Latest news with #VoA
Express Tribune
17-07-2025
- Politics
- Express Tribune
Minister shrugs off PECA criticism
Information Minister Attaullah Tarar speaks to Voice of America in an interview. Photo: Screengrab/VoA Information Minister Atta Tarar said on Wednesday that amendments to the Prevention of Electronic Crimes Act (PECA) and the establishment of a new national agency are aimed at tackling rising digital threats — not suppressing freedom of expression. Speaking in Islamabad, Tarar said the legislation is designed to improve accountability in the online space and protect vulnerable communities. The remarks by the minister come amid growing concerns around freedom of speech in the country. Earlier on Friday, an Islamabad court suspended an order that had banned 27 YouTube channels operated by journalists and commentators. The ban had been imposed by a lower court following a request from the newly formed National Cyber Crime Investigation Agency (NCCIA), which accused the channels of spreading anti-state and defamatory content. The move was enabled under provisions of the PECA. "These laws are not meant to suppress free speech," he said. "Even the best democracies maintain systems of justice and accountability." He said the legislation seeks to make online spaces safer, particularly for women and vulnerable communities. "The digital space must protect, not endanger, those already at risk in society," he added. Tarar warned that the misuse of social media poses one of the most serious challenges of the modern era. Citing a World Economic Forum report, he said the negative use of digital platforms represents a global threat. "Fake news and propaganda are among the most dangerous issues facing societies today," he said. "Anyone can easily incite violence on these platforms." He blamed all political parties for contributing to the unchecked growth of online misinformation and called for a national effort to promote responsible digital conduct. Information minister noted the rapid expansion of social media and the shift from traditional print to electronic and digital platforms, which, he said, evolved with little oversight. He urged political leaders to use their platforms to raise awareness around societal issues such as gender discrimination and patriarchy. While entertainment and fashion accounts attract millions of followers, he said, social media should also be used for constructive and inclusive dialogue. "Social media should work under a new framework to address real social issues," he concluded.
Time of India
16-07-2025
- Time of India
Bali clarifies key differences between visas and stay permits for foreign visitors
Indonesian immigration authorities are advising foreigners, particularly those visiting Bali, to understand the distinction between visas and stay permits. A visa grants entry, while a stay permit authorizes legal residency for a specified period. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is an Indonesian visa? Visa on Arrival (VoA): Issued at the airport, valid for 30 days, extendable once for another 30 days. Electronic Visa on Arrival (e‑VoA): Applied for online before travel, covering the same conditions as VoA. It allows faster entry and, with e‑VoA, extensions can be handled online. Visit Visa: Applied ahead of time through embassies or online, valid for 30 days with single or multiple entries. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads What is a Stay Permit and why it matters Stay permit types include: Visit Stay Permit: For short-term stays. Limited Stay Permit (KITAS): For work, study, or family reunification—typically valid for six months to one year, extendable. Permanent Stay Permit (KITAP): For long-term residents, dependents, investors, or retirees. Feature Visa Stay Permit Purpose Grants entry into Indonesia Authorizes legal stay within the country Issuing Authority Indonesian embassy, consulate, or online portal Local Immigration Office inside Indonesia Timing Before or upon arrival After entry Duration Typically 30–90 days Depends on type (30 days to years) Renewal/Extension VoA/e‑VoA extendable ~30 days KITAS/KITAP extendable as per category How Indians can apply for e‑VoA to Bali Filling in personal and travel information. Uploading necessary documents. Paying fees (~IDR 500,000 or USD 35). Receiving pre-approved e‑VoA via email. Skipping VoA queues on arrival-via e‑gates or priority lanes. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Go with a 30‑day e‑VoA and apply online for a second 30‑day extension, or Opt for a 60‑day e‑VoA upfront, avoiding the need to visit immigration for extension. What to do upon arrival Apply early for your e‑VoA. Secure your stay permit if planning to stay longer. Plan ahead to avoid overstaying and fines, which can lead to penalties or banned re-entry. Foreigners visiting Indonesia , whether for tourism, work, study, or remote living are being advised to better understand the rules around visas and stay permits. With Bali remaining a major destination for tourists and digital nomads alike, Indonesian immigration authorities have released new guidance aimed at clearing up ongoing confusion between entry visas and permission to update, posted on the official Instagram handle of the Indonesian Immigration Office, stresses a critical distinction for anyone staying beyond a short visit. Understanding this difference is key to avoiding visa violations, legal complications, or even denial of re-entry in the future.A visa is your official entry ticket to Indonesia. It grants you permission to enter the country for specific reasons, tourism, business, visiting family, or transit. For Indians and many others, this includes:A visa establishes your eligibility to enter Indonesia, but it doesn't define how long you can stay after entry, that's where the stay permit comes stay permit, also known as ITAS or KITAS/KITAP in certain categories, becomes relevant after you arrive in Indonesia, according to Immigration Indonesian. It allows you to reside legally for a set period and is issued by local immigration authorities. You cannot legally stay in Indonesia without activating this permit after emphasize that holding a visa doesn't guarantee legal residency. You must obtain the appropriate stay permit to ensure your stay is Instagram post shared by Indonesia's immigration authority, with the key statement: 'Stay Permit is the permission granted after you've entered the country, allowing you to legally stay for a certain period' helps dispel confusion. This is particularly relevant as travelers mix visas and permits, unaware that both are mandatory for legally staying beyond initial digital application for e-VoA involves:Once on Indonesian soil, you can choose to either:The entire procedure enhances convenience and reduces airport waits, saving up to an hour per traveler in peak landing, present your e‑VoA confirmation to immigration, receive your entry stamp, and then proceed to coordinate your stay permit applications if staying longer than initial stays beyond 60 days, or for work/study, apply for the relevant KITAS through an immigration office or sponsor.A visa lets you enter Indonesia. A stay permit lets you stay legally once you're inside. For Indians and others planning travel to Bali or across Indonesia, knowing this difference is vital:
DW
21-06-2025
- Business
- DW
US updates: Trump admin slashes jobs at Voice of America – DW – 06/21/2025
Voice of America is the largest US government-funded international broadcaster and hundreds of employees have been laid off in a fresh round of firings. A top Democrat called it a "dark day for the truth." The Trump administration on Friday laid off 639 employees at US public broadcaster Voice of America (VoA) and its parent organization, the United States Agency for Global Media (USAGM). VoA was established in World War II and aims much of its programming at countries under authoritarian regimes such as North Korea and Iran. Kari Lake, a former television anchor and Trump ally who serves as the senior advisor to the USAGM, said the cuts are part of a "long overdue effort to dismantle a bloated, unaccountable bureaucracy." Some 1,400 people have been fired at VoA and USAGM since March, Lake said. Many VOA staff have been on administrative leave since March 15 amid legal proceedings. Trump has attacked publicly-funded news outlets such as VoA and National Public Radio (NPR), claiming without concrete evidence that their programming is biased toward conservatives. To view this video please enable JavaScript, and consider upgrading to a web browser that supports HTML5 video Welcome to DW's coverage of current affairs in the US and the second term of President Donald Trump. In addition to the latest news on the US, this blog will also bring you multimedia content, analysis and on-the-ground reporting from DW correspondents. Stay tuned for more!
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Business Standard
30-05-2025
- Business Standard
No visa hassles: Top countries Indians can visit with ease in 2025
International travel is fun but getting a visa is often labourious. The good news is that many countries have made travel easier for Indian passport holders by offering visa-free entry, visa on arrival, or online visas (e-visas). The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) provides the list of nations that extend such visas to Indians. From neighbouring retreats to faraway Pacific islands, these are the countries you can circle on the map for planning your next relaxing vacation without having to worry much about a visa. Countries offering e-visas to Indian passport holders The MEA lists 62 countries where Indian citizens can apply for an e-visa, saving both time and paperwork at embassies. In Asia, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Vietnam, Malaysia, Sri Lanka, and Taiwan offer electronic visa facilities. Central Asian and Eurasian countries such as Kazakhstan, Uzbekistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Russia are also part of this list. In Africa, travellers can secure e-Visas for Kenya, Tanzania, Ethiopia, Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, and Namibia, among others. Australia and New Zealand also allow Indian nationals to apply online, while in Latin America and the Caribbean, destinations like Argentina, Chile, Suriname, and Antigua & Barbuda extend this convenience. United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Turkey and Oman in West Asia also support e-visas. Elsewhere, Burkina Faso, Benin, Sao Tome and Principe, and Equatorial Guinea are on the list. Visa-free destinations for Indian citizens Visa-free entry is available for Indian passport holders in 25 countries, with varying durations and some conditions. In South Asia, Bhutan and Nepal continue to offer unlimited stay without any visa due to longstanding bilateral agreements. Indian Ocean island nations of Maldives (90 days) and Seychelles (90 days with prior travel authorisation) are welcoming, and Mauritius also grants free entry under specific conditions. In Southeast Asia, Thailand now offers 60 days' visa-free travel, and Malaysia has waived visas for 30 days till December 2026. The Caribbean is a hotspot of visa-free travel for Indians, with Barbados, Grenada, Haiti, Jamaica, Trinidad & Tobago, and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offering stays ranging from 30 to 90 days. Other visa-free options include Senegal in West Africa, Kazakhstan and Belarus in Central Asia (though Belarus requires transit via Minsk and other conditions), and Philippines, which permits short stays under certain visa-holding conditions. Visa-on-arrival for Indian citizens Visa-on-arrival (VoA) is available to Indian nationals in 38 countries, including many in Africa such as Tanzania, Kenya, Rwanda, Madagascar, Guinea-Bissau, and Zimbabwe. Laos, Cambodia, Indonesia, Iran, Jordan, and Myanmar in Asia also allow Indian tourists to obtain visas upon arrival. Qatar, and Oman provide VoA access, too. The Caribbean again features strongly here, with Saint Lucia and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines offering VoA as well. This wide access reflects India's growing diplomatic outreach and makes global travel significantly easier for Indian citizens. As visa policies can change, travellers are advised to verify current requirements via the MEA website ( before making any travel arrangements.
Yahoo
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Yahoo
‘Maduro did not close our bureau – Trump did': Voice of America journalists speak out
Carolina Valladares Pérez, a Washington-based correspondent for the government-funded international news service Voice of America, has reported from places where press freedom is severely restricted – war zones and autocratic states – in the Middle East and across Latin America. Intimidation and threats from state officials were not unusual – but she always managed to get the story out. Now for the first time in her career, Valladares Pérez says she has been silenced – not by a faraway regime, but by the government of the United States. 'Nicolás Maduro did not close our bureau,' she said, of Venezuela's authoritarian leader. 'Donald Trump closed it. I find this astonishing.' Valladares Pérez is one of hundreds of VoA journalists who remain shut out of their newsroom nearly two months after Donald Trump signed a late-night executive order aimed at dismantling their parent company, the US Agency for Global Media (USAGM). The journalists had been hopeful they might be able to return to their broadcasts this week – VoA was even included in the rotation of news outlets assigned to cover the president as part of the White House press pool. But whiplashing court orders and a newly announced 'partnership' to broadcast a hard-right, pro-Trump news outlet have clouded their path forward. 'We have 3,500 affiliates around the world – these are television stations, radio stations, digital affiliates, who depend on our content,' said Patsy Widakuswara, VoA's White House bureau chief, who is the lead plaintiff in a lawsuit challenging the president's authority to gut an independent agency. 'The void is going to be filled by our adversaries – it already is.' VoA's pro-democracy programming reaches hundreds of millions of people across the globe, broadcasting in 47 languages. It is often the only alternative to state-run media in places where press freedom is severely restricts, including in Russia, China and Iran. But the administration has denigrated the outlet as the 'Voice of Radical America' and accused it of producing 'propaganda'. Following Trump's March edict, VoA's broadcast went dark for the first time since its founding during the second world war, initially to counter Nazi propaganda. Some radio stations began playing music instead of the news. VoA's website remains frozen in time, the homepage dated to that Saturday morning. As many as 1,300 VoA employees have been placed on administrative leave. The order also directed USAGM to cancel the federal grants that support VOA's sister outlets Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty, Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. Without funding, those broadcasters have struggled to remain operational. The Trump administration has defended the decision to cut the broadcasters as part of its effort to downsize the federal government and slash what it described as 'frivolous expenditures that fail to align with American values or address the needs of the American people'. 'Shut them down,' the Trump ally and adviser Elon Musk declared on X earlier this year, as his so-called 'department of government efficiency' began its work. In response to the president's March order, Kari Lake, a fierce Trump loyalist and prominent election denier who was installed as a special adviser to the US's global media agency, declared that VoA's networks were 'not salvageable'. But it appears the former local news anchor turned unsuccessful Republican candidate is now working to bring the news outlet back on air and online in some capacity. In a statement on Monday, Lake said 'the plan has always been to have meaningful, comprehensive, and accurate programming. However, this administration was halted in its tracks by lawfare, which prevented the implementation of much-needed reforms at VoA.' On Tuesday night, she announced on X that the One America News Network (OAN), which has perpetuated conspiracy theories about the 2020 election and was sued by voting-machine companies for promoting claims of election fraud, will provide VoA's 'newsfeed and video service free-of-charge'. Last month, a federal judge blocked the Trump administration's efforts to dismantle VoA, as well as Radio Free Asia and the Middle East Broadcasting Networks. But VoA staff and journalists remain on administrative leave while the court process plays out. The judge, US District Judge Royce Lamberth, later ordered the administration to restore funding Congress appropriated for Radio Free Europe, but the ruling was paused on appeal. On Saturday, a divided panel of three circuit court judges paused parts of the ruling, ordering the Trump administration to return the VoA employees back to work. In a dissent, federal appeals court judge Cornelia Pillard warned that the stay 'all but guarantees that the networks will no longer exist in any meaningful form' by the time litigation is resolved. Challenging the ruling, attorneys representing the VoA journalists have asked the full US court of appeals for the DC circuit to rehear the case en banc. The Trump administration's attempt to dismantle the US's largest and oldest international broadcaster is part of a broader crackdown on press freedom in the US, journalists and experts say. In late April, the president also signed an executive order aimed at slashing federal funding for NPR and PBS, accusing the news outlets of similarly spreading 'radical woke propaganda'. 'The reason we have such a huge audience is because we're not propaganda,' Widakuswara said. 'Much of our audience lives in places where there is government propaganda, and they can smell it a mile away. They turn to us because they trust us.' Ilan Berman, senior vice-president at the American Foreign Policy Council, said VoA and its sister outlets were an 'indispensable' asset in the information war, countering anti-American narratives and disinformation in unfree societies. 'Authoritarian regimes understand very well that controlling information is essential to controlling their populations,' Berman, who serves on the board of RFE/RL and MBN, wrote in an email, while traveling in the Middle East, where he said media outlets hostile to the US already saturate the airwaves. 'America and its allies have unfortunately been playing defense for a while now,' he added. 'And the shuttering of our messaging outlets is only going to make those voices stronger, and ours weaker.' Desperate to return to work, Widakuswara has been leading the charge to raise awareness of VoA's plight and keep newsroom morale up amid the turbulence of the last several weeks. On 4 May, the account, @savevoanow was suspended by X, the platform owned by Musk, for allegedly 'violating rules against inauthentic accounts'. The account has since been restored but it unnerved Widakuswara and her colleagues, who have vowed not to remain silent. 'What we're fighting for is not just for our job but our continued editorial independence,' the White House reporter said. A 'reward to dictators and despots' The silencing of VoA has alarmed press freedom advocates but drew gleeful reactions from Chinese and Russian state media. 'We couldn't shut them down, unfortunately, but America did so itself,' said Margarita Simonyan, editor-in-chief of the Kremlin-backed RT network, who cheered Trump's 'awesome decision'. The Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), a prominent press freedom organization, called Trump's effort to eliminate the news outlets a 'reward to dictators and despots' and urged Congress to restore the agency it created 'before irreparable harm is done'. 'When a US president is behaving this way domestically towards media, it creates a kind of permission structure for world leaders to treat the press the same way in their home countries,' said Katherine Jacobsen, the CPJ's Canada and Caribbean program coordinator. US-based foreign journalists whose visas are now in jeopardy because of the dismantling of USAGM say deportation to their home countries would put them at risk of reprisal, imprisonment and possibly even death at the hands of authoritarian governments. 'In Burma, Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, there were people who fought for freedom and democracy, and they came to work at RFA,' Jaewoo Park, a journalist for Radio Free Asia in Washington, recently told the Guardian. 'It's very risky for them. Their lives are in danger if Radio Free Asia doesn't exist.' According to the agency, 10 of its journalists remain jailed or imprisoned around the world – in Myanmar, Vietnam, Russia, Belarus and Azerbaijan. At the annual White House Correspondents' Association dinner, the organization's president, Eugene Daniels, voiced solidarity with VoA's journalists. 'To our friends at Voice of America, I can't wait until you're back at the White House grounds to continue reporting important stories for audiences around the world, especially in countries where leaders suppress the freedom of expression and the press,' he said during a speech that eschewed punchlines in favor of a robust defense of the first amendment and press freedom. Valladares Pérez is also looking forward to that day. 'Our reporters want to go back to work. Our job is not to be at home, being silent and not publishing,' she said. 'Our job is to take our microphones, to keep talking, reaching our audiences and telling them what's happening in the US. This is our mission.'
