Latest news with #HagueConvention
Newsweek
a day ago
- General
- Newsweek
Number of International Adoptions in U.S. Plummets
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. International adoptions to the United States have fallen to a record low, marking a 94 percent decline since their peak in the early 2000s. 2023 was the lowest year for international adoptions, according to the Pew Research Center's analysis based on U.S. State Department data. Why it Matters The collapse in international adoptions represents a significant shift in how children without parental care are placed and cared for worldwide. While once considered a humanitarian solution, foreign adoptions are now more tightly regulated under international frameworks like the 1993 Hague Convention, which emphasizes a child's right to remain in their country of origin where possible. For example, Russia barred Americans from adopting Russian children in 2013 and expanded those restrictions to the rest of the world in 2024. Ethiopia stopped allowing foreign adoptions in 2018, China banned them in 2024 and South Korea announced plans this year to end all private international adoptions following a probe into irregularities. Guatemala halted international adoptions in 2008 amid allegations of child trafficking. What To Know The peak of foreign adoptions was in 2004, when almost 23,000 foreign-born children joined U.S. families via adoption. The number fell to just 1,275 adoptions in 2023, according to U.S. State Department data. International adoptions have declined yearly since 2004, mirroring similar falls in countries such as Canada, France, Italy, and Spain. This is largely because the countries that historically represented the largest sources of adoptee—China, Russia, Guatemala, South Korea and Ethiopia—have taken steps to limit international adoptions. China accounted for 29 percent of all adoptions since 1999, Russia accounted for 16 percent, Guatemala 10 percent, South Korea 8 percent and Ethiopia 6 percent. The decline is not isolated to the U.S.; major adoption countries across Europe and North America are also seeing dramatic drops. France, for instance, saw international adoptions plummet 97 percent from 2004 to 2024. Rising costs and bureaucracy are also factors. The cost of international adoption jumped from a median of $6,000 in 2008 to over $30,000 in 2018, according to the Institute for Family Studies. What People Are Saying The Head of International Surrogacy and Adoption and Wilson Solicitors LLP, Amna Khaliq, told British newspaper in 2020: "Not all countries are open for adoption. You will have countries which either prevent adoption from happening overseas or are not on the UK's list of countries where they will allow adoptions to take place due to the concerns about the processes of the country." American conservative commentator and author Naomi Schaefer Riley wrote for an essay on the topic in 2020: "The bureaucratic headaches and expenses have multiplied... Given the difficulties and costs of international adoption, agencies... have decided to cease their international adoption programs." File photo of a five-month baby girl looking at a globe, taken in Connecticut, in September 2015. File photo of a five-month baby girl looking at a globe, taken in Connecticut, in September 2015. AP Celebrity Adoptions: Changing Narratives High-profile celebrity adoptions drew public attention to international adoption's possibilities and challenges. Pop icon Madonna became the subject of extensive media coverage due to her adoption of children from Malawi, highlighting both the visibility and controversy surrounding international adoptions. Critics raised questions about whether celebrities received special treatment or skirted laws intended to protect children, and governments were sometimes pressured to scrutinize or restrict foreign adoptions more closely. What Happens Next International adoptions to the U.S. are likely to remain low as more countries restrict foreign adoptions and domestic placements increase in many origin countries. Adoption agencies, such as Bethany Christian Services, have shifted focus to supporting children in their countries of birth or prioritizing domestic adoptions. Efforts to balance the need for ethical oversight with the desire to provide homes for children will continue to shape international adoption policy. Meanwhile, international surrogacy—a separate practice not regulated under the Hague Convention—is reportedly increasing, raising new legal and ethical questions, according to the Pew Research Center.
Time Business News
11-07-2025
- Business
- Time Business News
How Long Apostille Verification Takes in Pakistan
Apostille in Pakistan is a specialized form of document authentication used to validate public documents for use in countries that are part of the Hague Apostille Convention. This process ensures that your documents, such as birth certificates, marriage certificates, degrees, and power of attorney, are legally accepted abroad without the need for further legalization. Apostille is required for visa applications, business setup, education, and legal proceedings in countries that recognize this streamlined process. For Pakistani citizens looking to work, study, or marry abroad, obtaining an Apostille attestation in Pakistan stamp ensures that their documents meet the necessary international legal standards. Several personal and commercial documents may need Apostille attestation in Pakistan depending on their intended use. Commonly apostilled documents include educational certificates, birth and marriage certificates, CNIC copies, affidavits, and commercial contracts. These documents must first be attested by the relevant issuing authority, such as a university or NADRA, before moving to the next step. Once primary attestation is complete, the documents are submitted to the Apostille authority in Pakistan, which is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA). MOFA then certifies the documents with an Apostille stamp, making them internationally valid and acceptable in all Hague Convention member countries. The primary Apostille authority in Pakistan is the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has the official mandate to issue Apostille stamps on documents. Only documents that have already been attested by relevant institutions—such as boards, universities, or government departments—can be submitted to MOFA for Apostille. It's important to note that while Pakistan is not yet a formal member of the Hague Apostille Convention, many countries still request similar attestation from MOFA, considering it equivalent in process and purpose. Therefore, Apostille services in Pakistan and Unmarried certificate fees in Pakistan are often used interchangeably with high-level document attestation when dealing with embassies, consulates, and foreign governments. In recent years, the government and private legal service providers have introduced Apostille online in Pakistan to simplify the process for applicants, especially those living abroad. These services allow individuals to submit document copies, track progress, and manage payments through digital platforms. Overseas Pakistanis can also authorize a representative through a power of attorney to handle the process on their behalf. This digital shift has made Apostille services more efficient, faster, and accessible. Additionally, many service providers offer assistance with translations, embassy attestation, and courier services to streamline the complete legalization process. After receiving an Apostille stamp, it is crucial to ensure that your documents have been authenticated correctly, especially when submitting them to foreign authorities. Apostille verification in Pakistan involves cross-checking the seal and reference number issued by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Some countries or institutions may also require that documents be verified further by their local embassies. For this reason, choosing professional Apostille services in Pakistan and Khula papers in Pakistan ensures that your documents are not only properly attested but also verified, translated if necessary, and legally recognized by the intended foreign institution. Proper verification helps avoid delays, rejections, and legal issues during visa, immigration, or employment processing abroad. TIME BUSINESS NEWS
Local Spain
30-06-2025
- General
- Local Spain
What foreigners need to know about same-sex marriage in Spain
Same-sex marriage was first legalised in Spain from July 3rd 2005, almost 20 years ago. Since then, Spain has processed around 75,000 gay marriages in the country. If you're in a same-sex relationship and are considering getting married in Spain, here's what you need to know. The law in Spain allowed same-sex couples to marry and enjoy the same rights as heterosexual couples. Law 4/2023 also strengthened these rights, meaning true equality for members of the LGBTQ+ community when it comes to marriage and inheritance. You can have both civil and religious ceremonies if you're in a same-sex relationship. The General Directorate of Registries and Notaries confirms that same-sex marriages between Spaniards and foreigners are valid in Spain, even if the foreigner's country does not accept them. It's important to know that marriage in Spain between two foreigners isn't allowed if neither of you have legal residency here. This goes for both same-sex and heterosexual couples. It is allowed if at least one of you has legal residency here or of course, you're marrying a Spaniard. If one of you has legal residency, then that person must have been registered as living here for a period of two years before you can start the marriage process. According to Spain's National Institute of Statistics (INE), most same-sex marriages are celebrated in Madrid, Barcelona, the Balearic Islands and the Canaries. The steps for getting married are the same as those for heterosexual couples. In order to get married in Spain: Both partners must be over 18 years of age, or over 16 with authorisation. You must have at least two witnesses. You must be registered in Spain. You need a certificate from the Civil Registry. You need photocopies of your residency permit and passport. You need apostilled documentation if it comes from a country that has not signed the Hague Convention. If you are a foreigner and marrying a Spaniard, be aware that you may be asked a series of questions during a marriage immigration interview, just to make sure that your relationship is genuine. This has nothing to do with being in a gay relationship, it goes for heterosexual couples too. Keep in mind that it might take while to sort out all your paperwork, so you need to do this well in advance. This process may take anywhere from 30 to 50 days. If you are having a civil wedding, have the following: Passports Birth certificates Proof that you are single A document from the Civil Registry Costs can vary, but obtaining a civil marriage certificate costs around €150 in Spain. If the ceremony is religious, the necessary paperwork varies depending on your religion. In Catholic ceremonies for example, you may need to complete prenuptial agreements and present certain certificates. Although religious ceremonies are legal, you must register them with the Civil Registry afterward. Religious ceremonies may also cost more as the church can ask for donations. Foreign authorities will decide whether your marriage is valid in your country, but it will be legal in Spain.
The Print
28-06-2025
- Business
- The Print
SEC updates US court on efforts to serve legal documents in Adani case
The defendants, who are based in India, are yet to be officially served. In a June 27 letter submitted to Magistrate Judge James R Cho of the US District Court for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY), the SEC said it is continuing to pursue formal service of the summons and complaint under the provisions of the Hague Service Convention. New York, Jun 27 (PTI) The US Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a status update with a federal court in New York, detailing its ongoing efforts to serve legal documents to billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar in connection with a civil securities case filed last year. US SEC has to serve the summons to Adani Group founder and chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar in the alleged USD 265 million payoffs to win lucrative renewable power supply contracts, through proper diplomatic channels as it has no jurisdiction to summon a foreign national directly. The SEC originally filed the complaint on November 20, 2024, alleging that two violated US securities laws by making false and misleading statements related to a September 2021 bond offering by Adani Green Energy Ltd. According to the SEC, Rule 4 (f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure governs service in foreign jurisdictions and permits the use of international treaties, such as the Hague Convention. The rule does not impose a specific time limit for service, provided reasonable efforts are being made. PTI ANZ BAL BAL This report is auto-generated from PTI news service. ThePrint holds no responsibility for its content.
The Hindu
27-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Adani indictment case: U.S. SEC updates court on efforts to serve legal documents
The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has filed a status update with a federal court in New York, detailing its ongoing efforts to serve legal documents to billionaire Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar in connection with a civil securities case filed last year. In a June 27 letter submitted to Magistrate Judge James R. Cho of the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of New York (EDNY), the SEC said it is continuing to pursue formal service of the summons and complaint under the provisions of the Hague Service Convention. The defendants, who are based in India, are yet to be officially served. U.S. SEC has to serve the summons to Adani Group founder and chairman Gautam Adani and his nephew Sagar in the alleged $265 million payoffs to win lucrative renewable power supply contracts through proper diplomatic channels, as it has no jurisdiction to summon a foreign national directly. The SEC originally filed the complaint on November 20, 2024, alleging that two violated U.S. securities laws by making false and misleading statements related to a September 2021 bond offering by Adani Green Energy Limited. According to the SEC, Rule 4 (f) of the Federal Rules of Civil Procedure governs service in foreign jurisdictions and permits the use of international treaties, such as the Hague Convention. The rule does not impose a specific time limit for service, provided reasonable efforts are being made. The Court has asked the SEC to provide a further update by August 11, 2025. The 'defendants are located in India, and the SEC's efforts to serve them are ongoing, including a request for assistance from Indian authorities to effect service under the Hague Service Convention for Service Abroad of Judicial and Extrajudicial Documents in Civil or Commercial Matters', the SEC told the Court. SEC said it had previously requested assistance from India's Ministry of Law and Justice in serving the summons and complaint on Adani in India. 'The SEC also sent Notices of Lawsuit and Requests for Waiver of Service of Summons, including copies of the complaint, directly to defendants and their counsel,' it said. 'The SEC has corresponded with the India MoLJ concerning the efforts of the relevant Indian judicial authorities to serve the Summons and Complaints on Defendants, but the SEC understands that those authorities have not yet effected service,' it added. Gautam Adani (63) and seven other defendants, including his nephew Sagar, who is director at the group's renewable energy unit Adani Green Energy Limited, allegedly agreed to pay about $265 million in bribes to Indian government officials between approximately 2020 and 2024 to obtain lucrative solar energy supply contracts on terms that are expected to yield $2 billion of profit over 20 years, according to an indictment unsealed in a New York court in November last year. Separate from the indictment brought by the U.S. Department of Justice, the U.S. SEC has also charged the two and Cyril Cabanes, an executive of Azure Power Global, for 'conduct arising out of a massive bribery scheme'. The ports-to-energy conglomerate has denied the allegations and said it will seek all possible legal resources. 'The Adani Group has always upheld and is steadfastly committed to maintaining the highest standards of governance, transparency and regulatory compliance across all jurisdictions of its operations. We assure our stakeholders, partners and employees that we are a law-abiding organisation fully compliant with all laws,' they said. An indictment in the U.S. is basically a formal written allegation originating with a prosecutor and issued by a grand jury against a party charged with a crime. A person indicted is given formal notice to reply. That person or persons can then hire a defence lawyer to defend. Prosecutors said the investigation started in 2022 and found the inquiry obstructed. They allege that the Adani Group raised $2 billion in loans and bonds, including from U.S. firms, on the backs of false and misleading statements related to the firm's anti-bribery practices and policies, as well as reports of the bribery probe.
