Latest news with #ETA
The South African
3 days ago
- Business
- The South African
South Africa's new digital visa system to launch in September
Minister of Home Affairs Leon Schreiber has announced that South Africa will roll out its fully digital Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) system for short-term tourist visas by the end of September. As reported by Tourism Update , the digital visa system will initially cover visits under 90 days and will be a key part of the government's broader effort to digitise visa processing and border entry. The system will be managed by the Border Management Authority and will be launched at major international airports, with plans to eventually expand it to all visa categories. Powered by artificial intelligence, the ETA system promises to deliver faster turnaround times and stronger security. 'The ETA will include world-class cybersecurity systems and live monitoring by AI-powered risk engines,' Schreiber said, as per Tourism Update. Schreiber also confirmed that the list of eligible nationalities would be announced at the time of the official launch. 'It would be premature to discuss the finer details as this will all be revealed at the go-live launch in September,' he also added. A recent live demonstration of the system for President Ramaphosa reportedly ran without issues, and final testing is underway ahead of the launch. Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Subscribe to The South African website's newsletters and follow us on WhatsApp, Facebook, X and Bluesky for the latest news.
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Gyre Therapeutics Announces First Dosing in Phase 1 Trial of F230 for Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension in China
SAN DIEGO, June 10, 2025 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gyre Therapeutics ('Gyre') (Nasdaq: GYRE), an innovative, commercial-stage biopharmaceutical company dedicated to advancing fibrosis-first therapies across organ systems affected by chronic disease, today announced that the first volunteer has been successfully dosed in a Phase 1 clinical trial evaluating F230, a novel endothelin A ('ETA') receptor antagonist, for the treatment of pulmonary arterial hypertension ('PAH').This milestone marks Gyre's entry into the PAH field, a rare, progressive, and high-mortality cardiovascular condition with limited treatment options. PAH is recognized in China's National Rare Disease Catalog, underscoring its significance in public health. According to Frost & Sullivan, China's PAH market was valued at $370 million in 2023 and is projected to grow to $480 million by 2031.F230, originally discovered by Eisai Co., Ltd. and exclusively licensed by GNI Group Ltd. to Gyre, is a fully synthetic small molecule designed to selectively block the ETA receptor. By targeting this pathway, F230 is designed to reduce pulmonary vascular remodeling and lower pulmonary pressure, key contributors to PAH Phase 1 trial is designed to evaluate safety, tolerability, and pharmacokinetics in healthy volunteers. The trial represents the latest expansion of Gyre's fibrosis-first strategy beyond the liver, leveraging a robust clinical development platform and commercial infrastructure in China.F230 joins Gyre's pipeline alongside lead candidate Hydronidone (F351), which met the primary endpoint in a pivotal Phase 3 trial for CHB-fibrosis. A New Drug Application ('NDA') submission to China's National Medical Products Administration ('NMPA') is planned for the third quarter of 2025, and a pre-IND meeting with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration is being planned for an expected Phase 2 trial in metabolic dysfunction-associated steatohepatitis ('MASH') Gyre TherapeuticsGyre Therapeutics is a biopharmaceutical company headquartered in San Diego, CA, primarily focused on the development and commercialization of Hydronidone for liver fibrosis, including MASH, in the U.S. Gyre's strategy builds on its experience in mechanistic studies using MASH rodent models and clinical studies in CHB-induced liver fibrosis. In the People's Republic of China, Gyre is advancing a broad pipeline through its indirect controlling interest in Gyre Pharmaceuticals, including therapeutic expansions of ETUARY, and development programs for F573, F528, and StatementsThis press release contains 'forward-looking statements' within the meaning of the 'safe harbor' provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties and are based on estimates and assumptions. All statements, other than statements of historical facts included in this press release, are forward-looking statements, including statements concerning the expectations regarding Gyre's research and development efforts and timing of expected clinical trials, including an NDA submission to the NMPA for F351, the expected clinical benefits of F230 and expectations regarding interactions with regulators. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terms such as 'may,' 'might,' 'will,' 'objective,' 'intend,' 'should,' 'could,' 'can,' 'would,' 'expect,' 'believe,' 'design,' 'estimate,' 'predict,' 'potential,' 'plan' or the negative of these terms, and similar expressions intended to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our plans, estimates, and expectations, as of the date of this press release. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause our actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements expressed or implied in this press release. Actual results and the timing of events could differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements as a result of these risks and uncertainties, which include, without limitation: Gyre's ability to execute on its clinical development strategies; positive results from a clinical trial may not necessarily be predictive of the results of future or ongoing clinical trials; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; competition from competing products; the impact of general economic, health, industrial or political conditions in the United States or internationally; the sufficiency of Gyre's capital resources and its ability to raise additional capital. Additional risks and factors are identified under 'Risk Factors' in Gyre's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2024 filed on March 17, 2025 and in other filings Gyre may make with the SEC. Gyre expressly disclaims any obligation to update any forward-looking statements whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by Contact:David ZhangGyre in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data
Yahoo
09-06-2025
- Yahoo
‘My £19,000 family holiday is in jeopardy because of the Home Office's ETA shambles'
I live in California and have dual UK-US nationality, as do my three teenagers. Me and my husband (who has dual Canadian-US citizenship) have been planning a month-long trip to see family in England for the first time since 2019. Our UK passports expired in 2017, so we booked the flights – and planned to travel – using our US passports (as required under US law). After doing so a few weeks ago, United Airlines informed us that we would need to apply for the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. No problem, we thought. One of the questions on the online ETA form asks applicants whether they hold dual nationality, however, and nowhere in the drop-down menu can you select 'British', nor is there anywhere to type it in. Therefore, unless I falsely claim to have only US citizenship, I cannot obtain one. Having booked the flights within a month of travel – we were awaiting confirmation of work commitments – we have no time to apply for new UK passports (it takes at least four weeks, we have been advised) or a Certificate of Entitlement (which takes up to eight weeks and costs £589 per person). I have spent around 30 hours calling the British Consulate and Embassy in the US, I've called the UK Visas and Immigration agency and used its ETA web chat multiple times, and I've spoken to United Airlines on several occasions. Yet all I'm getting is conflicting advice. While the Home Office website advises dual nationals that we should be allowed to board a plane to the UK without an ETA, I don't want to risk being turned away at Heathrow for either travelling without an ETA, withholding information on my ETA form, or possessing an expired passport. We feel devastated and defeated, with no choice but to cancel our travel to the UK. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we are faced with losing $26,000 (£19,200) in flights, car rental and accommodation and are left wondering why entry for British dual citizens is so much harder than for tourists. I also worry for myself – and others – what would happen if I needed to travel if a family member was sick or dying. - Mary, California I can well understand your frustration. The ETA scheme has been phased in since early January and it appears you are not the only ones to be baffled by the rules – many other dual British nationals are experiencing the same problem. Currently, the UK Home Office seems unable to provide a solution beyond the advice on its ETA Factsheet which states: 'We recommend that all British citizens travel on a valid British passport to avoid unnecessary delays at the border… As an alternative, British dual citizens can evidence their citizenship in another passport by obtaining a certificate of entitlement on However, with just 10 days to go before you travel, obtaining either a valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement is, as you say, not an option. I spoke to the Home Office on your behalf and was advised verbally that you should be allowed to board a plane with an expired passport but there was no confirmation that your family would be allowed to enter the UK when you arrived at Heathrow. Of course, without an ETA, you are unable to simply use your US passport upon arriving in Britain as you did the last time you came here in 2019. The ETA factsheet goes on to state: 'We recognise that the introduction of the ETA is a substantial change for British dual citizens of ETA eligible nationalities. In the current transition period, we do not expect carriers to deny boarding to passengers who cannot produce a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.' This would suggest you can enter the UK with your US passport and an expired UK passport, but the Home Office is unwilling to say so on record. Your airline, United, would not confirm to me that you will be allowed to board, and simply referred me back to when I contacted them on your behalf. Scouring blogs, social media forums and media coverage for expatriates in ETA-eligible countries, the situation is being described as 'a shambles' but it appears people facing this quandary are coming to the UK on expired passports or using an ETA and the valid passport they hold for the country where they now live, falsely claiming on the ETA form that they do not have dual citizenship. The latter option – lying on an immigration form – is risky and understandably not one we would condone nor that you wish to pursue, especially with teenagers in tow. There is one last option, and that is to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) for yourself and your three children. While ETDs are not designed for leisure travel, the Home Office told me verbally that if you have held valid UK passports since 2006 (and yours only expired in 2017), then there is no requirement to prove the reason for emergency travel. Applying for an ETD takes 48 hours and may involve an interview with the nearest embassy, but could provide the peace of mind you need to proceed with your desperately longed-for holiday. Broaden your horizons with award-winning British journalism. Try The Telegraph free for 1 month with unlimited access to our award-winning website, exclusive app, money-saving offers and more.
Telegraph
09-06-2025
- Telegraph
‘My £19,000 family holiday is in jeopardy because of the Home Office's ETA shambles'
Dear Abigail, I live in California and have dual UK-US nationality, as do my three teenagers. Me and my husband (who has dual Canadian-US citizenship) have been planning a month-long trip to see family in England for the first time since 2019. Our UK passports expired in 2017, so we booked the flights – and planned to travel – using our US passports (as required under US law). After doing so a few weeks ago, United Airlines informed us that we would need to apply for the new Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) to visit the UK. No problem, we thought. One of the questions on the online ETA form asks applicants whether they hold dual nationality, however, and nowhere in the drop-down menu can you select 'British', nor is there anywhere to type it in. Therefore, unless I falsely claim to have only US citizenship, I cannot obtain one. Having booked the flights within a month of travel – we were awaiting confirmation of work commitments – we have no time to apply for new UK passports (it takes at least four weeks, we have been advised) or a Certificate of Entitlement (which takes up to eight weeks and costs £589 per person). I have spent around 30 hours calling the British Consulate and Embassy in the US, I've called the UK Visas and Immigration agency and used its ETA web chat multiple times, and I've spoken to United Airlines on several occasions. Yet all I'm getting is conflicting advice. While the Home Office website advises dual nationals that we should be allowed to board a plane to the UK without an ETA, I don't want to risk being turned away at Heathrow for either travelling without an ETA, withholding information on my ETA form, or possessing an expired passport. We feel devastated and defeated, with no choice but to cancel our travel to the UK. This is a once-in-a-lifetime trip and we are faced with losing $26,000 (£19,200) in flights, car rental and accommodation and are left wondering why entry for British dual citizens is so much harder than for tourists. I also worry for myself – and others – what would happen if I needed to travel if a family member was sick or dying. - Mary, California Dear Mary, I can well understand your frustration. The ETA scheme has been phased in since early January and it appears you are not the only ones to be baffled by the rules – many other dual British nationals are experiencing the same problem. Currently, the UK Home Office seems unable to provide a solution beyond the advice on its ETA Factsheet which states: 'We recommend that all British citizens travel on a valid British passport to avoid unnecessary delays at the border… As an alternative, British dual citizens can evidence their citizenship in another passport by obtaining a certificate of entitlement on However, with just 10 days to go before you travel, obtaining either a valid UK passport or a certificate of entitlement is, as you say, not an option. I spoke to the Home Office on your behalf and was advised verbally that you should be allowed to board a plane with an expired passport but there was no confirmation that your family would be allowed to enter the UK when you arrived at Heathrow. Of course, without an ETA, you are unable to simply use your US passport upon arriving in Britain as you did the last time you came here in 2019. The ETA factsheet goes on to state: 'We recognise that the introduction of the ETA is a substantial change for British dual citizens of ETA eligible nationalities. In the current transition period, we do not expect carriers to deny boarding to passengers who cannot produce a valid British passport or certificate of entitlement.' This would suggest you can enter the UK with your US passport and an expired UK passport, but the Home Office is unwilling to say so on record. Your airline, United, would not confirm to me that you will be allowed to board, and simply referred me back to when I contacted them on your behalf. Scouring blogs, social media forums and media coverage for expatriates in ETA-eligible countries, the situation is being described as 'a shambles' but it appears people facing this quandary are coming to the UK on expired passports or using an ETA and the valid passport they hold for the country where they now live, falsely claiming on the ETA form that they do not have dual citizenship. The latter option – lying on an immigration form – is risky and understandably not one we would condone nor that you wish to pursue, especially with teenagers in tow. There is one last option, and that is to apply for an Emergency Travel Document (ETD) for yourself and your three children. While ETDs are not designed for leisure travel, the Home Office told me verbally that if you have held valid UK passports since 2006 (and yours only expired in 2017), then there is no requirement to prove the reason for emergency travel. Applying for an ETD takes 48 hours and may involve an interview with the nearest embassy, but could provide the peace of mind you need to proceed with your desperately longed-for holiday.
Japan Forward
09-06-2025
- Business
- Japan Forward
Japan to Tighten Immigration, Welfare for Foreigners, and Land Rules
このページを 日本語 で読む Japan is moving to crack down on so-called "free-loading" by foreigners accessing its welfare and public health insurance systems. A draft of the government's Basic Policy on Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform, set for release in mid-June, calls for a sweeping review of outdated systems seen as incompatible with a globalized society. According to multiple government sources as of June 5, the proposal also emphasizes building a more "orderly and harmonious society" alongside foreign residents. The policy also outlines plans to strengthen the government's cross-agency coordination and integration for foreign labor, including enhanced ministerial oversight. It calls for improved data infrastructure at both the national and local levels to better manage information related to foreign residents. Separately, it proposes tougher enforcement of legal compliance, stricter oversight of how public services are used, and greater transparency in administrative processes. To tighten control over immigration and residency, the government plans to introduce an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system by fiscal 2028. Such a system would enable centralized management of traveler data from entry to exit. The government will also review visa and immigration-related fees, aligning them with international standards. Furthermore, the draft calls for the use of digital technology to achieve "zero illegal overstayers" through enhanced enforcement and deportation efforts. Japanese immigration points at Narita International airport (©Sankei) For foreign labor programs such as the Technical Intern Training Program and the Specified Skilled Worker system, the government intends to define specific sectors and set intake targets. More broadly, it also plans to tighten the foreign driver's license conversion system. Stricter address verification and more rigorous knowledge and skills testing for applicants are expected. The draft policy proposes using data on unpaid premiums and medical expenses when screening foreign residents. This comes as lawmakers continue to debate concerns about "free-loading" in Japan's healthcare system. Just 63% of foreign-headed households paid into Japan's national health insurance system between April and December 2024. That information is based on data from 150 municipalities collected by the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare." In comparison, the rate among all households, including Japanese, was 93%. The government plans to accelerate nationwide data collection. It aims to ensure that child allowances are used appropriately based on actual household conditions. Meanwhile, school subsidies will be reviewed to confirm they align with students' educational needs and family circumstances. Plans to "increase transparency regarding land ownership nationwide, including by foreigners," are also underway. The draft outlines efforts to enhance ownership records and databases, factoring in trends in foreign investment. It also proposes stronger measures to address criminal and nuisance behavior by tourists and short-term visitors. Author: The Sankei Shimbun このページを 日本語 で読む
