DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — The United Arab Emirates announced that Emirati nationality will now be attainable for foreigners, in a major first for the Gulf region. The move is a significant change in direction for a country whose economy relies heavily on expatriates, for whom residency is typically contingent on their employment visas. The […] Read more
To travel or not to travel? That is the question. As Europe’s journey with the COVID-19 pandemic enters its next phase, many have embarked on their summer adventures to Greece, Italy or Spain, riding the wave of optimism offered by EU recommendations on opening borders. Even though the majority of the countries in Europe are […] Read more
Despite airlines being one of the worst-hit sectors by the coronavirus pandemic, the debt of low-cost European airlines is one of the most attractive opportunities in fixed income at present, according to AXA Investment Managers Senior Portfolio Manager Nicolas Trindade. Passenger numbers remain well below pre-Covid levels, and airline bond yields remain significantly elevated compared […] Read more
Travelers itching for a change of scenery amid months of lockdowns and stay-at-home orders brought on by the coronavirus pandemic now have a new option. The Maldives reopened to international visitors this week, after being closed to visitors since March 27. While much of the world has shut its borders or enacted strict measures on […] Read more
Citizens across Saudi Arabia poured into stores once coronavirus lockdown restrictions were lifted in June, hoping to save money on non-perishable goods from food and clothing to electronics and cars ahead of the kingdom’s tripling of its value-added tax, or VAT. Riyadh announced the levy — which increased from 5% to 15% on July 1 […] Read more
Spain will be flying German tourists to their dream-worthy beaches starting June 15 in a pilot program to bring tourism back to its Balearic Islands. “What we are planning in the Balearics is to let a few thousands in,” an official at the Spanish foreign ministry told Reuters. “This is limited and to test the system.” The […] Read more
It is an awkward scene familiar to many Hongkongers: at an airport overseas, an immigration officer looks at a burgundy-coloured passport embossed with the British coat of arms, while the bearer of the document braces for the inevitable confusion and embarrassment. “British?” the officer asks, with a hint of suspicion. “Hmmm, no – I’m from […] Read more
Thailand’s coronavirus lockdown has eased but tourism industry must rely on local travellers for now
With cash flow drying up at Thailand’s popular beach resort of Phuket, hotels are racing to restart tourism –starting with local travellers. “If nothing changes in the next three months, we won’t be able to afford paying for staff,” said Angkana Tanetvisetkul, president of the Kata Karon Business Association, which represents more than 40 locally […] Read more
Irish authorities are preparing to intercept up to 16 migrants that have been found in the back of a lorry on an overnight ferry travelling from France to Ireland, according to the vessel’s operators. The Stena Horizon ship, which left Cherbourg at 9 p.m. on Wednesday night, is due to dock at Rosslare later this […] Read more
Turkey will send captured ISIS members back to their countries even if their citizenships have been revoked, Interior Minister Suleyman Soylu said on Monday, criticizing the approach of European countries on the issue. Speaking to reporters, he said: “We will send back those in our hands, but the world has come up with a new […] Read more
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