Cotabato.
The people identified were Zhongyi Tang, aged 62; Tianbei Wu, 51 years old; Dezhen Liu, also 62, and Wang Lianxu, who is 53.
The BI mentioned that they acquired birth certificates and paperwork indicating that Liu had falsely presented himself as a Filipino.
The agency’s probe also revealed that the firm was registered under a Filipina, however, workers at the plant stated they hadn’t laid eyes on her ever since the business started operations.
The BI stated, “Employees at the plant acknowledged that the actual owner is a Chinese national residing in Manila.”
The five individuals from China are now facing charges related to deportation.
Widespread problem
Viado has pushed for more stringent rules governing the issuance of Filipino identity papers and documentation to curb potential misuse by undocumented individuals, an issue that came to light last year amid Senate investigations into the recently prohibited Philippine offshore gambling enterprises (POGOs).
In July 2024, the NBI office in Davao disclosed the discovery of nearly 200 forged birth certificates that were provided to Chinese citizens by the civil registry of Santa Cruz, Davao del Sur during the years 2018 and 2019.
NBI Director Jaime Santiago subsequently revealed that as many as 1,200 Chinese citizens were issued birth certificates by the Santa Cruz local civil registry from 2016 onwards. This number is six times greater than what the agency initially reported.
It is alleged that these counterfeit papers allowed individuals from abroad to partake in actions reserved solely for Filipino citizens, such as buying property, establishing enterprises, and even seeking elected positions, similar to what was seen with former mayor Alice Guo of Bamban, Tarlac, who is suspected to be a Chinese national and has been arrested due to her involvement in unlawful Pogo ventures.
Suspected spies
Previously, the government had shown worry over the accounts regarding the existence of Chinese spies within the nation.
In January, the NBI apprehended five alleged Chinese spies accused of keeping an eye on the operations of the Philippine Coast Guard and the Philippine Navy in Palawan, particularly focusing on the supply efforts for forces stationed in the West Philippine Sea.
In the subsequent month, the NBI apprehended two additional Chinese nationals alongside three Filipinos on charges of espionage.
The NBI stated that its cybercrime division along with a specialized task force was notified regarding unusual cars equipped with devices for intercepting messages. These vehicles have been spotted near the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police headquarters, as well as around Malacañang and various governmental buildings within Metro Manila.
