Latest news with #Visitor

South Wales Argus
14 hours ago
- Entertainment
- South Wales Argus
Newport play written and performed by homeless people
'The Visitor' was developed over 10 weeks as part of The Story Project, a two-year storytelling project funded by Arts Council Wales. This has developed as a collaborative effort between Welsh homelessness charity The Wallich, Owen Thomas, the Riverfront Theatre, Sherman Theatre, Grand Ambition in Swansea, Carmarthenshire Theatres, Theatr Clwyd, Aberystwyth Arts Centre, Awen Cultural Trust, and National Theatre Wales. The performance aimed to challenge stereotypes by showcasing talent and creativity, offering new perspectives on homelessness. The heart of the story lies in the journey of the Visitor, portrayed by Osian Lloyd, an emerging actor who is also a participant in the Story Project. The Visitor's adventure in Newport begins after his bus breaks down. Initially, he holds certain prejudices against the city, known for violence and antisocial behaviour. But The Professor, a character in the play, guides him on a time-travelling adventure, revealing vital moments of Newport's history. These included the 1830s uprising led by John Frost and the Chartists, the symbolism of the transporter bridge in the 1900s, the lively music scene of the 1980s, and finally, a glimpse into modern-day Newport. The narrative then becomes a moving testament to shared experiences and creativity. The play was presented as a script-in-hand performance by a group supported by The Wallich through the Gwent BOOST Project, with the assistance of other project participants. Despite a tight six-week schedule, the cast, under the guidance of Newport practitioner Naomi Norman and Owen Thomas, managed to integrate their personal experiences and connections to Newport into an engaging story. The performance concluded on a hopeful note, with the Visitor deciding to extend his stay in Newport, changing his previously negative impression of the town. The Story Project has been transformative, paving the way for new partnerships, friendships, talents, and even careers. People homeless from Cardiff, Swansea, Aberystwyth, Wrexham, Ammanford, and Llanelli have all participated in the initiative. The project aims to introduce or reintroduce the enchantment of theatre and the arts, encouraging people homeless to share their stories and develop new creative and technical skills.


NDTV
10-06-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
"In Touch With Authorities": Indian Consulate In US On Man Facing Difficulties At Airport
New York: The Indian Consulate General in New York issued a message regarding the difficulties being faced by an Indian national at the Newark Liberty International Airport. In a post on X, the Indian Consulate said that it came across social media posts that claimed that an Indian national was facing difficulties at the Newark Liberty International Airport. The consulate said that it is in touch with local authorities in this regard and remains committed to the welfare of Indian nationals. It was written on X, "We have come across social media posts claiming that an Indian national is facing difficulties at Newark Liberty International Airport. We are in touch with local authorities in this regard. The Consulate remains ever committed to the welfare of Indian Nationals." We have come across social media posts claiming that an Indian national is facing difficulties at Newark Liberty International Airport. We are in touch with local authorities in this regard. A viral video purportedly showed a person being held on the ground by two individuals. However, it was not clear what nationality they belonged to. On May 29, the Ministry of External Affairs in its press briefing informed that India has close cooperation with the United States on migration issues, particularly the deportation of Indian nationals with illegal status. It added that, since January 2025, approximately 1080 Indians have been deported from the United States, with around 62 per cent returning on commercial flights. MEA spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated that, "We have close cooperation between India and the United States on migration issues, on deportation of Indian nationals who are either in illegal status there or who travel illegally; we take them back once we receive details about them." "The update on the numbers is that since January of 2025, we have some 1080 Indians who have come back or who have been deported from the United States. Of these, around 62 per cent have come on commercial flights," he added. Mr Jaiswal also noted that India has seen reports suggesting the US government's updated guidance regarding Student and Exchange Visitor visa applicants. In response, MEA highlighted that the welfare of Indian students abroad remains of "utmost priority" to the Government of India and India will "continue" to follow further developments in this regard. "While we note that issuance of a visa is a sovereign function, we hope that the application of Indian students will be considered a merit, and they will be able to join their academic programs on time," Jaiswal added.


NDTV
29-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
1,080 Indians Deported From US Since January 2025: Foreign Ministry
Quick Read Summary is AI generated, newsroom reviewed. India's Ministry of External Affairs reported close cooperation with the U.S. on migration, noting 1,080 Indians deported since January 2025. Spokesperson Jaiswal emphasised India's priority on student welfare amid new U.S. visa screening measures. The Ministry of External Affairs informed on Thursday that India has close cooperation with the United States regarding migration issues, especially the deportation of Indian nationals with illegal status. Since January 2025, approximately 1080 Indians have been deported from the United States, with about 62 per cent of them returning through commercial flights. Ministry of External Affairs spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal said that, "We have close cooperation between India and the United States on migration issues, on deportation of Indian nationals who are either in illegal status there or who travel illegally; we take them back once we receive details about them." "The update on the numbers is that since January of 2025, we have some 1080 Indians who have come back or who have been deported from the United States. Of these, around 62 per cent have come on commercial flights," he added. Mr Jaiswal also spoke about the current row involving the Trump administration and Harvard University. He noted that he is aware about the issues and the US government's updated guidance regarding Student and Exchange Visitor visa applicants. He responded saying that for the Government of India, the welfare of Indian students abroad will always remain the 'utmost priority' and India will continue to follow further developments regarding the issue. "While we note that issuance of a visa is a sovereign function, we hope that the application of Indian students will be considered a merit, and they will be able to join their academic programs on time," Mr Jaiswal said. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday ordered US embassies all over the world to not schedule new interviews for student-visa applicants as the Trump administration considers ramping up vetting of social media profiles, as reported by Politico. This directive would make it more difficult for foreign students to get an entry into US schools and colleges. "Effective immediately, in preparation for an expansion of required social media screening and vetting, consular sections should not add any additional student or exchange visitor (F, M, and J) visa appointment capacity until further guidance is issued septel, which we anticipate in the coming days," the cable states. ("Septel" is State Department shorthand for "separate telegram.")


Mid East Info
02-05-2025
- Business
- Mid East Info
DCT Abu Dhabi Unveil Incentives and Rewards Scheme to Celebrate Excellence in Visitor Experience - Middle East Business News and Information
Helicopter point of view of sea and skyscrapers in Corniche bay in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Turquoise water and blue sky combined with building exterior. Programme will recognise businesses and frontliners across Abu Dhabi's tourism and cultural sectors for exceptional service delivery Abu Dhabi, UAE: The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled a new Incentives and Rewards scheme at Arabian Travel Market 2025, designed to recognise and celebrate excellence in visitor experience across Abu Dhabi's thriving tourism and cultural sectors. This initiative underscores DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to inspiring exceptional service across the emirate's visitor-facing touchpoints by incentivising and rewarding tourism and cultural businesses and frontline workers in hospitality, retail, restaurants, attractions, and more. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General Tourism Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'Frontline workers and tourism businesses are the heart of Abu Dhabi's visitor experience. This initiative empowers them, celebrates their passion, and inspires even greater levels of service. Through recognition programmes such as this, we are investing in the future of our tourism sector while ensuring seamless experiences for every visitor.' The Incentives and Rewards scheme supports Abu Dhabi's long-term ambition to become the world's leading destination, offering unparalleled experiences and consistent service, driven by frontliners who continually deliver a strong visitor experience (VX). To strengthen this workforce, DCT Abu Dhabi announced earlier this week the establishment of a brand-new Visitor Experience (VX) Academy in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches. The VX Academy will play a vital role in upskilling frontline workers, empowering them to deliver exceptional service and become eligible for these incentives and rewards. This investment in tailor-made professional development trainings will contribute to a consistently high standard of service across the emirate. DCT Abu Dhabi encourages all businesses and frontliners across Abu Dhabi's tourism ecosystem to embrace this exciting opportunity and actively engage in elevating service standards. Recognition will be awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the visitor experience, adhering to Abu Dhabi's service standards and guidelines.


Zawya
01-05-2025
- Business
- Zawya
DCT Abu Dhabi unveil incentives and rewards scheme to celebrate excellence in visitor experience
Abu Dhabi, UAE – The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) has unveiled a new Incentives and Rewards scheme at Arabian Travel Market 2025, designed to recognise and celebrate excellence in visitor experience across Abu Dhabi's thriving tourism and cultural sectors. This initiative underscores DCT Abu Dhabi's commitment to inspiring exceptional service across the emirate's visitor-facing touchpoints by incentivising and rewarding tourism and cultural businesses and frontline workers in hospitality, retail, restaurants, attractions, and more. Saleh Mohamed Al Geziry, Director General Tourism Sector at DCT Abu Dhabi, said: 'Frontline workers and tourism businesses are the heart of Abu Dhabi's visitor experience. This initiative empowers them, celebrates their passion, and inspires even greater levels of service. Through recognition programmes such as this, we are investing in the future of our tourism sector while ensuring seamless experiences for every visitor.' The Incentives and Rewards scheme supports Abu Dhabi's long-term ambition to become the world's leading destination, offering unparalleled experiences and consistent service, driven by frontliners who continually deliver a strong visitor experience (VX). To strengthen this workforce, DCT Abu Dhabi announced earlier this week the establishment of a brand-new Visitor Experience (VX) Academy in partnership with the Abu Dhabi Hospitality Academy – Les Roches. The VX Academy will play a vital role in upskilling frontline workers, empowering them to deliver exceptional service and become eligible for these incentives and rewards. This investment in tailor-made professional development trainings will contribute to a consistently high standard of service across the emirate. DCT Abu Dhabi encourages all businesses and frontliners across Abu Dhabi's tourism ecosystem to embrace this exciting opportunity and actively engage in elevating service standards. Recognition will be awarded to those who demonstrate exceptional commitment to the visitor experience, adhering to Abu Dhabi's service standards and guidelines.