Latest news with #citizens
The National
8 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
UAE eases visa rules for Sudanese citizens whose passports have almost expired
The UAE will allow Sudanese citizens with less than six months left on their passports to obtain or renew residency visas in a show of solidarity amid the war in their homeland. The Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) told The National on Friday that the decision aimed to help people regularise their status in the face of 'exceptional circumstances'. Applicants must typically have at least six months remaining on their passport to secure residency in the Emirates. The civil war in Sudan – which broke out in April 2023 – has hampered the efforts of its citizens based overseas to renew their passports. Tens of thousands of people have been killed and millions forced to flee the country as the conflict has created a worsening humanitarian crisis. 'The move reflects the UAE's efforts to strengthen the social and humanitarian well-being for those impacted in the exceptional circumstances in their country,' the ICP said in a statement. 'The procedures will be smooth and flexible to renew their permits after exempting them from paying fines.' 'The decision is part of wider national efforts to promote social and humanitarian stability for residents in the country.' For Ahmed El Shiekh, a Sudanese citizen living in Dubai, the decision will help him to renew his residency and secure his job. 'It is really great initiative. It takes quite long to get a new passport and may take up to six months to get one from Sudan,' the 37-year-old said. Mr El Shiekh, whose passport will expire in four months, said he can apply now to renew his residency. 'I was afraid to lose my job and didn't know what to do. I spent most of my life in the UAE and have no other place to go. I'm relieved,' he added.
CNA
8 hours ago
- Entertainment
- CNA
More people can take part in National Day celebrations at Promontory @ Marina Bay
More Singaporeans will take part in the National Day celebrations at the Promontory @ Marina Bay. This is because of an additional preview show this year. Up to 20,000 attendees are expected to turn up for the two preview shows and on National Day. For the first time, the live show at the Padang will be expanded to Marina Bay.
Khaleej Times
10 hours ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE evacuates citizens, residents from Iran amid conflict
The UAE has evacuated a number of its citizens and residents who were present in Iran, in coordination with the relevant authorities. As part of its ongoing commitment to the safety of its citizens and residents, and its swift response to emergencies, the UAE successfully carried out the evacuation operations with the facilitation and coordination of the Iranian side to ensure their safe return home.
Yahoo
15 hours ago
- Politics
- Yahoo
Australia withdraws embassy officials from Tehran
Australia's foreign minister announced the country closed its embassy in Tehran Friday and evacuated staff and their families. Foreign Minister Penny Wong said it was due to the 'deteriorating security environment,' and urged Australian citizens still in Iran to leave quickly.
Washington Post
19 hours ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Panama and Venezuela to restore consular services in each other's countries
PANAMA CITY — Panama and Venezuela will restore consular services in each other's countries in the coming days, Panama's Foreign Affairs Ministry said late Thursday, nearly a year after Panama suspended them following questionable Venezuelan elections that reelected President Nicolás Maduro. 'Due to the imperative need to attend to the consular issues of their citizens,' the two countries agreed to reactivate their consular services, the ministry said in a statement.
