Pak passport among least powerful, below N Korea
According to the Henley Passport Index for 2025, Pakistan is currently ranked 96th on the list, placing it ahead of conflict-ridden countries such as Somalia, Yemen, Iraq, Syria, and Afghanistan. Although still relatively low, the nation's ranking has seen a slight improvement; in 2024, the Pakistani passport was tied with Yemen as the fourth-worst globally for the fourth consecutive year.
The Henley Passport Index assesses the visa-free privileges of 199 different passports across 227 travel destinations and ranks them based on the number of places their holders can visit without obtaining a visa in advance. A score of 1 is given when no visa is necessary, along with instances where a visa on arrival (VOA), a visitor's permit, or an electronic travel authority (ETA) is available.
Conversely, a score of 0 is assigned when a visa is required, or when a passport holder must secure a government-approved electronic visa (e-Visa) prior to travel. This also applies to cases requiring pre-departure governmental clearance for a visa on arrival, as reported by Dawn. Singapore holds the top position, with Japan and South Korea tied for second place in the index.
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First Post
2 hours ago
- First Post
Why were 10 Indians denied entry into Malaysia despite the visa-free provision?
Ten Indian nationals were denied entry at Kuala Lumpur Airport by Malaysia's Border Control despite the country offering a visa-free entry. They were part of a larger group of 99 foreign nationals, including those from Pakistan and Bangladesh, who were blocked from entering. What went wrong? read more The refusal to let the Indian nationals enter wasn't random, it was part of a targeted seven-hour operation by Malaysia's Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), aimed at screening passengers from 'high-risk' flights. Image for Representation Ten Indian nationals were turned away at Malaysia's Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) this week, even though the country currently allows visa-free entry for Indian passport holders. According to a report by Malay Mail, the Indians were part of a larger group of 99 foreign nationals who were blocked from entering the Asian country by immigration authorities on Monday at KLIA Terminal 1. So, what exactly went wrong? Here's what we know so far. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Why were Indians denied entry into Malaysia? The refusal to let the Indian nationals enter wasn't random, it was part of a targeted seven-hour operation by Malaysia's Border Control and Protection Agency (AKPS), aimed at screening passengers from 'high-risk' flights. During this special drive, immigration officers screened over 400 travellers. Out of these, 99 people were denied entry, including 80 Bangladeshi nationals, 10 Indians, and 9 Pakistanis. All of them were men. In a statement, Malaysian authorities explained the reason behind the move: all 99 travellers failed to clear immigration checks. 'They were denied as they failed to meet immigration checks, including having suspicious reasons for visiting and travel records,' the officials said. Malaysian authorities explained the reason behind the move to deny entry to Indian citizens, saying that they all failed to clear immigration checks. File image Before being deported, each individual was subjected to additional documentation procedures, including background verification, travel document checks, and personal interviews. The AKPS added that all deportations were carried out in accordance with Malaysia's legal framework. The agency also made it clear that this wasn't a one-time exercise. Operations like these, they said, will be conducted regularly to clamp down on the misuse of social visit passes and to curb potential human trafficking. What is Malaysia's visa-free entry policy for Indians? Despite the recent deportations, Malaysia continues to offer visa-free entry for Indian passport holders, a policy that has been extended until December 31, 2026, under the country's broader visa liberalisation plan. The initiative is aimed at boosting tourism and economic activity, especially in the lead-up to Visit Malaysia Year 2026 and the country's ASEAN chairmanship in 2025. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD 'This is a golden opportunity for the people of Tamil Nadu and across India to explore Malaysia's rich cultural heritage, pristine beaches, and vibrant cities without the hassle of applying for a visa,' said Saravana Kumar Kumaravasagam, Consul General of Malaysia in Chennai, in a statement to The Hindu. Despite the recent deportations, Malaysia continues to offer visa-free entry for Indian passport holders. The initiative is aimed at boosting tourism and economic activity. File imagw/AFP However, the visa-free facility comes with specific entry requirements. To be eligible, Indian travellers must: -Hold a passport valid for at least six months -Carry a return or onward flight ticket -Show proof of accommodation or a detailed itinerary -Have sufficient funds for the duration of the stay -Complete the Malaysia Digital Arrival Card (MDAC) online within three days prior to travel. The MDAC is a mandatory online pre-arrival declaration that streamlines the immigration process The relaxed visa norms appear to be working in Malaysia's favour. According to Tourism Malaysia, the country welcomed over 1 million Indian tourists between January and November 2024, a 47 per cent jump compared to the same period in 2019 (pre-pandemic) and a 71.7 per cent rise over 2023. This surge, the tourism board said, is largely attributed to the visa-free policy introduced in 2023. STORY CONTINUES BELOW THIS AD Malaysia's tourism board hopes this upward trend will continue, as it works toward making tourism one of the top contributors to the country's GDP. With input from agencies
News18
3 hours ago
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GK: Top 10 Most Powerful Passports In The World, Check India's Rank
Last Updated: India has climbed eight spots to rank 77th on the Henley Passport Index 2025, with visa-free access to 59 destinations, the biggest jump by any country in the past six months. GK, General Knowledge: The Henley Passport Index 2025, released on July 22, ranks global passports based on the number of destinations their holders can access without a prior visa. Singapore leads the list with visa-free access to 193 out of 227 destinations, reaffirming the dominance of Asian countries. Japan and South Korea share second place, followed by seven European nations—Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, and Spain — in third, each offering visa-free travel to 189 destinations. Austria, Belgium, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, and Sweden rank fourth, with access to 188 destinations. New Zealand shares the fifth spot with Switzerland and Greece. The UK and US, once ranked as the world's most powerful passports, now stand at sixth and tenth place, respectively. Notably, the UAE is the only Middle Eastern country in the top 10, holding the eighth rank. Henley Passport Index 2025: World's 10 Least Powerful Passports Where Does the Indian Passport Rank? India has seen a significant improvement in the Henley Passport Index 2025, climbing eight spots to secure the 77th position. This marks the biggest jump for any country over the past six months. Indian passport holders now enjoy visa-free access to 59 destinations, up from 57 previously. Historically, India's lowest rank was 90th in 2021, while its best performance came in 2006 when it held the 71st position. Stay updated with the latest education! Get real-time updates on board exam results 2025, entrance exams such as JEE Mains, Advanced, NEET, and more. Find out top schools, colleges, courses and more. Also Download the News18 App to stay updated! tags : General Knowledge gk view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
Time of India
3 hours ago
- Time of India
UAE to increase card fees for foreign transactions: Here's how expats can avoid extra charges
UAE expats may face higher charges on international card use starting September/ Representative Image TL;DR From Sept 22, UAE banks will raise fees on international card use to 3.14%, impacting travel and global online purchases. Expats sending money home or spending abroad will see higher charges on every swipe. There are ways to reduce costs, but only if you know where to look. Living in the UAE often means your life spans borders, you earn dirhams here, but spend and support back home or elsewhere. Whether it's booking flights, sending gifts to family, or shopping online in another currency, using your UAE-issued card is part of the routine. But from September 22, that routine gets more expensive. Several UAE banks are updating their international transaction fees. The charge on every card (debit and credit cards) purchase or ATM withdrawal made outside the country, or in a foreign currency, will rise to 3.14%, up from the current 2.09%. That's a full percentage point higher than what most expats currently pay. For many, that's not just a one-off charge, it's a recurring cost on everything from remittance-related services to travel spending. Why This Matters to Expats More Than Most For UAE Expats, international spending is about to get more expensive. This fee hike might seem like a small number on paper, but over time, it hits harder for expats who regularly: Book flights for family visits Use UAE cards for school fees abroad Shop online in foreign currencies Send money via platforms that use card payments Withdraw cash while travelling or visiting home If you're sending AED 3,000 to a relative using a platform that charges your card in dollars, expect to lose AED 94.20 to card fees alone. It adds up. What's Behind the Fee Increase? The 3.14% charge includes two parts: 1% – taken by global card networks like Visa or Mastercard for currency conversion 2.14% – added by your local bank as a processing fee These rates aren't new globally, but the adjustment brings UAE fees closer in line with international benchmarks. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cargo Ship Meets Pirates - Watch What the Captain Does Next! Tips and Tricks Undo Banks say the change reflects rising operational costs. But for cardholders, especially expats managing cross-border expenses, it just means more money out the door. How You Can Cut Down on These Charges While you might not be able to avoid the new fees entirely, here are ways to spend smarter: Use multicurrency cards or wallets: Some UAE fintech platforms offer prepaid travel cards where you can lock in exchange rates and avoid foreign fees. These are handy for frequent travellers or expats who split time between countries. Choose the right bank card: Some premium credit cards in the UAE waive international transaction fees, but you'll need to check eligibility, as they often require a higher income or annual fee. Avoid paying in AED abroad: At stores or ATMs overseas, always choose to pay in the local currency. Opting for AED might seem easier but usually costs more due to poor exchange rates and hidden charges (known as Dynamic Currency Conversion or DCC). Reduce card-based remittances: If you're using cards for cross-border payments, look into direct bank transfers or licensed exchange houses with lower overall fees. What's Coming Next? There's talk of a UAE-based payment alternative, Jaywan, going global later this year. It's designed to offer smoother and possibly cheaper international transactions. But for now, it's still in early stages and doesn't solve the immediate cost hike facing expats in 2025. FAQs 1. Will this impact online purchases from abroad? Yes. Any time your card is charged in a non-dirham currency, including international websites, the 3.14% fee will apply. 2. Are debit cards affected too? Yes. Both debit and credit cards from most UAE banks will carry this new fee structure. 3. What if I use a UAE exchange house or transfer app? It depends. If the app charges your card in a foreign currency, you'll still pay the fee. Direct bank transfers are usually a safer bet.
