By WANI MUTHIAH and M. KRISHNAMOORTHY
KUALA LUMPUR: Two to three Malaysians are either barred from leaving for India or deported daily due to fake visas issued to them.
The Indian High Commission has uncovered a scam following the loss of 2,000 visa stickers from its visa centre at the Jalan Duta Chancery.
So far, 50 Malaysians have been redirected back here since October after landing at Indian airports.
It is learnt that the High Commission informed airline companies of the loss and revocation of the said visa stickers. Newspaper advertisements were also placed, stating that Malaysians and other foreign nationals could not use the lost visas (serial numbers published) to travel to India.
New Delhi sent investigators here last month to question several High Commission officials and travel agents.
The High Commission had outsourced the processing of visas in Malaysia to Grandlotus Travel Agencies in August last year, but the High Commission remains in charge of issuing the stickers.
High Commission First Secretary V.K.V. Raman said: “We advise travellers who obtained their visas from unauthorised parties to check with our visa centre or High Commission.”
Malaysian Indian Tour and Travel Agents (Mita) president K. Thangavelu believed that the missing visas had been sold off illegally.
He said Grandlotus would bear full responsibility if there were travel agencies who could provide proof linking the firm to the missing visas.
He said it was unfortunate that travellers and travel agencies had become victims due to the actions of a dishonest few.
Travel agent K.P Samy confirmed that several of his clients headed for India had been barred from leaving at the KL International Airport with others deported back from India due to visa problems.
Friday, December 12, 2008
Belgian nationals on terrorist charges?
By Helen Warrell
Belgian prosecutors charged six people on Friday with membership of a terrorist group, following a police raids on the eve of a European Union summit in Brussels.
Lieve Pellens, a spokeswoman for the federal prosecutor, told the FT that all six were Belgian nationals and three of them, men aged between 20 and 30, had received training in Pakistan and Afghanistan. One of the trainees is suspected to have been preparing himself for a suicide attack on an unknown target.
The only woman to be charged was named as Malika El Aroud, a Belgian of Moroccan origin whose husband died in a suicide attack against anti-Taliban resistance leader, Ahmed Shah Massoud, in Afghanistan in 2001.
Belgian authorities carried out raids on sixteen houses in Brussels and one in the eastern city of Liege, on the basis of intelligence that the key suspect had received the ”green light” for an attack, the federal prosecutor confirmed.
”We felt confident that the planning was in the final stages – we believe that an attack was imminent,” Ms Pellens said, while emphasising that there was ”no indication” that the two-day EU summit had been the intended target. ”But since Brussels was hosting such an important event, we could not take any risks.”
According to the Bloomberg news agency, Yves Leterme, Belgian prime minister, told reporters at the summit earlier on Friday that organisers had considered calling off the event, but that it had proved unnecessary.
Seven of the 14 original detainees were brought in for questioning as witnesses, while the remaining seven were brought in front of an investigating judge on Thursday, Ms Pellens said.
The six who were charged are due to appear in a pre-trial court next week. The judge could release the suspects on bail after the hearing, but Belgian officials said they were confident there was enough evidence to keep the group in detention.
Belgian prosecutors charged six people on Friday with membership of a terrorist group, following a police raids on the eve of a European Union summit in Brussels.
Lieve Pellens, a spokeswoman for the federal prosecutor, told the FT that all six were Belgian nationals and three of them, men aged between 20 and 30, had received training in Pakistan and Afghanistan. One of the trainees is suspected to have been preparing himself for a suicide attack on an unknown target.
The only woman to be charged was named as Malika El Aroud, a Belgian of Moroccan origin whose husband died in a suicide attack against anti-Taliban resistance leader, Ahmed Shah Massoud, in Afghanistan in 2001.
Belgian authorities carried out raids on sixteen houses in Brussels and one in the eastern city of Liege, on the basis of intelligence that the key suspect had received the ”green light” for an attack, the federal prosecutor confirmed.
”We felt confident that the planning was in the final stages – we believe that an attack was imminent,” Ms Pellens said, while emphasising that there was ”no indication” that the two-day EU summit had been the intended target. ”But since Brussels was hosting such an important event, we could not take any risks.”
According to the Bloomberg news agency, Yves Leterme, Belgian prime minister, told reporters at the summit earlier on Friday that organisers had considered calling off the event, but that it had proved unnecessary.
Seven of the 14 original detainees were brought in for questioning as witnesses, while the remaining seven were brought in front of an investigating judge on Thursday, Ms Pellens said.
The six who were charged are due to appear in a pre-trial court next week. The judge could release the suspects on bail after the hearing, but Belgian officials said they were confident there was enough evidence to keep the group in detention.
Thursday, December 4, 2008
U.S. - 9 suspected illegal immigrants plead guilty
By HOLBROOK MOHR -
JACKSON, Miss. -- Nine people rounded up in the nation's largest workplace raid on suspected illegal immigrants pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal identity fraud charges and were sentenced to time served.
Nearly 600 workers at Howard Industries' transformer plant in Laurel were detained Aug. 25 when dozens of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided the factory.
The nine people charged with identity fraud were accused of working at the plant under the names and Social Security numbers of other people - information that had been reported stolen in some cases, according to court records.
The nine pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Hattiesburg during separate hearings Wednesday. They were sentenced to time served and face deportation, said Sheila Wilbanks, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office. They agreed to cooperate with authorities.
"They will be turned over to ICE and ICE will handle the administrative procedures of deportation," Wilbanks said.
A federal public defender, John Weber, who represented the workers, did not immediately respond to a message left Wednesday by The Associated Press.
Weber said in the past that the workers faced up to 17 years in prison had they been convicted and sentenced to the maximum on all three of the original charges - aggravated identity theft, use or possession of a fraudulent alien registration card and use of a Social Security number belonging to someone else. The trial was scheduled to begin Dec. 15.
It's not clear how they allegedly obtained the fraudulent identities. However, several people in Laurel who acknowledged being illegal immigrants told The AP after the raid that it was easy to buy fraudulent documents in the area through word of mouth.
Barbara Gonzalez, an ICE spokeswoman, said the investigation continues and "we will go where the evidence leads us."
"Fraudulent documents may be used to obtain financial benefits and entitlements intended for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and to obtain unauthorized employment," she said. "Those who are engaged in document fraud should know that we will continue pursuing these types of investigations."
An advocacy group for illegal immigrants condemned the charges.
"The connotations of the charges against them is that somehow they were involved in stealing the identities for nefarious purposes," said Bill Chandler, executive director of the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance. "These folks were getting identification so they could support their families. In my view, supporting your family is not a crime."
Most of the others detained in the raid were sent to a Louisiana detention facility to await hearings and deportation. More than 100 - mostly women with children - were fitted with monitoring devices and ordered to appear in court.
Gonzalez said 413 of the illegal immigrants have been deported and 23 left the country voluntarily.
The operation was the largest single workplace raid in ICE history and targeted one of Mississippi's most successful private business. Howard Industries is the largest employer in Jones County and makes products ranging from computers to medical supplies. The company's corporate headquarters also was raided, but no executives have been charged with crimes.
Howard Industries has repeatedly declined comment. However, the company issued a statement in the past that says it "runs every check allowed to ascertain the immigration status of all applicants for its jobs. It is company policy that it hires only U.S. citizens and legal immigrants."
JACKSON, Miss. -- Nine people rounded up in the nation's largest workplace raid on suspected illegal immigrants pleaded guilty Wednesday to federal identity fraud charges and were sentenced to time served.
Nearly 600 workers at Howard Industries' transformer plant in Laurel were detained Aug. 25 when dozens of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents raided the factory.
The nine people charged with identity fraud were accused of working at the plant under the names and Social Security numbers of other people - information that had been reported stolen in some cases, according to court records.
The nine pleaded guilty in U.S. District Court in Hattiesburg during separate hearings Wednesday. They were sentenced to time served and face deportation, said Sheila Wilbanks, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office. They agreed to cooperate with authorities.
"They will be turned over to ICE and ICE will handle the administrative procedures of deportation," Wilbanks said.
A federal public defender, John Weber, who represented the workers, did not immediately respond to a message left Wednesday by The Associated Press.
Weber said in the past that the workers faced up to 17 years in prison had they been convicted and sentenced to the maximum on all three of the original charges - aggravated identity theft, use or possession of a fraudulent alien registration card and use of a Social Security number belonging to someone else. The trial was scheduled to begin Dec. 15.
It's not clear how they allegedly obtained the fraudulent identities. However, several people in Laurel who acknowledged being illegal immigrants told The AP after the raid that it was easy to buy fraudulent documents in the area through word of mouth.
Barbara Gonzalez, an ICE spokeswoman, said the investigation continues and "we will go where the evidence leads us."
"Fraudulent documents may be used to obtain financial benefits and entitlements intended for U.S. citizens or lawful permanent residents and to obtain unauthorized employment," she said. "Those who are engaged in document fraud should know that we will continue pursuing these types of investigations."
An advocacy group for illegal immigrants condemned the charges.
"The connotations of the charges against them is that somehow they were involved in stealing the identities for nefarious purposes," said Bill Chandler, executive director of the Mississippi Immigrants Rights Alliance. "These folks were getting identification so they could support their families. In my view, supporting your family is not a crime."
Most of the others detained in the raid were sent to a Louisiana detention facility to await hearings and deportation. More than 100 - mostly women with children - were fitted with monitoring devices and ordered to appear in court.
Gonzalez said 413 of the illegal immigrants have been deported and 23 left the country voluntarily.
The operation was the largest single workplace raid in ICE history and targeted one of Mississippi's most successful private business. Howard Industries is the largest employer in Jones County and makes products ranging from computers to medical supplies. The company's corporate headquarters also was raided, but no executives have been charged with crimes.
Howard Industries has repeatedly declined comment. However, the company issued a statement in the past that says it "runs every check allowed to ascertain the immigration status of all applicants for its jobs. It is company policy that it hires only U.S. citizens and legal immigrants."
Malawi Immigration under threat to issue work permit for Al-Qaeda operative
Malawi President Bingu wa Muthalika's daughter Duwa is bullying the Immigration department of the Ministry of Home Affairs to issue work permits to a State House Al-Qaeda operative Ricky Shayo and two Zimbabweans Ruby Goneso Mutendera and Alban Masora.
According to Immigration department official, Duwa who runs the President's newspaper The Guardian has been intimidating immigration officials to issue permits to Shayo who is a Kenyan national and two Zimbabweans who are “officially” working for the President’s paper.
The three are currently working illegally as consultant/operations, administration/human resources manager and reporter respectively.
Shayo joined The Guardian last year after he was fired at Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) when the management discovered that he had no qualification.
He is also linked to a little known Al-Qaeda network in the Horn of Africa but flirts with one of the daughters from the first family in the country. He is widely believed to be leading a network of executioners based at the former Taiwanese Embassy in Area 43.
Masora and Mutendera, both functionaries of Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF hit entered Malawi as visitors.
According to the information gathered from sources at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe, Duwa with the help of State House press officer Chikumbutso Mtumodzi has been pressing officers to issue working permits to the illegal immigrants.
The two have been going to the Immigration with claims that President Mutharika is the one giving them instructions for the department to give out the dubious permits.
"The three have no requirements for working permits because Malawians could take those positions they have as well, In fact we have many qualified Malawians who can take up those jobs," said some of the immigration officers who refused to be named for fear of reprisal from State House.
On Monday this week immigration department arrested MTL chief executive officer Peter Zimmer's wife, Stella, a Germany by nationality for “illegal staying” in Malawi and working without permit.
This has come barely some weeks when MTL was told to give back the company to government with what government insiders say is a calculated move of ensuring that they use the company to help rig the 2009 general elections.
"Government is pressing MTL senior management from Germany to stand down or face embarassment as they want to bring in Malawian managers who can be used to rig the 2009 elections besides siphoning money for campaign," said an MTL senior official.
The company was sold two years ago by government after pressure from the World Bank and is owned by Press Corporation shareholders with a non-controlling state by the State.
According to Immigration department official, Duwa who runs the President's newspaper The Guardian has been intimidating immigration officials to issue permits to Shayo who is a Kenyan national and two Zimbabweans who are “officially” working for the President’s paper.
The three are currently working illegally as consultant/operations, administration/human resources manager and reporter respectively.
Shayo joined The Guardian last year after he was fired at Center for Human Rights and Rehabilitation (CHRR) when the management discovered that he had no qualification.
He is also linked to a little known Al-Qaeda network in the Horn of Africa but flirts with one of the daughters from the first family in the country. He is widely believed to be leading a network of executioners based at the former Taiwanese Embassy in Area 43.
Masora and Mutendera, both functionaries of Robert Mugabe’s Zanu-PF hit entered Malawi as visitors.
According to the information gathered from sources at the Department of Immigration in Lilongwe, Duwa with the help of State House press officer Chikumbutso Mtumodzi has been pressing officers to issue working permits to the illegal immigrants.
The two have been going to the Immigration with claims that President Mutharika is the one giving them instructions for the department to give out the dubious permits.
"The three have no requirements for working permits because Malawians could take those positions they have as well, In fact we have many qualified Malawians who can take up those jobs," said some of the immigration officers who refused to be named for fear of reprisal from State House.
On Monday this week immigration department arrested MTL chief executive officer Peter Zimmer's wife, Stella, a Germany by nationality for “illegal staying” in Malawi and working without permit.
This has come barely some weeks when MTL was told to give back the company to government with what government insiders say is a calculated move of ensuring that they use the company to help rig the 2009 general elections.
"Government is pressing MTL senior management from Germany to stand down or face embarassment as they want to bring in Malawian managers who can be used to rig the 2009 elections besides siphoning money for campaign," said an MTL senior official.
The company was sold two years ago by government after pressure from the World Bank and is owned by Press Corporation shareholders with a non-controlling state by the State.
Monday, November 24, 2008
Abu Qatada, the radical Muslim cleric, is ready to give up his fight to stay in Britain to move to Palestine
By Duncan Gardham,
Qatada, once described as "Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe," is in discussions to return Palestine, where he was born, instead of battling to avoid deportation. The British Government had previously said it would permit the 47-year-old to leave if he could find a country willing to take him, a hearing of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission was told.
The preacher was released from jail in June after the Government failed to have him deported to Jordan over fears he would not get a fair trial on terrorism charges. He was arrested on Saturday morning at his council home in West London after allegedly breaching his strict bail conditions. His lawyer Edward Fitzgerald QC, said that officials may have thought he plotting to flee Britain but added: "There have been quite above board discussions as to the possibility of him going to a third party country where there would be no risk of torture.
"There is no reason that would be done without the full approval of the Home Office. "He has taken legal advice on renouncing Jordanian nationality and there have been discussions about the possibility of returning to Palestine, the place of his birth. He was born in Bethlehem.
"There was a stage when the Government position was 'you can go wherever as long as you could be accepted there'." Mr Justice Mitting confirmed Qatada would be allowed to go, adding: "These are deportation proceedings. There would not appear to be any reason in principle he should not leave to another country that would accept him."
Mr Fitzgerald said allegations that Qatada was plotting to flee the country unlawfully, which may have been made in one of two closed sessions at the hearing, were "ridiculous" and could have been down to "Chinese whispers" about his negotiations with Palestine. However he admitted: "I am playing a game of blind man's buff," because many allegations against the hate preacher were made in secret, without Qatada or his legal team present, and said he only knew about the fleeing allegation because of newspaper reports. Mr Justice Mitting admitted that the only allegation serious enough to keep Qatada in prison was secret, and indicated he may order it to be disclosed.
The hearing the other evidence includes a video tape allegedly showing him preaching in breach of bail and other material on video tapes, memory cards, computer discs, Sim cards and an mp3 player. He was also allegedly encouraged to join the "mujahideen on the battlefield," on a website posting. Describing the public evidence as an "assault of cynical and tenuous suggestion," Mr Fitzgerald said the 'preaching' video was actually him talking to his children about the importance of Eid and the mp3 player was his son's ipod. Qatada - real name Omar Mohammed Othman - arrived in Britain from Jordan in September 1993 using a forged passport and claimed asylum for himself, his wife and children.
The Special Immigration Appeals Commission has previously described him as a "truly dangerous individual" who was "heavily involved, indeed at the centre of terrorist activities associated with al-Qaeda." They said he had given religious authority to numerous high profile terrorists across the world, including those behind September 11 attacks.
Qatada, once described as "Osama bin Laden's right-hand man in Europe," is in discussions to return Palestine, where he was born, instead of battling to avoid deportation. The British Government had previously said it would permit the 47-year-old to leave if he could find a country willing to take him, a hearing of the Special Immigration Appeals Commission was told.
The preacher was released from jail in June after the Government failed to have him deported to Jordan over fears he would not get a fair trial on terrorism charges. He was arrested on Saturday morning at his council home in West London after allegedly breaching his strict bail conditions. His lawyer Edward Fitzgerald QC, said that officials may have thought he plotting to flee Britain but added: "There have been quite above board discussions as to the possibility of him going to a third party country where there would be no risk of torture.
"There is no reason that would be done without the full approval of the Home Office. "He has taken legal advice on renouncing Jordanian nationality and there have been discussions about the possibility of returning to Palestine, the place of his birth. He was born in Bethlehem.
"There was a stage when the Government position was 'you can go wherever as long as you could be accepted there'." Mr Justice Mitting confirmed Qatada would be allowed to go, adding: "These are deportation proceedings. There would not appear to be any reason in principle he should not leave to another country that would accept him."
Mr Fitzgerald said allegations that Qatada was plotting to flee the country unlawfully, which may have been made in one of two closed sessions at the hearing, were "ridiculous" and could have been down to "Chinese whispers" about his negotiations with Palestine. However he admitted: "I am playing a game of blind man's buff," because many allegations against the hate preacher were made in secret, without Qatada or his legal team present, and said he only knew about the fleeing allegation because of newspaper reports. Mr Justice Mitting admitted that the only allegation serious enough to keep Qatada in prison was secret, and indicated he may order it to be disclosed.
The hearing the other evidence includes a video tape allegedly showing him preaching in breach of bail and other material on video tapes, memory cards, computer discs, Sim cards and an mp3 player. He was also allegedly encouraged to join the "mujahideen on the battlefield," on a website posting. Describing the public evidence as an "assault of cynical and tenuous suggestion," Mr Fitzgerald said the 'preaching' video was actually him talking to his children about the importance of Eid and the mp3 player was his son's ipod. Qatada - real name Omar Mohammed Othman - arrived in Britain from Jordan in September 1993 using a forged passport and claimed asylum for himself, his wife and children.
The Special Immigration Appeals Commission has previously described him as a "truly dangerous individual" who was "heavily involved, indeed at the centre of terrorist activities associated with al-Qaeda." They said he had given religious authority to numerous high profile terrorists across the world, including those behind September 11 attacks.
Bin Laden's son Omar may go to New Zealand, says wife
NEW Zealand immigration officials will not comment on reports the son of Osama bin Laden may be considering a move there after being refused entry to Spain and Britain. Mr bin Laden and his wife arrived in Egypt from Madrid on Saturday after Spanish authorities refused his request for asylum last week.
The couple, who lived in Egypt for several months in 2007 and 2008, have also been denied entry to Britain. Airport sources in Egypt said Mr bin Laden, who says he does not support violence, had asked to go to Qatar, where as a Saudi citizen he would have right of entry. British authorities have denied him a visa and the Spanish interior ministry rejected his asylum plea on the grounds that it did not consider he was in danger in Egypt.
The Saudi-born 27-year-old is one of the 19 children of the infamous fugitive founder of the al-Qaeda terror group. His British-born wife, Zaina al Sabah, has been reported as saying the couple wanted to go to New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand said today it did not comment on individual cases and could not confirm whether Mr bin Laden had applied for a visa, the New Zealand Press Association reports. Ms Sabah called the Spanish decision "political" and said the couple had been trying to raise money to fly to New Zealand.
She did not say whether they hoped to stay. Mr bin Laden is the fourth child from Osama bin Laden's first marriage. His 52-year-old wife, whom he married in 2007, changed her name from Jane Felix-Browne. Mr bin Laden says he has not spoken to his father since 2000, when he decided to leave a training camp in Afghanistan with his consent.
Ms Sabah told Reuters last week that the couple feared they would be assassinated for condemning the views of Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda. Mr bin Laden had lodged another request for a British visa but this would not be considered until February 2009, his wife said.
The couple, who lived in Egypt for several months in 2007 and 2008, have also been denied entry to Britain. Airport sources in Egypt said Mr bin Laden, who says he does not support violence, had asked to go to Qatar, where as a Saudi citizen he would have right of entry. British authorities have denied him a visa and the Spanish interior ministry rejected his asylum plea on the grounds that it did not consider he was in danger in Egypt.
The Saudi-born 27-year-old is one of the 19 children of the infamous fugitive founder of the al-Qaeda terror group. His British-born wife, Zaina al Sabah, has been reported as saying the couple wanted to go to New Zealand. Immigration New Zealand said today it did not comment on individual cases and could not confirm whether Mr bin Laden had applied for a visa, the New Zealand Press Association reports. Ms Sabah called the Spanish decision "political" and said the couple had been trying to raise money to fly to New Zealand.
She did not say whether they hoped to stay. Mr bin Laden is the fourth child from Osama bin Laden's first marriage. His 52-year-old wife, whom he married in 2007, changed her name from Jane Felix-Browne. Mr bin Laden says he has not spoken to his father since 2000, when he decided to leave a training camp in Afghanistan with his consent.
Ms Sabah told Reuters last week that the couple feared they would be assassinated for condemning the views of Osama bin Laden and al-Qaeda. Mr bin Laden had lodged another request for a British visa but this would not be considered until February 2009, his wife said.
Rigid immigration policy hurts U.S.
By Edward Alden
As California knows better than any state in the country, getting immigration policy right boils down to a simple proposition: Let the good people in and keep the bad ones out. We want the scientists at Stanford, the software engineers at Google, and the thousands of men and women who staff the hotels and restaurants and do the hard work that makes California's farms into the nation's breadbasket. We don't want the Salvadoran street gangs in Los Angeles or the al Qaeda terrorists who lived quietly in San Diego before carrying out the Sept. 11 atrocities.
But since 9/11 and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, we have been focused mostly on keeping out those we don't want, and that single-mindedness has come at a high cost. For all the threats that openness can bring, it is the lifeblood of this country's economy and a pillar of our reputation in the world, and restoring a balance will be one of the critical challenges facing the new Obama administration.
In my book, "The Closing of the American Border," I tell many stories of good people who got caught by Washington's post-9/11 effort to secure the borders against terrorists. Faiz Bhora, a young Pakistani, had trained as a doctor in the United States for a decade and was hired by UCLA as a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon to perform the most delicate and life-threatening operations on children. But when he returned home in 2002 to renew his visa to work in the United States, he was kept out of the country for almost a year as a result of an ill-considered Bush administration response that resulted in lengthy security checks on nearly everyone coming to the United States from Muslim countries.
Dia Elnaiem, a Sudanese scientist, had come with his wife and children to UC Davis to do cutting-edge research on leishmaniasis, an insidious and often fatal tropical disease caused by the bite of a tiny sand fly. At the urging of his supervisor, he attended an academic conference in Brazil. But when he tried to return, he was told that as a Sudanese, he must wait for a security background check, even though he had already been approved just months before to come to the United States. He spent six months in Brazil, while his family struggled in Davis and his precious samples of sand flies died in his lab. His research was set back at least two years.
There are dozens of similar tales, which received far more attention abroad than they have here, and they sent a message to many of the world's most talented people that the United States was no longer a welcoming country. Foreign student enrollment dropped after 9/11, while Britain, Germany, Canada and Australia all rushed to prosper from our mistakes and saw double-digit increases. The numbers are now recovering, in part because of the weaker dollar, but we suddenly face competition for the world's best students after decades in which the United States was the only real choice for those with the most talent and ambition.
U.S. companies also found that they could not get visas promptly for overseas employees or bring in potential foreign buyers of their products. They have complained to Washington, but some have quietly moved operations abroad to countries that do not impose such restrictions. Microsoft last year announced that it would outsource its new software development facility to Vancouver, British Columbia, because it could not hire the foreign talent it needs in the United States.
The Sept. 11 legacy has also distorted our immigration priorities in other ways. The Department of Homeland Security is supposed to be protecting us against another terrorist attack; instead, it is pouring most of its resources into routine immigration enforcement aimed at the millions of illegal migrants who have come to the United States seeking a toehold on a better life. The department claims that such measures will help to keep out terrorists and criminals - thus justifying the lengthy detentions and harsh treatment of illegal immigrants that would otherwise be seen as unconscionable - but almost every expert on the subject disagrees.
The measures that have worked since 9/11 have been targeted - watch lists, fingerprints, intelligence on incoming passengers and other schemes designed to find the terrorist and criminal needles in the vast haystack of law-abiding travelers.
The outgoing Bush administration deserves praise for its progress with such targeted initiatives. We are better at keeping bad people out, and in the short run we are safer because of it. But unless we extend a new welcome to those we want by making it easier for them to come to the United States, we will continue needlessly to weaken our economy and diminish our standing in the world. That is too high a price to pay.
Edward Alden, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, is the author of "The Closing of the American Border: Terrorism, Immigration and Security Since 9/11."
As California knows better than any state in the country, getting immigration policy right boils down to a simple proposition: Let the good people in and keep the bad ones out. We want the scientists at Stanford, the software engineers at Google, and the thousands of men and women who staff the hotels and restaurants and do the hard work that makes California's farms into the nation's breadbasket. We don't want the Salvadoran street gangs in Los Angeles or the al Qaeda terrorists who lived quietly in San Diego before carrying out the Sept. 11 atrocities.
But since 9/11 and the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, we have been focused mostly on keeping out those we don't want, and that single-mindedness has come at a high cost. For all the threats that openness can bring, it is the lifeblood of this country's economy and a pillar of our reputation in the world, and restoring a balance will be one of the critical challenges facing the new Obama administration.
In my book, "The Closing of the American Border," I tell many stories of good people who got caught by Washington's post-9/11 effort to secure the borders against terrorists. Faiz Bhora, a young Pakistani, had trained as a doctor in the United States for a decade and was hired by UCLA as a pediatric cardiothoracic surgeon to perform the most delicate and life-threatening operations on children. But when he returned home in 2002 to renew his visa to work in the United States, he was kept out of the country for almost a year as a result of an ill-considered Bush administration response that resulted in lengthy security checks on nearly everyone coming to the United States from Muslim countries.
Dia Elnaiem, a Sudanese scientist, had come with his wife and children to UC Davis to do cutting-edge research on leishmaniasis, an insidious and often fatal tropical disease caused by the bite of a tiny sand fly. At the urging of his supervisor, he attended an academic conference in Brazil. But when he tried to return, he was told that as a Sudanese, he must wait for a security background check, even though he had already been approved just months before to come to the United States. He spent six months in Brazil, while his family struggled in Davis and his precious samples of sand flies died in his lab. His research was set back at least two years.
There are dozens of similar tales, which received far more attention abroad than they have here, and they sent a message to many of the world's most talented people that the United States was no longer a welcoming country. Foreign student enrollment dropped after 9/11, while Britain, Germany, Canada and Australia all rushed to prosper from our mistakes and saw double-digit increases. The numbers are now recovering, in part because of the weaker dollar, but we suddenly face competition for the world's best students after decades in which the United States was the only real choice for those with the most talent and ambition.
U.S. companies also found that they could not get visas promptly for overseas employees or bring in potential foreign buyers of their products. They have complained to Washington, but some have quietly moved operations abroad to countries that do not impose such restrictions. Microsoft last year announced that it would outsource its new software development facility to Vancouver, British Columbia, because it could not hire the foreign talent it needs in the United States.
The Sept. 11 legacy has also distorted our immigration priorities in other ways. The Department of Homeland Security is supposed to be protecting us against another terrorist attack; instead, it is pouring most of its resources into routine immigration enforcement aimed at the millions of illegal migrants who have come to the United States seeking a toehold on a better life. The department claims that such measures will help to keep out terrorists and criminals - thus justifying the lengthy detentions and harsh treatment of illegal immigrants that would otherwise be seen as unconscionable - but almost every expert on the subject disagrees.
The measures that have worked since 9/11 have been targeted - watch lists, fingerprints, intelligence on incoming passengers and other schemes designed to find the terrorist and criminal needles in the vast haystack of law-abiding travelers.
The outgoing Bush administration deserves praise for its progress with such targeted initiatives. We are better at keeping bad people out, and in the short run we are safer because of it. But unless we extend a new welcome to those we want by making it easier for them to come to the United States, we will continue needlessly to weaken our economy and diminish our standing in the world. That is too high a price to pay.
Edward Alden, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, is the author of "The Closing of the American Border: Terrorism, Immigration and Security Since 9/11."
Sunday, November 23, 2008
Manpower company of Nepal submits false documents
QATAR - A manpower company, Destination Overseas, produced fraud documents to step up pressure on the Nepali Embassy here to send employees for underpaid work.
The company requested the embassy over phone to send Yug Bahadur and Dik Bahadur Shrestha of Yaku-3 of Bhojpur for work in the guise of their father. The Shrestha brothers along with one Om Prakash Kewat of Nawalparasi are taking refuge at the embassy now after they were paid 550 riyal monthly, which is lower than the labor agreement signed between the two countries.
Furthermore, the company filed an application in the name of Yug's wife at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asking to take initiatives to send them for work. It is learnt that the application was fraudulent. "My wife cannot read and write. But the application bears her signature," Yug Bahadur claimed.In connection with the application, a Counselor Officer at the ministry, Rajendra Pandey, issued order to the embassy to provide necessary help for the victims.The victims said that they could not get the job the overseas company had promised in Nepal.
Nepali Ambassador Dr Surya Nath Mishra said the embassy had not signed any labor agreement below 600 riyal since last January. "We have no objection if they want to work," he said, adding, "But the embassy won't sign labor agreement below that amount."
The company requested the embassy over phone to send Yug Bahadur and Dik Bahadur Shrestha of Yaku-3 of Bhojpur for work in the guise of their father. The Shrestha brothers along with one Om Prakash Kewat of Nawalparasi are taking refuge at the embassy now after they were paid 550 riyal monthly, which is lower than the labor agreement signed between the two countries.
Furthermore, the company filed an application in the name of Yug's wife at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asking to take initiatives to send them for work. It is learnt that the application was fraudulent. "My wife cannot read and write. But the application bears her signature," Yug Bahadur claimed.In connection with the application, a Counselor Officer at the ministry, Rajendra Pandey, issued order to the embassy to provide necessary help for the victims.The victims said that they could not get the job the overseas company had promised in Nepal.
Nepali Ambassador Dr Surya Nath Mishra said the embassy had not signed any labor agreement below 600 riyal since last January. "We have no objection if they want to work," he said, adding, "But the embassy won't sign labor agreement below that amount."
UK consular staff issue 300,000 visas wrongly, says expert
London - British consular officials across the world are wrongly approving nearly 300,000 visas to visit Britain every year.
The revelation, which was made during a presentation to the Home Affairs Committee here, has sparked a round of criticism of the Labour government's immigration policy.
"This makes a mockery of Labour's claims to have a grip on our immigration system. It is obvious that its operation is neither firm, nor fair. This error rate not only increases the scope for increased illegal immigration, but is obviously a security threat," said Dominic Grieve, Shadow Home Secretary.
The presentation to the committee was made by Linda Costello-Baker, an independent visa monitor. She said it was "reasonable" to assume that 15 per cent of short-term visa approvals were wrong.
She said that officials were "under pressure" to issue visas to meet productivity targets.
Officials considering visa applications found it much easier to approve visas than reject them, she said, because issuing was a "much faster" process than refusal.
British high commissions, embassies and consulates across the world examine 2.4 million applications each year from tourists, business people and those visiting relatives.
Some of the highest numbers of visa applications are received by offices of the British high commission in India.
"About 80 per cent of visas are issued and yet there has been no external scrutiny over that 80 per cent. I don't think there has been adequate scrutiny of decisions to issue. I think there is pressure to issue visas because it helps people hit their productivity targets," Costello-Baker said. AP
The revelation, which was made during a presentation to the Home Affairs Committee here, has sparked a round of criticism of the Labour government's immigration policy.
"This makes a mockery of Labour's claims to have a grip on our immigration system. It is obvious that its operation is neither firm, nor fair. This error rate not only increases the scope for increased illegal immigration, but is obviously a security threat," said Dominic Grieve, Shadow Home Secretary.
The presentation to the committee was made by Linda Costello-Baker, an independent visa monitor. She said it was "reasonable" to assume that 15 per cent of short-term visa approvals were wrong.
She said that officials were "under pressure" to issue visas to meet productivity targets.
Officials considering visa applications found it much easier to approve visas than reject them, she said, because issuing was a "much faster" process than refusal.
British high commissions, embassies and consulates across the world examine 2.4 million applications each year from tourists, business people and those visiting relatives.
Some of the highest numbers of visa applications are received by offices of the British high commission in India.
"About 80 per cent of visas are issued and yet there has been no external scrutiny over that 80 per cent. I don't think there has been adequate scrutiny of decisions to issue. I think there is pressure to issue visas because it helps people hit their productivity targets," Costello-Baker said. AP
Monday, November 17, 2008
30 with fake visas held
KUALA LUMPUR: Thirty foreign construction workers were detained by the Immigration Department yesterday for possessing fake visas.
They were nabbed by the department's "Black Hawk" squad at a construction site in Jalan Kuda Lari, off Jalan Tun Razak, at 2.30am.Immigration Department enforcement director Datuk Ishak Mohamed said the workers were found hiding in the half-completed underground car park of the building under construction, together with about 70 others who were not detained."We believe the workers were cheated by their employers. They were given fake immigration cards. The employers lied to them, saying their visas had been renewed."He said the immigration card contained a picture of the worker, name, occupation and address of workplace.
Checks revealed the men, from Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nepal, had been working at the site for between two and 10 months.Investigations revealed the workers entered the country legally and worked at plantations and factories before they were lured by the contractor.Ishak said the workers were paid between RM1,000 and RM1,200 monthly, but they had to work daily. The salary is slightly higher than their previous pay in the two sectors.He said the detainees were now in the department's Putrajaya lockup.
They were nabbed by the department's "Black Hawk" squad at a construction site in Jalan Kuda Lari, off Jalan Tun Razak, at 2.30am.Immigration Department enforcement director Datuk Ishak Mohamed said the workers were found hiding in the half-completed underground car park of the building under construction, together with about 70 others who were not detained."We believe the workers were cheated by their employers. They were given fake immigration cards. The employers lied to them, saying their visas had been renewed."He said the immigration card contained a picture of the worker, name, occupation and address of workplace.
Checks revealed the men, from Indonesia, Bangladesh and Nepal, had been working at the site for between two and 10 months.Investigations revealed the workers entered the country legally and worked at plantations and factories before they were lured by the contractor.Ishak said the workers were paid between RM1,000 and RM1,200 monthly, but they had to work daily. The salary is slightly higher than their previous pay in the two sectors.He said the detainees were now in the department's Putrajaya lockup.
34 illegal immigrants nabbed in Malacca
MALACCA: More than 1,000 migrant workers were screened by the authorities during a crackdown on illegal immigrants.
State Public Order chief Supt Fauzi Zaman said 34 illegal immigrants were held during the operation at a shopping complex next to the former bus station at Jalan Tun Ali, which is a favourite haunt for migrant workers.
The joint operation under Ops Sepadu began at 2pm with officers gathering workers from Hang Tuah Mall, Ocean Shopping Mall and the surrounding areas for screening, he told reporters at a press conference yesterday.
From the 1,038 migrant workers screened, 15 Indonesians, nine Bangladeshis, seven Nepalese and three Myanmars were detained for various offences under immigration laws.
He said the aim of the operation was to ensure the city remained free of illegal immigrants, especially in areas located within the city’s tourist belt.
A total of 112 officers from the Immigration Department, National Registration Department, police and Rela took part in the five-hour operation.
State Public Order chief Supt Fauzi Zaman said 34 illegal immigrants were held during the operation at a shopping complex next to the former bus station at Jalan Tun Ali, which is a favourite haunt for migrant workers.
The joint operation under Ops Sepadu began at 2pm with officers gathering workers from Hang Tuah Mall, Ocean Shopping Mall and the surrounding areas for screening, he told reporters at a press conference yesterday.
From the 1,038 migrant workers screened, 15 Indonesians, nine Bangladeshis, seven Nepalese and three Myanmars were detained for various offences under immigration laws.
He said the aim of the operation was to ensure the city remained free of illegal immigrants, especially in areas located within the city’s tourist belt.
A total of 112 officers from the Immigration Department, National Registration Department, police and Rela took part in the five-hour operation.
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Visas denied for Nepalese World Youth Day pilgrims
Ballarat Courier, Australia - TWENTY-EIGHT Nepalese pilgrims who were to be hosted by Ballarat North families for World Youth Day have had their visa applications denied.
The pilgrims were originally to stay this week for five days in Ballarat before heading to Sydney to participate in World Youth Day activities. The visa applications were refused for a number of reasons, including that the pilgrims did not have sufficient family ties in Nepal.
The Immigration Department maintains that like other visa applications, those attending World Youth Day are required to show that they have incentives to return to their home country, such as employment, assets or family ties. Stacey Aitken of the Ballarat Catholic Diocese said: "We're disappointed that they're not coming."
The pilgrims were originally to stay this week for five days in Ballarat before heading to Sydney to participate in World Youth Day activities. The visa applications were refused for a number of reasons, including that the pilgrims did not have sufficient family ties in Nepal.
The Immigration Department maintains that like other visa applications, those attending World Youth Day are required to show that they have incentives to return to their home country, such as employment, assets or family ties. Stacey Aitken of the Ballarat Catholic Diocese said: "We're disappointed that they're not coming."
Nepali overseas workers double in five years
KATHMANDU, July 21 - In what may be termed an indication of growing unemployment in the country, the number of Nepali youths moving out for overseas jobs has more than doubled over the past five years.
Slim employment opportunities and greater access to labor destinations amid sprouting manpower agencies has contributed to the soaring number of workers leaving for overseas jobs.
The number of Nepalis going for foreign employment has grown at double-digit steadily over this period. In the fiscal year 2007/08, which ended last week, the number of overseas job goers grew by 20 percent, compared to the previous fiscal year. Statistics of Department of Labor shows that a total of 239,637 Nepali job seekers left for different destinations - mostly for blue-collar work - during the year. The number was 199,191 during the fiscal year 2006/07. Only 106,660 workers in total had left for foreign jobs in fiscal year 2003/04. Officials attribute such a remarkable growth of overseas employment to the positive impact of labor pacts signed by Nepal with four recipient countries.
Over the last two years, Nepal has signed Memorandum of Understanding with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Korea, Qatar and Bahrain to ensure greater rights of Nepali workers there.
As a result of labor agreements and change in working environment, the preferences regarding different destinations have also changed over the period. Qatar became the most favored destination for Nepali workers during the last fiscal year receiving 85,411 workers , 47 percent up from the number recorded during a year earlier. Data shows, Malaysia became the second largest country from most preferred destination in the last fiscal year. It received only 50,526 Nepali workers, which was about 28 percent less than the previous fiscal year. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia also witnessed double digit growth in the arrival of Nepali workers. However, more than 93 percent of the total outgoing workers are concentrated on the largest four recipients due to lack of diversification of labor destinations.
"Lack of employment opportunities within the country has drive up the number of Nepali workers seeking overseas jobs even for meager remuneration," Dilli Ram Sharma, director of Department of Labor and Employment Promotion (DoLEP) told the Post. "Increasing personal access to the outer world has also helped in finding overseas jobs in recent years, said Sharma.
Slim employment opportunities and greater access to labor destinations amid sprouting manpower agencies has contributed to the soaring number of workers leaving for overseas jobs.
The number of Nepalis going for foreign employment has grown at double-digit steadily over this period. In the fiscal year 2007/08, which ended last week, the number of overseas job goers grew by 20 percent, compared to the previous fiscal year. Statistics of Department of Labor shows that a total of 239,637 Nepali job seekers left for different destinations - mostly for blue-collar work - during the year. The number was 199,191 during the fiscal year 2006/07. Only 106,660 workers in total had left for foreign jobs in fiscal year 2003/04. Officials attribute such a remarkable growth of overseas employment to the positive impact of labor pacts signed by Nepal with four recipient countries.
Over the last two years, Nepal has signed Memorandum of Understanding with the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Korea, Qatar and Bahrain to ensure greater rights of Nepali workers there.
As a result of labor agreements and change in working environment, the preferences regarding different destinations have also changed over the period. Qatar became the most favored destination for Nepali workers during the last fiscal year receiving 85,411 workers , 47 percent up from the number recorded during a year earlier. Data shows, Malaysia became the second largest country from most preferred destination in the last fiscal year. It received only 50,526 Nepali workers, which was about 28 percent less than the previous fiscal year. The United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia also witnessed double digit growth in the arrival of Nepali workers. However, more than 93 percent of the total outgoing workers are concentrated on the largest four recipients due to lack of diversification of labor destinations.
"Lack of employment opportunities within the country has drive up the number of Nepali workers seeking overseas jobs even for meager remuneration," Dilli Ram Sharma, director of Department of Labor and Employment Promotion (DoLEP) told the Post. "Increasing personal access to the outer world has also helped in finding overseas jobs in recent years, said Sharma.
Manpower company of Nepal submits false documents
QATAR, July 22 - A manpower company, Destination Overseas, produced fraud documents to step up pressure on the Nepali Embassy here to send employees for underpaid work. The company requested the embassy over phone to send Yug Bahadur and Dik Bahadur Shrestha of Yaku-3 of Bhojpur for work in the guise of their father.
The Shrestha brothers along with one Om Prakash Kewat of Nawalparasi are taking refuge at the embassy now after they were paid 550 riyal monthly, which is lower than the labor agreement signed between the two countries. Furthermore, the company filed an application in the name of Yug's wife at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asking to take initiatives to send them for work. It is learnt that the application was fraudulent.
"My wife cannot read and write. But the application bears her signature," Yug Bahadur claimed.
In connection with the application, a Counselor Officer at the ministry, Rajendra Pandey, issued order to the embassy to provide necessary help for the victims.
The victims said that they could not get the job the overseas company had promised in Nepal.
Nepali Ambassador Dr Surya Nath Mishra said the embassy had not signed any labor agreement below 600 riyal since last January. "We have no objection if they want to work," he said, adding, "But the embassy won't sign labor agreement below that amount."
The Shrestha brothers along with one Om Prakash Kewat of Nawalparasi are taking refuge at the embassy now after they were paid 550 riyal monthly, which is lower than the labor agreement signed between the two countries. Furthermore, the company filed an application in the name of Yug's wife at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs asking to take initiatives to send them for work. It is learnt that the application was fraudulent.
"My wife cannot read and write. But the application bears her signature," Yug Bahadur claimed.
In connection with the application, a Counselor Officer at the ministry, Rajendra Pandey, issued order to the embassy to provide necessary help for the victims.
The victims said that they could not get the job the overseas company had promised in Nepal.
Nepali Ambassador Dr Surya Nath Mishra said the embassy had not signed any labor agreement below 600 riyal since last January. "We have no objection if they want to work," he said, adding, "But the embassy won't sign labor agreement below that amount."
Sunday, June 29, 2008
Fake US visa racket busted in Nepal
By Hari Dahal (Kantipur)
KATHMANDU, NEPAL - Nepal Metropolitan Police Crime Division (MPCD) has busted two individuals notorious for their involvement in producing forged American visas and duping people. Police said the two had duped a significant number of people with forged American visas, fake job offers and illegal documents. They were running a big racket under the name of Channel Educational Foundation in the capital. Acting on an initial tip-off by the American embassy, a team from MPCD arrested Shankar Dahal, 34, a permanent resident of Dharan, Sunsari and his Philipino wife Kristina Patrinio, 22, on the charge of forgery and embezzlement.
Police investigations showed that the two had returned from Dubai a year ago and started running the racket.Police said they were arrested after the US embassy expressed particular concern and shared information about the big racket taking place in the capital. Selling people American dreams with pledges of attractive jobs in the US the two had conned under-graduate students and other semi-skilled people with counterfeits of American visas and other essential documents. Superintendent of Police Devendra Subedi said they targeted and victimized college-level students and people who were desperate to go abroad. Our preliminary investigation showed that they had already victimized at least seven persons and they were in contact with another 40,” SP subedi said, adding that a detail investigation report going beyond the racket is still awaited as some of those involved are on the run.Police said Bhola Dahal, who had been working as a public relations officer at the illegal educational center, Bikash Thapa and Bhola Raut are also on the run.
Earlier on April 15, Dahal was arrested by police on the charge of kidnapping and freed on bail. They used to tell their victims that the visas were issued by the American embassy in Nepal. “Their victims were so confident they would land in the US with the forged documents that they hesitated to contact police,” SP Subedi said. Channel Education Foundation operated out of Lazimpat, put out advertisements in newspapers and used to take over Rs 0.7 million per person for documentation.After learning about the police investigation, they closed down and then re-opened as another office, named Horizon, at Tangal in Bhatbhateni, police said. They are in police custody at Hanumandhoka.
KATHMANDU, NEPAL - Nepal Metropolitan Police Crime Division (MPCD) has busted two individuals notorious for their involvement in producing forged American visas and duping people. Police said the two had duped a significant number of people with forged American visas, fake job offers and illegal documents. They were running a big racket under the name of Channel Educational Foundation in the capital. Acting on an initial tip-off by the American embassy, a team from MPCD arrested Shankar Dahal, 34, a permanent resident of Dharan, Sunsari and his Philipino wife Kristina Patrinio, 22, on the charge of forgery and embezzlement.
Police investigations showed that the two had returned from Dubai a year ago and started running the racket.Police said they were arrested after the US embassy expressed particular concern and shared information about the big racket taking place in the capital. Selling people American dreams with pledges of attractive jobs in the US the two had conned under-graduate students and other semi-skilled people with counterfeits of American visas and other essential documents. Superintendent of Police Devendra Subedi said they targeted and victimized college-level students and people who were desperate to go abroad. Our preliminary investigation showed that they had already victimized at least seven persons and they were in contact with another 40,” SP subedi said, adding that a detail investigation report going beyond the racket is still awaited as some of those involved are on the run.Police said Bhola Dahal, who had been working as a public relations officer at the illegal educational center, Bikash Thapa and Bhola Raut are also on the run.
Earlier on April 15, Dahal was arrested by police on the charge of kidnapping and freed on bail. They used to tell their victims that the visas were issued by the American embassy in Nepal. “Their victims were so confident they would land in the US with the forged documents that they hesitated to contact police,” SP Subedi said. Channel Education Foundation operated out of Lazimpat, put out advertisements in newspapers and used to take over Rs 0.7 million per person for documentation.After learning about the police investigation, they closed down and then re-opened as another office, named Horizon, at Tangal in Bhatbhateni, police said. They are in police custody at Hanumandhoka.
More than 3,000 illegal immigrants face UK boot in visa scam
By James Millbank
More than 3,000 illegal immigrants face being deported after cops smashed an £11million visa racket.
The huge scam was exposed when police raided a bogus computer college in west London. The school churned out fake diplomas to help Indians get UK work visas.
Insiders say at least 3,000 people paid more than £3,000 each to join. Cops seized computers, documents and forged visa stamps in the raid in Southall - and later arrested three people. A source said: "It was a massive success." The fake qualifications tricked the Home Office into granting visas under the UK's Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
Whitehall insiders fear the scam had been going on for 18 months - and netted crooks at least £11million. A source said: "Most of the 'students' can hardly speak a word of English and range from the elderly to the very young."
More than 3,000 illegal immigrants face being deported after cops smashed an £11million visa racket.
The huge scam was exposed when police raided a bogus computer college in west London. The school churned out fake diplomas to help Indians get UK work visas.
Insiders say at least 3,000 people paid more than £3,000 each to join. Cops seized computers, documents and forged visa stamps in the raid in Southall - and later arrested three people. A source said: "It was a massive success." The fake qualifications tricked the Home Office into granting visas under the UK's Highly Skilled Migrant Programme.
Whitehall insiders fear the scam had been going on for 18 months - and netted crooks at least £11million. A source said: "Most of the 'students' can hardly speak a word of English and range from the elderly to the very young."
Saturday, June 28, 2008
Couple arrested for issuing fake US visas in Nepal
KATHMANDU, June 28 - Nepalese police on Saturday arrested two persons on charges of running a fake US visa trade. 
The police nabbed Shankar Dahal, a resident of Sunsari district, and his Filipino wife Christina Patiniyo charging them with issuing fake US visas through a consultancy called ‘Channel Education Foundation’ at Lazimpat in the capital.
According to the Metropolitan Crime Division, the couple was arrested following a tip-off from the US embassy in Nepal.
The police recovered various fake documents including fake letter pads, copies of fake visas, contract letters and bills.
The crime division claimed that the company was charging Rs 700,000 for fake visas.
Another three accomplices of Dahal, Bikash Thapa, Bhola Raut and Bhola Dahal , residents of Dharan, are still at large.
The police nabbed Shankar Dahal, a resident of Sunsari district, and his Filipino wife Christina Patiniyo charging them with issuing fake US visas through a consultancy called ‘Channel Education Foundation’ at Lazimpat in the capital.
According to the Metropolitan Crime Division, the couple was arrested following a tip-off from the US embassy in Nepal.
The police recovered various fake documents including fake letter pads, copies of fake visas, contract letters and bills.
The crime division claimed that the company was charging Rs 700,000 for fake visas.
Another three accomplices of Dahal, Bikash Thapa, Bhola Raut and Bhola Dahal , residents of Dharan, are still at large.
British rickshaw adventurers facing Indian jail threat after trek
By Nick Meo
Ten British adventurers are facing the prospect of being locked up as illegal aliens at the end of a 2,800 mile rickshaw journey from Katmandu in Nepal to Madras in southern India.
The ten were taking part in a 15-day trip organised by a Bristol-based company called the Rickshaw Run which promises "adventures on three wheels" for charity fundraisers.
But they got more adventure than they had bargained for after discovering they could not leave India because they did not have an entry stamp in their passports.
Douglas Bell, 26, a publisher from Newcastle, said that at first the group had thought their problem was a bit of a joke but in the last couple of days have become increasingly worried.
Ten British adventurers are facing the prospect of being locked up as illegal aliens at the end of a 2,800 mile rickshaw journey from Katmandu in Nepal to Madras in southern India.
The ten were taking part in a 15-day trip organised by a Bristol-based company called the Rickshaw Run which promises "adventures on three wheels" for charity fundraisers.
But they got more adventure than they had bargained for after discovering they could not leave India because they did not have an entry stamp in their passports.
Douglas Bell, 26, a publisher from Newcastle, said that at first the group had thought their problem was a bit of a joke but in the last couple of days have become increasingly worried.
Jail facing fourth suit on immigration issue
By Tracy M. Neal Staff Writer
BENTONVILLE - A Rogers attorney filed the fourth lawsuit concerning whether the Benton County Jail can incarcerate someone on an immigration hold without showing any authority for the hold.
Ken Swindle filed the suit Wednesday against the Benton County Sheriff's Office in U. S. District Court in Fayetteville on behalf of Maria Vasquez-Laso.
The suit claims Vasquez-Laso was arrested Tuesday on unknown charges. Swindle claims he asked about her arrest and was first told there were no immigration issues and his client was only being held on state charges.
Swindle went to the jail Wednesday and requested any documents related to his client's incarceration. Swindle claims jail officials would not release any documentation.
Swindle claims jail officials are mistaken in their belief that they can hold individuals on immigration holds with no obligation to show their authority to do so.
Swindle claims Vasquez-Laso is being held in the county jail in violation of the U. S. Constitution.
The suit requests that the court order Vasquez-Laso's immediate release.
Swindle has filed three other similar suits. Those suits have been dismissed. Neither Swindle nor jail officials could be reached for comment.
BENTONVILLE - A Rogers attorney filed the fourth lawsuit concerning whether the Benton County Jail can incarcerate someone on an immigration hold without showing any authority for the hold.
Ken Swindle filed the suit Wednesday against the Benton County Sheriff's Office in U. S. District Court in Fayetteville on behalf of Maria Vasquez-Laso.
The suit claims Vasquez-Laso was arrested Tuesday on unknown charges. Swindle claims he asked about her arrest and was first told there were no immigration issues and his client was only being held on state charges.
Swindle went to the jail Wednesday and requested any documents related to his client's incarceration. Swindle claims jail officials would not release any documentation.
Swindle claims jail officials are mistaken in their belief that they can hold individuals on immigration holds with no obligation to show their authority to do so.
Swindle claims Vasquez-Laso is being held in the county jail in violation of the U. S. Constitution.
The suit requests that the court order Vasquez-Laso's immediate release.
Swindle has filed three other similar suits. Those suits have been dismissed. Neither Swindle nor jail officials could be reached for comment.
Conference will address needs of Nepali women
By ADAM SMITH
Bidya RanjeetWhile the population of Nepali women in the United States is tiny, they still face many challenges such as domestic abuse, according to Bidya Ranjeet, the president of the Nepali Women's Global Network.
That's why the group is hosting a day-long conference on August 9 at the University of Connecticut in Storrs to advocate for Nepali women living in the United States and in Nepal.
"It's similar issues that all women face," said Ranjeet, "issues of domestic violence [and] discrimination in the work place."
But, she said, the problem is exacerbated because Nepali traditions prevent many women from speaking up.
"In short, we are socialized not to talk about our personal issues," said Ranjeet, who came to the United States over two decades ago to study higher education at the University of Connecticut.
She said that family pressures keep some women in abusive relationships because it’s taboo to get divorced.
"Some people are not willing to leave their spouses, even though they are able to — because it's like, 'What are people going to say?' Even their parents are not willing to see them separated because in their culture it's not what is good for you, it's ‘what will people say?’" she said. "So, they kind of accept it and live in that situation. I had one case where it took a long time for this woman to finally get a divorce. She's doing very well now, but she almost died. She couldn't move her eyes because of how much he beat her."
The details of the conference are still being finalized, said Ranjeet, but she expects more than 100 advocates of the Nepali community, researchers and academics to attend the day-long event. She expects the cost of the conference, which will include dinner and lunch, to be $50 per ticket.
"We're trying to open up a dialogue on issues pertaining to women," she said. "We want to increase access to resources for women."
Estimates put the number of Nepali-immigrants in America at around 12,000, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.
The Nepali Global Women's Network aims to help both women who have immigrated to the United States and those in Nepal. It offers several scholarship programs for women, including three annual scholarships worth $300 each for nurses in Nepal. The nonprofit also offers scholarships for Nepali women to study in the United States and essay-writing awards.
Ranjeet, who directs student support services at UConn's Center for Academic Programs, was previously a teacher in Katmandu, where she also founded a grade school. She said her interest in helping Nepali women stems from her upbringing — her mother was a nurse and her father a politician.
"I grew up in an environment fighting for equality," she said.
Bidya RanjeetWhile the population of Nepali women in the United States is tiny, they still face many challenges such as domestic abuse, according to Bidya Ranjeet, the president of the Nepali Women's Global Network.
That's why the group is hosting a day-long conference on August 9 at the University of Connecticut in Storrs to advocate for Nepali women living in the United States and in Nepal.
"It's similar issues that all women face," said Ranjeet, "issues of domestic violence [and] discrimination in the work place."
But, she said, the problem is exacerbated because Nepali traditions prevent many women from speaking up.
"In short, we are socialized not to talk about our personal issues," said Ranjeet, who came to the United States over two decades ago to study higher education at the University of Connecticut.
She said that family pressures keep some women in abusive relationships because it’s taboo to get divorced.
"Some people are not willing to leave their spouses, even though they are able to — because it's like, 'What are people going to say?' Even their parents are not willing to see them separated because in their culture it's not what is good for you, it's ‘what will people say?’" she said. "So, they kind of accept it and live in that situation. I had one case where it took a long time for this woman to finally get a divorce. She's doing very well now, but she almost died. She couldn't move her eyes because of how much he beat her."
The details of the conference are still being finalized, said Ranjeet, but she expects more than 100 advocates of the Nepali community, researchers and academics to attend the day-long event. She expects the cost of the conference, which will include dinner and lunch, to be $50 per ticket.
"We're trying to open up a dialogue on issues pertaining to women," she said. "We want to increase access to resources for women."
Estimates put the number of Nepali-immigrants in America at around 12,000, according to the 2000 U.S. Census.
The Nepali Global Women's Network aims to help both women who have immigrated to the United States and those in Nepal. It offers several scholarship programs for women, including three annual scholarships worth $300 each for nurses in Nepal. The nonprofit also offers scholarships for Nepali women to study in the United States and essay-writing awards.
Ranjeet, who directs student support services at UConn's Center for Academic Programs, was previously a teacher in Katmandu, where she also founded a grade school. She said her interest in helping Nepali women stems from her upbringing — her mother was a nurse and her father a politician.
"I grew up in an environment fighting for equality," she said.
Six catering workers seized in raid
By Ryan Crighton
A raid by immigration officials found that six workers at an Aberdeen restaurant were illegal immigrants.
Officers from the UK Border Agency and Grampian Police raided the Oriental Palace in Great Northern Road at 8pm on Tuesday.
After checking the documents of staff, they found that five men and one woman, all from China, were not permitted to be in the country.
They were all arrested for immigration offences, and steps are now being taken to remove them from the UK.
However, officials are having difficulty tracking down the owners of the restaurant, who could now face a fine of £60,000 — £10,000 for each illegal worker employed.
Phil Taylor, regional director of the UK Border Agency in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “The UK Border Agency is carrying out operations like this one in Aberdeen throughout Scotland every week.
“We are determined to deal with that threat of immigration-related crime, and we will step in and identify those employers who are breaking immigration laws and remove those people who do not have the right to be in the UK.”
Staff at the restaurant said last night it would be closed for “a few days”, but did not comment any further.
The raid follows a similar operation last month when restaurants and takeaways in Bridge Street, Belmont Street and Market Street were targeted.
As a result, six men were arrested for offences against immigration legislation, including Nepalese, Bangladeshi and Indian citizens.
An Australian-style points-based system for managing migration has recently been introduced in Britain, ensuring that only those with the skills the UK needs are allowed to work.
On-the-spot fines of up to £10,000 per illegal employee have also been introduced for employers who don’t make the correct right-to-work checks, and those businesses hit with fines will be named on the UK Border Agency’s website.
Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business anywhere in Scotland should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
A raid by immigration officials found that six workers at an Aberdeen restaurant were illegal immigrants.
Officers from the UK Border Agency and Grampian Police raided the Oriental Palace in Great Northern Road at 8pm on Tuesday.
After checking the documents of staff, they found that five men and one woman, all from China, were not permitted to be in the country.
They were all arrested for immigration offences, and steps are now being taken to remove them from the UK.
However, officials are having difficulty tracking down the owners of the restaurant, who could now face a fine of £60,000 — £10,000 for each illegal worker employed.
Phil Taylor, regional director of the UK Border Agency in Scotland and Northern Ireland, said: “The UK Border Agency is carrying out operations like this one in Aberdeen throughout Scotland every week.
“We are determined to deal with that threat of immigration-related crime, and we will step in and identify those employers who are breaking immigration laws and remove those people who do not have the right to be in the UK.”
Staff at the restaurant said last night it would be closed for “a few days”, but did not comment any further.
The raid follows a similar operation last month when restaurants and takeaways in Bridge Street, Belmont Street and Market Street were targeted.
As a result, six men were arrested for offences against immigration legislation, including Nepalese, Bangladeshi and Indian citizens.
An Australian-style points-based system for managing migration has recently been introduced in Britain, ensuring that only those with the skills the UK needs are allowed to work.
On-the-spot fines of up to £10,000 per illegal employee have also been introduced for employers who don’t make the correct right-to-work checks, and those businesses hit with fines will be named on the UK Border Agency’s website.
Anyone who suspects that illegal workers are being employed at a business anywhere in Scotland should contact Crimestoppers on 0800 555111.
Praising Gurkhas is not enough
By Harry Phibbs
Everybody loves the Gurkhas. The Lib Dems, the Daily Mail. Price Harry has paid tribute to their bravery and skill currently being shown fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Grassroots campaigners across Britain speak up in appreciation. This is no surprise. The tradition service to the crown from the Gurkhas is long – for the last couple of centuries Britain's military strength has been enhanced by recruiting forces from a Gorkha district of Nepal. The Gorkha district, and its inhabitants the Gorkhas – or Gurkhas as we call them – has prompted much admiration from the British. Gurkhas have served alongside British troops since 1815 – winning 26 Victoria Crosses. Not that things were always sweetness and light. In the Gurkha war from 1814-1816 they fought against the British East India Company and, having failed to defeat them, the British reached an accomodation with them.
But there is a disconnection between the sentiment of goodwill for them and a willingness to treat them decently. Gurkhas who left the army before 1997 are not allowed to stay in the UK. Recently the Labour MP Robert Wareing tabled an early day motion declaring: "This House recognises the valour and excellent service provided by Gurkha troops operating alongside British forces in military conflicts throughout the 20th century and since; and believes that on retirement they should be granted full British citizenship should they wish it." Yesterday, Nick Clegg raised the issue with the prime minister. The rule that Gurkhas who left service before 1997 are not eligible for British citizenship, with its entitlement to live in the UK, is because that was the date of the handover of Hong Kong to China – since then the regiment has been based in Britain while before that it was based in Hong Kong.
It is difficult to make sense of the decision in terms of immigration. Labour MP Kate Hoey has pointed to the fact that around 2,000 immigrants every day are given National Insurance numbers, which allow them to live and work in the UK. Yet it is estimated that only between 7,000 and 10,000 more Gurkha veterans would settle in Britain if the laws change. The total number eligible to live here if the rules were changed would be 43,000, but it is predicted that most would choose to remain in Nepal.
There is a much wider argument about whether or not there is too much immigration to this country. One argument for tighter control is that immigration is a burden on public resources. There is little likelihood that the Gurkhas would be. It is much more likely that with their spirit of enterprise and hard work they would be an economic boon.
In 2004 the then home secretary David Blunkett said: "We have put together the best package to enable discharged Gurkhas to apply for settlement and citizenship. I hope this decision makes our gratitude clear." No doubt his spin-doctors felt they were being very clever using the term "discharged" to disguise their betrayal.
The Gurkhas have saved a lot of British and reassure fighting two world wars and many other beside. Apart from giving them the right to live in the country they have fought for, the government should make another gesture. The should reintroduce the Royal Tournament, which last took place in 1999 and offered such a magnificent reminder of the contribution the Gurkhas have made and still make.
Everybody loves the Gurkhas. The Lib Dems, the Daily Mail. Price Harry has paid tribute to their bravery and skill currently being shown fighting against the Taliban in Afghanistan. Grassroots campaigners across Britain speak up in appreciation. This is no surprise. The tradition service to the crown from the Gurkhas is long – for the last couple of centuries Britain's military strength has been enhanced by recruiting forces from a Gorkha district of Nepal. The Gorkha district, and its inhabitants the Gorkhas – or Gurkhas as we call them – has prompted much admiration from the British. Gurkhas have served alongside British troops since 1815 – winning 26 Victoria Crosses. Not that things were always sweetness and light. In the Gurkha war from 1814-1816 they fought against the British East India Company and, having failed to defeat them, the British reached an accomodation with them.
But there is a disconnection between the sentiment of goodwill for them and a willingness to treat them decently. Gurkhas who left the army before 1997 are not allowed to stay in the UK. Recently the Labour MP Robert Wareing tabled an early day motion declaring: "This House recognises the valour and excellent service provided by Gurkha troops operating alongside British forces in military conflicts throughout the 20th century and since; and believes that on retirement they should be granted full British citizenship should they wish it." Yesterday, Nick Clegg raised the issue with the prime minister. The rule that Gurkhas who left service before 1997 are not eligible for British citizenship, with its entitlement to live in the UK, is because that was the date of the handover of Hong Kong to China – since then the regiment has been based in Britain while before that it was based in Hong Kong.
It is difficult to make sense of the decision in terms of immigration. Labour MP Kate Hoey has pointed to the fact that around 2,000 immigrants every day are given National Insurance numbers, which allow them to live and work in the UK. Yet it is estimated that only between 7,000 and 10,000 more Gurkha veterans would settle in Britain if the laws change. The total number eligible to live here if the rules were changed would be 43,000, but it is predicted that most would choose to remain in Nepal.
There is a much wider argument about whether or not there is too much immigration to this country. One argument for tighter control is that immigration is a burden on public resources. There is little likelihood that the Gurkhas would be. It is much more likely that with their spirit of enterprise and hard work they would be an economic boon.
In 2004 the then home secretary David Blunkett said: "We have put together the best package to enable discharged Gurkhas to apply for settlement and citizenship. I hope this decision makes our gratitude clear." No doubt his spin-doctors felt they were being very clever using the term "discharged" to disguise their betrayal.
The Gurkhas have saved a lot of British and reassure fighting two world wars and many other beside. Apart from giving them the right to live in the country they have fought for, the government should make another gesture. The should reintroduce the Royal Tournament, which last took place in 1999 and offered such a magnificent reminder of the contribution the Gurkhas have made and still make.
Nepal’s Generosity To Refugees
Hira Bahadur Thapa
Although the Government of Nepal has not yet acceded to the 1951 UN Convention on Status of Refugees and its subsequent Protocol, it has been quite generous to the refugees from whichever country they are from. There are glaring examples to prove Nepal’s generous behaviour meted out to the refugees. The simple reason why Nepal treats the refugees so kindly is nothing but purely humanitarian. It knows that there is no legal obligation on its part to provide humanitarian care like food and shelter to refugees as it is not a party to the refugees-related international convention. Its position on the current convention on refugees is not a factor deciding the type of treatment the refugees should be given. This is why we have hosted not only refugees from China who entered Nepal a long time ago but also Bhutanese refugees who have been sheltered since the early Nineties after being expelled from Bhutan.
Protracted negotiation
No other negotiations have been more protracted than that of the Bhutanese refugees who were compelled to leave their homeland by their government. About 100,000 of them have been in Nepal since 1991. The host government’s tireless efforts to repatriate them to their place of origin have borne no fruit. In the course of the last almost 18 years, Nepal has been engaged with all sincerity in finding a negotiated and durable solution to the vexed issue of the refugees from Bhutan. Unless there is reciprocal flexibility from the other side, it is near impossible to bring about an acceptable solution to the problem of refugees. While Nepal could have prevented the inflow of the Bhutanese refugees once they started to cross into our territory, the then government decided to let them enter only on the grounds of humanitarian concerns.
The reluctance of the country of origin of the Bhutanese refugees to be serious in taking their citizens back was clearly visible in the approach of the concerned government to the many rounds of negotiations held so far. There were as many as 15 rounds of ministerial level negotiations between Nepal and Bhutan. At each stage of the negotiations, the Bhutanese side hardly presented a flexible position, which very much obstructed the progress, especially in the repatriation of the refugees. As talks seemed no where to a satisfactory conclusion, members of the international community floated the idea of resettlement of the Bhutanese refugees in some of the western countries, including Australia. This option of third country resettlement is undoubtedly less than a comprehensive solution to the refugee problem. The most durable solution of the problem lies in the repatriation of the refugees to their own country.
The growing frustration among the Bhutanese refugees for having been forced to stay in the country of asylum for long years and not seeing any rays of hope to go back to their motherland must have led them to voluntarily accept the option of third country settlement. The host government is too heavily burdened with the sheltering of now more than 100,000 Bhutanese refugees. They have been staying in camps in eastern Nepal for more than a decade-and-a-half. Under such unavoidable circumstances, the Nepal government, once approached by all the members of the donor community for giving consent to the solution of the refugee problem through third country settlement, gave its nod in view of the welfare of the refugees.
Nepal has accepted this temporary solution not because it does not believe in repatriation as the only comprehensive resolution of the refugee problem. It has on the other hand agreed to the call of the international community and of those bilateral donors, in particular, with the conviction that resettlement may ease the burden on Nepal while the refugees also have a better quality of life if settled outside the country of asylum. The key point here is the voluntary decision of the refugees themselves to seek a better future in the developed countries of the west which are willing to get them resettled.
The United States of America has agreed to take the highest number of Bhutanese refugees. There are other countries like Norway, Denmark and Australia showing willingness to accept the Bhutanese refugees in their territories. The US has declared it will resettle as many as 60,000 of the Bhutanese refugees in the country. The process of resettlement has begun, and so far a few hundred refugees have already left the refugee camps for the US. Some other countries are also preparing to take them. The US government is to complete the resettlement of 60,000 refugees in the next five years.
The option of third country resettlement can never be a durable solution to the complex problem of refugees. Despite this, the Nepal government, as a host, did not object to this with the understanding that members of the international community will continue exerting due pressure on the Bhutanese government to agree to take back its citizens.
The refugees in volunteering to go to a third country for resettlement in no way forfeit their right to repatriation. Nothing bars them from being repatriated to their country of origin even when they have been resettled. It behooves on the part of the countries resettling the refugees to impress upon the country of origin that it should not in any way get encouraged to force its citizens to flee their own country. To ensure this, the country that expelled its countrymen must be made to follow repatriation.
Urban refugees
What concerns a country like Nepal at the moment is that the government’s generosity to the refugees is being misused by some. One of the irrevocable evidences of this is the undesirable tendency on the part of some foreigners to use Nepal’s territory as a jumping ground to seek third country resettlement in the west. It is believed that there are some foreign nationals trying to be listed as urban refugees in Nepal who seem to take advantage of the liberal immigration policy of the government. There is no denying the fact that the concept of so-called urban refugees is completely unacceptable to the government of Nepal.
Certainly in the name of giving humanitarian consideration to the plight of genuine refugees, Nepal cannot afford to turn a deaf ear to such a problem. Against this background, the government should also be serious enough in dealing with the refugees who try to misuse their shelter by participating in political demonstrations, which unfortunately has attracted the attention of the western press.
Although the Government of Nepal has not yet acceded to the 1951 UN Convention on Status of Refugees and its subsequent Protocol, it has been quite generous to the refugees from whichever country they are from. There are glaring examples to prove Nepal’s generous behaviour meted out to the refugees. The simple reason why Nepal treats the refugees so kindly is nothing but purely humanitarian. It knows that there is no legal obligation on its part to provide humanitarian care like food and shelter to refugees as it is not a party to the refugees-related international convention. Its position on the current convention on refugees is not a factor deciding the type of treatment the refugees should be given. This is why we have hosted not only refugees from China who entered Nepal a long time ago but also Bhutanese refugees who have been sheltered since the early Nineties after being expelled from Bhutan.
Protracted negotiation
No other negotiations have been more protracted than that of the Bhutanese refugees who were compelled to leave their homeland by their government. About 100,000 of them have been in Nepal since 1991. The host government’s tireless efforts to repatriate them to their place of origin have borne no fruit. In the course of the last almost 18 years, Nepal has been engaged with all sincerity in finding a negotiated and durable solution to the vexed issue of the refugees from Bhutan. Unless there is reciprocal flexibility from the other side, it is near impossible to bring about an acceptable solution to the problem of refugees. While Nepal could have prevented the inflow of the Bhutanese refugees once they started to cross into our territory, the then government decided to let them enter only on the grounds of humanitarian concerns.
The reluctance of the country of origin of the Bhutanese refugees to be serious in taking their citizens back was clearly visible in the approach of the concerned government to the many rounds of negotiations held so far. There were as many as 15 rounds of ministerial level negotiations between Nepal and Bhutan. At each stage of the negotiations, the Bhutanese side hardly presented a flexible position, which very much obstructed the progress, especially in the repatriation of the refugees. As talks seemed no where to a satisfactory conclusion, members of the international community floated the idea of resettlement of the Bhutanese refugees in some of the western countries, including Australia. This option of third country resettlement is undoubtedly less than a comprehensive solution to the refugee problem. The most durable solution of the problem lies in the repatriation of the refugees to their own country.
The growing frustration among the Bhutanese refugees for having been forced to stay in the country of asylum for long years and not seeing any rays of hope to go back to their motherland must have led them to voluntarily accept the option of third country settlement. The host government is too heavily burdened with the sheltering of now more than 100,000 Bhutanese refugees. They have been staying in camps in eastern Nepal for more than a decade-and-a-half. Under such unavoidable circumstances, the Nepal government, once approached by all the members of the donor community for giving consent to the solution of the refugee problem through third country settlement, gave its nod in view of the welfare of the refugees.
Nepal has accepted this temporary solution not because it does not believe in repatriation as the only comprehensive resolution of the refugee problem. It has on the other hand agreed to the call of the international community and of those bilateral donors, in particular, with the conviction that resettlement may ease the burden on Nepal while the refugees also have a better quality of life if settled outside the country of asylum. The key point here is the voluntary decision of the refugees themselves to seek a better future in the developed countries of the west which are willing to get them resettled.
The United States of America has agreed to take the highest number of Bhutanese refugees. There are other countries like Norway, Denmark and Australia showing willingness to accept the Bhutanese refugees in their territories. The US has declared it will resettle as many as 60,000 of the Bhutanese refugees in the country. The process of resettlement has begun, and so far a few hundred refugees have already left the refugee camps for the US. Some other countries are also preparing to take them. The US government is to complete the resettlement of 60,000 refugees in the next five years.
The option of third country resettlement can never be a durable solution to the complex problem of refugees. Despite this, the Nepal government, as a host, did not object to this with the understanding that members of the international community will continue exerting due pressure on the Bhutanese government to agree to take back its citizens.
The refugees in volunteering to go to a third country for resettlement in no way forfeit their right to repatriation. Nothing bars them from being repatriated to their country of origin even when they have been resettled. It behooves on the part of the countries resettling the refugees to impress upon the country of origin that it should not in any way get encouraged to force its citizens to flee their own country. To ensure this, the country that expelled its countrymen must be made to follow repatriation.
Urban refugees
What concerns a country like Nepal at the moment is that the government’s generosity to the refugees is being misused by some. One of the irrevocable evidences of this is the undesirable tendency on the part of some foreigners to use Nepal’s territory as a jumping ground to seek third country resettlement in the west. It is believed that there are some foreign nationals trying to be listed as urban refugees in Nepal who seem to take advantage of the liberal immigration policy of the government. There is no denying the fact that the concept of so-called urban refugees is completely unacceptable to the government of Nepal.
Certainly in the name of giving humanitarian consideration to the plight of genuine refugees, Nepal cannot afford to turn a deaf ear to such a problem. Against this background, the government should also be serious enough in dealing with the refugees who try to misuse their shelter by participating in political demonstrations, which unfortunately has attracted the attention of the western press.
Member States of the United Nations
Member States of the United Nations
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Côte d'Ivoire
Cuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Gabon
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Maldives
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Micronesia
Moldova
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
Northern Marianas
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Qatar
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
São Tomé e Príncipe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia and Montenegro
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
The Bahamas
The Gambia
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Yemen
Yugoslavia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Afghanistan
Albania
Algeria
Angola
Antigua and Barbuda
Armenia
Azerbaijan
Bahrain
Bangladesh
Barbados
Belarus
Belize
Benin
Bhutan
Bosnia and Herzegovina
Botswana
Burkina Faso
Burundi
Cambodia
Cameroon
Cape Verde
Central African Republic
Chad
China
Colombia
Comoros
Congo
Côte d'Ivoire
Cuba
Democratic Republic of the Congo
Djibouti
Dominica
Dominican Republic
East Timor
Ecuador
Egypt
Equatorial Guinea
Eritrea
Ethiopia
Fiji
Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia
Gabon
Georgia
Ghana
Grenada
Guinea
Guinea-Bissau
Guyana
Haiti
India
Indonesia
Iran
Iraq
Jamaica
Jordan
Kazakhstan
Kenya
Kiribati
Kuwait
Kyrgyzstan
Laos
Lebanon
Lesotho
Liberia
Libya
Madagascar
Malawi
Maldives
Mali
Marshall Islands
Mauritania
Mauritius
Micronesia
Moldova
Mongolia
Morocco
Mozambique
Myanmar
Namibia
Nauru
Nepal
Niger
Nigeria
North Korea
Northern Marianas
Oman
Pakistan
Palau
Papua New Guinea
Peru
Philippines
Qatar
Russia
Rwanda
Saint Kitts and Nevis
Saint Lucia
Saint Vincent and the Grenadines
Samoa
São Tomé e Príncipe
Saudi Arabia
Senegal
Serbia and Montenegro
Seychelles
Sierra Leone
Solomon Islands
Somalia
South Africa
Sri Lanka
Sudan
Suriname
Swaziland
Syria
Tajikistan
Tanzania
Thailand
The Bahamas
The Gambia
Togo
Tonga
Trinidad and Tobago
Tunisia
Turkey
Turkmenistan
Tuvalu
Uganda
Ukraine
United Arab Emirates
Uzbekistan
Vanuatu
Vietnam
Yemen
Yugoslavia
Zambia
Zimbabwe
Which countries do I need a visa for?
Here is a guide of visa requirements for UK passport holders. Please note that visa restrictions change regularly so it is extremely important that you check with your travel agent or preferably direct with the embassy.
Country
Visa required?
Validity of visa / tourist card
Flights Hotels
Afghanistan
Entry prohibited for UK passport holders
Flights Hotels
Argentina
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Australia
Visa required (3 Months to 1 year) Buy online
Flights Hotels
Bangladesh
Visa obtained on arrival for up to a 90 days
Flights Hotels
Barbados
-
Up to 6 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Belize
-
Up to 6 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Bhutan
Pre-arranged travel itinerary compulsory
Flights Hotels
Bolivia
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Botswana
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Brazil
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Brunei
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Cambodia
-
On arrival 1 month $US20, 3 months $US30
Flights Hotels
Canada
-
Up to 6 months - decided on arrival.
Flights Hotels
Chile
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
China
Must enter within 3 mths of obtaining visa
Flights Hotels
Colombia
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Cook Islands
-
Up to 31 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Costa Rica
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Cuba
Tourist card obtained prior to departure
Flights Hotels
Dominican Rep.
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Ecuador
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Egypt
Or 7 day visa can be obtained on arrival
Flights Hotels
El Salvador
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Fiji
-
Up to 4 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Greece
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Guatemala
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Honduras
-
Up to 30 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Hong Kong
-
Up to 6 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
India
Up to 4 months, multiple entry possible
Flights Hotels
Indonesia
-
Up to 30 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Jamaica
-
Up to 6 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Japan
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Kenya
-
Can be obtained on arrival
Flights Hotels
Korea
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Laos
15 day visa can be obtained on arrival
Flights Hotels
Madagascar
90 day visa can be obtained on arrival
Flights Hotels
Malawi
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Malaysia
-
Up to 2 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Maldives
30 day visa can be issued on arrival
Flights Hotels
Mexico
-
Up to 180 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Mongolia
Pre arranged travel itinerary compulsory
Flights Hotels
Morocco
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Myanmar
Pre arranged travel itinerary compulsory
Flights Hotels
Namibia
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Nepal
Obtained on arrival, 30 days $30.
Flights Hotels
New Zealand
-
Up to 6 months without a visa. If working, a 1 year working visa is required. Buy visa online
Flights Hotels
Paraguay
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Peru
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Philippines
-
Up to 59 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Tahiti
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Qatar
Sponsor required
Flights Hotels
Russia
Pre arranged travel itinerary compulsory
Flights Hotels
Western Samoa
-
Up to 30 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Singapore
-
Up to 14 days without visa (extendable)
Flights Hotels
South Africa
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Sri Lanka
30 day visa available on arrival
Flights Hotels
Surinam
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Taiwan
15 and 30 day visas available on arrival
Flights Hotels
Tanzania
-
Can be obtained on arrival
Flights Hotels
Thailand
-
Up to 30 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Tonga
-
Up to 30 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Uganda
Single / multiple entry obtainable on arrival
Flights Hotels
U.A.E
-
Up to 60 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Uruguay
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
U.S.A
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Venezuela
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Vietnam
Passport photo also required on arrival
Flights Hotels
Zambia
Or arranged on arrival with 3 photos
Flights Hotels
Zimbabwe
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
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Do you need a Visa?
Several factors determine whether a visa is waived:
the nationality of the foreign national;
the holding of a residence document in France or another country adhering to the Schengen Agreement;
the length of stay; and which part of the territory of the French Republic the foreign national is to visit.As far as visas are concerned, legislation divides the territory of the French Republic into the following three sections, where different regulations apply:
the European territory of France, which is part of the Schengen area; the territory of Overseas Departments (Réunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana); Overseas territorial communities: French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Mayotte, French Southern and Antarctic Territories.
1. The European territory of France
The European territory of France is part of the Schengen area. The Schengen area includes the territory of the following European Union countries and associated countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
1.1. Short stays (under 90 days in the Schengen area)
A short stay is a stay in the Schengen area under 90 days or multiple stays totalling less than 90 days in a period of six months.
For short stays, European regulations determine the list of countries from which citizens are not required to have a visa to enter the Schengen area.
A visa is waived for:
citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela; holders of passports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Special Administrative Region of Macao of the People’s Republic of China; holders of a valid residence document in France; holders of a residence document issued by a country which adheres to the Schengen Agreement; holders of a travel document issued by a country which adheres to the Schengen Agreement.
1.2. Long stays (over 90 days in France)
Citizens of the following countries are not required to have a long-stay visa: Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.
2. Overseas Departments (DOM) Réunion French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique (the three French Departments of the Americas)
2.1. Short stays
A short stay is a stay under 90 days in an Overseas Department.
A visa is waived for:
citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela; holders of passports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; holders of a valid residence document in France.
2.1. Long stays
Citizens of the following countries are not required to have a long-stay visa: Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.
3. Other territories of the French Republic located overseasThey include:
French Polynesia New Caledonia Wallis and Futuna Saint Pierre and Miquelon Mayotte French Southern and Antarctic Territories
3.1. Short stays
A short stay is a stay under 90 days.
A visa is waived for the citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Bolivie, Brunei, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay.
3.2. Long stays
Citizens of the following countries are not required to have a long-stay visa: Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.
Visa nationals are those who require a visa for every entry to the UK, though some may be able to “Transit Without Visa”. Those who require visas for transit as well are listed below under Direct Airside transit. Read our Transit (INF 20) guidance for more information.
Afghanistan
Gambia
Nigeria
Albania
Georgia
Oman
Algeria
Ghana
Pakistan
Angola
Guinea
Peru
Armenia
Guinea Bissau
Palestinian Authority
Azerbaijan
Guyana
Philippines
Bahrain
Haiti
Qatar
Bangladesh
India
Russia
Belarus
Indonesia
Rwanda
Benin
Iran
Sao Tome & Principe
Bhutan
Iraq
Saudi Arabia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Ivory Coast
Senegal
Burkina Faso
Jamaica
Serbia
Burma (Myanmar)
Jordan
Sierra Leone
Burundi
Kazakhstan
Somalia
Cambodia
Kenya
Sri Lanka
Cameroon
Korea (Dem. People's Rep)
Sudan
Cape Verde
Kosovo
Surinam
Central African Republic
Kuwait
Syria
Chad
Kyrgyzstan
Taiwan
China, People's Rep.of
Laos
Tajikistan
Colombia
Lebanon
Tanzania
Comoros
Liberia
Thailand
Congo, Democratic Republic of
Libya
Togo
Congo, Republic of
Macedonia
Tunisia
Cuba
Madagascar
Turkey
Cyprus, northern part of
Malawi
Turkmenistan
Djibouti
Mali
Uganda
Dominican Republic
Mauritania
Ukraine
Ecuador
Moldova
United Arab Emirates
Egypt
Mongolia
Uzbekistan
Equatorial Guinea
Montenegro
Vatican City (service & emergency passports only)
Eritrea
Morocco
Vietnam
Ethiopia
Mozambique
Yemen
Fiji
Nepal
Zambia
Gabon
Niger
Zimbabwe
Country
Visa required?
Validity of visa / tourist card
Flights Hotels
Afghanistan
Entry prohibited for UK passport holders
Flights Hotels
Argentina
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Australia
Visa required (3 Months to 1 year) Buy online
Flights Hotels
Bangladesh
Visa obtained on arrival for up to a 90 days
Flights Hotels
Barbados
-
Up to 6 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Belize
-
Up to 6 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Bhutan
Pre-arranged travel itinerary compulsory
Flights Hotels
Bolivia
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Botswana
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Brazil
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Brunei
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Cambodia
-
On arrival 1 month $US20, 3 months $US30
Flights Hotels
Canada
-
Up to 6 months - decided on arrival.
Flights Hotels
Chile
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
China
Must enter within 3 mths of obtaining visa
Flights Hotels
Colombia
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Cook Islands
-
Up to 31 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Costa Rica
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Cuba
Tourist card obtained prior to departure
Flights Hotels
Dominican Rep.
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Ecuador
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Egypt
Or 7 day visa can be obtained on arrival
Flights Hotels
El Salvador
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Fiji
-
Up to 4 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Greece
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Guatemala
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Honduras
-
Up to 30 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Hong Kong
-
Up to 6 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
India
Up to 4 months, multiple entry possible
Flights Hotels
Indonesia
-
Up to 30 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Jamaica
-
Up to 6 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Japan
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Kenya
-
Can be obtained on arrival
Flights Hotels
Korea
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Laos
15 day visa can be obtained on arrival
Flights Hotels
Madagascar
90 day visa can be obtained on arrival
Flights Hotels
Malawi
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Malaysia
-
Up to 2 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Maldives
30 day visa can be issued on arrival
Flights Hotels
Mexico
-
Up to 180 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Mongolia
Pre arranged travel itinerary compulsory
Flights Hotels
Morocco
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Myanmar
Pre arranged travel itinerary compulsory
Flights Hotels
Namibia
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Nepal
Obtained on arrival, 30 days $30.
Flights Hotels
New Zealand
-
Up to 6 months without a visa. If working, a 1 year working visa is required. Buy visa online
Flights Hotels
Paraguay
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Peru
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Philippines
-
Up to 59 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Tahiti
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
Qatar
Sponsor required
Flights Hotels
Russia
Pre arranged travel itinerary compulsory
Flights Hotels
Western Samoa
-
Up to 30 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Singapore
-
Up to 14 days without visa (extendable)
Flights Hotels
South Africa
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Sri Lanka
30 day visa available on arrival
Flights Hotels
Surinam
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Taiwan
15 and 30 day visas available on arrival
Flights Hotels
Tanzania
-
Can be obtained on arrival
Flights Hotels
Thailand
-
Up to 30 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Tonga
-
Up to 30 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Uganda
Single / multiple entry obtainable on arrival
Flights Hotels
U.A.E
-
Up to 60 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Uruguay
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
U.S.A
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Venezuela
-
Up to 90 days without a visa
Flights Hotels
Vietnam
Passport photo also required on arrival
Flights Hotels
Zambia
Or arranged on arrival with 3 photos
Flights Hotels
Zimbabwe
-
Up to 3 months without a visa
Flights Hotels
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Do you need a Visa?
Several factors determine whether a visa is waived:
the nationality of the foreign national;
the holding of a residence document in France or another country adhering to the Schengen Agreement;
the length of stay; and which part of the territory of the French Republic the foreign national is to visit.As far as visas are concerned, legislation divides the territory of the French Republic into the following three sections, where different regulations apply:
the European territory of France, which is part of the Schengen area; the territory of Overseas Departments (Réunion, Martinique, Guadeloupe and French Guiana); Overseas territorial communities: French Polynesia, New Caledonia, Mayotte, French Southern and Antarctic Territories.
1. The European territory of France
The European territory of France is part of the Schengen area. The Schengen area includes the territory of the following European Union countries and associated countries: Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Germany, Greece, Iceland, Italy, Luxembourg, Norway, Netherlands, Portugal, Spain and Sweden.
1.1. Short stays (under 90 days in the Schengen area)
A short stay is a stay in the Schengen area under 90 days or multiple stays totalling less than 90 days in a period of six months.
For short stays, European regulations determine the list of countries from which citizens are not required to have a visa to enter the Schengen area.
A visa is waived for:
citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Brazil, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Israel, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela; holders of passports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Special Administrative Region of Macao of the People’s Republic of China; holders of a valid residence document in France; holders of a residence document issued by a country which adheres to the Schengen Agreement; holders of a travel document issued by a country which adheres to the Schengen Agreement.
1.2. Long stays (over 90 days in France)
Citizens of the following countries are not required to have a long-stay visa: Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.
2. Overseas Departments (DOM) Réunion French Guiana, Guadeloupe and Martinique (the three French Departments of the Americas)
2.1. Short stays
A short stay is a stay under 90 days in an Overseas Department.
A visa is waived for:
citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Bolivia, Brunei, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Japan, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay, Venezuela; holders of passports from the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China and the Macao Special Administrative Region of the People’s Republic of China; holders of a valid residence document in France.
2.1. Long stays
Citizens of the following countries are not required to have a long-stay visa: Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.
3. Other territories of the French Republic located overseasThey include:
French Polynesia New Caledonia Wallis and Futuna Saint Pierre and Miquelon Mayotte French Southern and Antarctic Territories
3.1. Short stays
A short stay is a stay under 90 days.
A visa is waived for the citizens of the following countries: Andorra, Argentina, Australia, Bermuda, Bolivie, Brunei, Bermuda, Bolivia, Canada, Chile, Costa Rica, Croatia, El Salvador, Guatemala, Holy See, Honduras, Hong Kong, Japan, Macao, Malaysia, Mexico, Monaco, Nicaragua, New Zealand, Panama, Paraguay, San Marino, Singapore, South Korea, United States, Uruguay.
3.2. Long stays
Citizens of the following countries are not required to have a long-stay visa: Member States of the European Union and the European Economic Area (EEA), Switzerland, Monaco and Andorra.
---------------------------------------------------
Visa and Direct Airside Transit Visa (DATV) nationals
Visa nationals are those who require a visa for every entry to the UK, though some may be able to “Transit Without Visa”. Those who require visas for transit as well are listed below under Direct Airside transit. Read our Transit (INF 20) guidance for more information.
Afghanistan
Gambia
Nigeria
Albania
Georgia
Oman
Algeria
Ghana
Pakistan
Angola
Guinea
Peru
Armenia
Guinea Bissau
Palestinian Authority
Azerbaijan
Guyana
Philippines
Bahrain
Haiti
Qatar
Bangladesh
India
Russia
Belarus
Indonesia
Rwanda
Benin
Iran
Sao Tome & Principe
Bhutan
Iraq
Saudi Arabia
Bosnia-Herzegovina
Ivory Coast
Senegal
Burkina Faso
Jamaica
Serbia
Burma (Myanmar)
Jordan
Sierra Leone
Burundi
Kazakhstan
Somalia
Cambodia
Kenya
Sri Lanka
Cameroon
Korea (Dem. People's Rep)
Sudan
Cape Verde
Kosovo
Surinam
Central African Republic
Kuwait
Syria
Chad
Kyrgyzstan
Taiwan
China, People's Rep.of
Laos
Tajikistan
Colombia
Lebanon
Tanzania
Comoros
Liberia
Thailand
Congo, Democratic Republic of
Libya
Togo
Congo, Republic of
Macedonia
Tunisia
Cuba
Madagascar
Turkey
Cyprus, northern part of
Malawi
Turkmenistan
Djibouti
Mali
Uganda
Dominican Republic
Mauritania
Ukraine
Ecuador
Moldova
United Arab Emirates
Egypt
Mongolia
Uzbekistan
Equatorial Guinea
Montenegro
Vatican City (service & emergency passports only)
Eritrea
Morocco
Vietnam
Ethiopia
Mozambique
Yemen
Fiji
Nepal
Zambia
Gabon
Niger
Zimbabwe
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