Latest news with #visaRestrictions
Arab News
a day ago
- Politics
- Arab News
Huckabee's criticism of Israel exposes the tip of the iceberg
Evangelical Christian and US Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee last week wrote a letter that criticized the Tel Aviv government for discriminating against Christians, focused mainly on evangelical missionaries who, he said, have repeatedly been denied tourist visas. Huckabee, who was appointed ambassador by President Donald Trump, sent the scathing letter to Interior Minister Moshe Arbel, warning that if the restrictions against evangelicals continue, the US may take reciprocal action against Israelis seeking US visas. Instead of responding to the concern about anti-Christian policies in Israel, which go far beyond evangelical missionaries, Arbel responded that Huckabee is not a team player. Avoiding addressing the issue at hand, Arbel, using typical Israeli doublespeak, criticized Huckabee for deviating from 'accepted working norms' and not acting in 'mutual trust' with Israel. What Arbel was saying is that Huckabee should stand by Israel and ignore any Israeli policy or law that exposes its fundamental discrimination against all non-Jews and denies Muslims and Christians their rights. Days later, Huckabee expanded his concerns to speak out against the violent Jewish settler attacks that have taken place in Taybeh, one of the few remaining Palestinian Christian villages in the West Bank. The US ambassador expanded his concerns to speak out against the settler attacks that have taken place in Taybeh Ray Hanania Most evangelical Christians in the US long ago abandoned the Christians of historic Palestine as part of their blind support for Israel, ignoring all the Tel Aviv government's abuses, injustices and violence. Now, Huckabee has taken the first steps to restoring these important ties. Palestinian Christians have long been the target of attacks by Israelis. But two weeks ago, the attacks reached a new level of violence when Jewish settlers targeted a church, businesses, homes, farms and vehicles in Taybeh. It took a few days and the interior minister's failure to acknowledge Huckabee's concerns, but the US ambassador expanded those concerns on Friday to address the growing violence against Christians by Jewish settlers. In his original letter, Huckabee explained that he was angry because Israel's government had stopped giving automatic visa approvals to certain evangelical groups and had instead begun investigating their activities. Why is Israel denying visas to evangelicals? It is only speculation, but it could be because the Israeli government's genocide in the Gaza Strip, which has seen it murder more than 60,000 people, mostly civilians and including many women and children, has stirred the conscience of the world. This includes evangelicals, who up until recently have been distant from the suffering of Christian Palestinians. Possibly, evangelical Christians are now returning to the true foundation of their faith, which is to support those who are suffering, not to defend the oppressors. Huckabee's expansion of concern from evangelicals being denied tourist visas to Palestinian Christians being targeted in the West Bank, including recently in Taybeh, could represent a pang of consciousness on his part. It could also reflect a change in policy from the White House and President Trump, who in the past has said much about the Israeli hostages in Gaza and their suffering but has been very cautious about empathizing with Palestinian suffering. The assaults against Christians go beyond the actions of Jewish settlers and reflect fundamental policies in Israel, which treats all non-Jews, especially Palestinian Muslims and Christians, as second-class citizens inside Israel and as unimportant in the Occupied Territories. The assaults against Christians go beyond the actions of Jewish settlers and reflect fundamental policies in Israel Ray Hanania Over the years, land confiscations have been a major problem that have forced many Palestinians to flee Israel's harsh environment of oppression and civil rights violations. Among the victims are Christians, who until now have gone unnoticed. Israel's confiscation of lands to build settlements exclusive to Jews is rarely reported on and generally goes under the radar. For example, my family, hardcore Christians from Bethlehem, have been constantly battling Israel's anti-Christian bureaucracy in an attempt to regain control of their land. My family's land in the West Bank, near East Jerusalem, which is today surrounded by Jewish-only homes in the illegal settlement of Gilo, was placed under severe restriction shortly after Israel's government annexed the area after the 1967 war. Despite dozens of trips to the 'Tabu,' the Israeli land registry office, my family was constantly pushed aside. After waiting hours, they were always told no one could see them. My mother's great-grandfather and his sister purchased the land in the 1890s and I covet the original Ottoman land purchase document. In 1970, despite our protests, Israel took unilateral action and demolished the house on the 33 dunums (8.5 acres) of land, sealed the water well and destroyed a small road. The land, which is adjacent to a small village called Sharafat, had more than 160 olive trees that my family allowed the village's Muslim residents to harvest free of charge every autumn. It has been clear since 1968 that the more that Israel's government discriminates against Christians — a topic that is rarely reported on in the media — the more American Christians have become silent and separate from Palestinian Christians. So, Huckabee's surprise expressions of concern are welcome. Many mainstream Christian organizations that have in the past ignored Palestinian Christian suffering may now end their public silence. If the evangelical movement were to speak up for these Christians, it could result in a seismic shift that undermines the growing extremism among many Israeli Jews. Unfortunately, until now, when concerns were expressed for Christians, especially in a political context by pro-Israel activists or leaders, it was usually a narrow concern. Huckabee's interventions raise awareness of the challenges Palestinian Christians face, as well as broader issues, including discrimination against Muslims.
Khaleej Times
05-07-2025
- Business
- Khaleej Times
Thousands of UAE residents who bought second passport face uncertainty
Thousands of UAE residents who acquired Citizenship by Investment (CBI) passports from countries like Dominica, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Cambodia, and Egypt are staring at a storm they didn't see coming. Some had invested their life savings, believing these passports would unlock global mobility, tax benefits, and long-term security. On June 14, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio signed a memorandum giving 36 countries — including several with CBI programmes — a 60-day deadline, ending August 13, 2025, to meet stringent vetting and information-sharing standards or face visa bans. The European Union is also advancing legislation to suspend visa-free Schengen access for nations with weak oversight. If passed, the law could come into force by September. For expatriates from India, South Asia, and the Middle East, the implications are severe. Second citizenships had become a popular route to global travel and financial flexibility. Families typically spent between $115,000 and $330,000 on passports from Caribbean and other CBI jurisdictions that promised access to more than 140 countries. 'It's a perfect storm, and many passport holders didn't see it coming,' says Sam Bayat, founder of Dubai-based Bayat Legal Services and a pioneer in international investment migration in the region. 'People invested hundreds of thousands of dollars into citizenship programmes, believing it was their ticket to global freedom. Now, they're facing sudden restrictions that could render those passports practically useless.' The fallout is being felt most acutely in the UAE, where expats make up nearly 90 per cent of the population. While exact nationality data is unavailable, Bayat estimates that more than 10,000 applications have been filed from the region in recent years. 'Assuming three individuals per application, we're easily looking at 30,000 people, many of them UAE-based, who could be affected.' In limbo According to data shared by the European Commission, five Eastern Caribbean CBI jurisdictions — Antigua & Barbuda, Dominica, Grenada, Saint Kitts & Nevis, and Saint Lucia — have collectively issued over 100,000 citizenships between 2014 and mid-2024. The crisis is particularly acute for Indian nationals in the UAE. India does not allow dual citizenship, so many who opted for a second nationality had to relinquish their Indian passports. Henley & Partners' 2024 Private Wealth Migration Report notes that 4,300 wealthy Indians gave up their citizenship in 2023, with many choosing Caribbean or other CBI programmes while living in the Gulf. "We took this step thinking we were securing our future. Now it feels like everything's up in the air," said a Dubai-based Indian expat who acquired a Saint Lucia passport in 2022. "I'm following the developments and hoping it doesn't come to a point where we're left without real options,' he added. 'For families who sold property or dipped into savings to secure their second passports, this is more than a policy change — it's a personal crisis,' said Bayat. 'They may feel betrayed, especially those who renounced their nationalities." Local agencies in the Gulf, many of which aggressively marketed these programmes as low-risk, high-reward investments, are under pressure too. 'This could be the end of the road for dozens of firms that built their businesses on Caribbean passports,' says Bayat. 'Cosmetic change not enough' A 2023 European Commission report flagged 88,000 'golden passports' issued by Caribbean states, raising concerns about lax due diligence and high-risk applicants. The US memorandum also targets Cambodia and Egypt — a sign that the issue is no longer confined to the Caribbean. Many countries are pledging reforms, but Bayat argues that cosmetic changes won't suffice. 'A phased, credibility-first model is the only path forward. Without structural reform, CBI risks being viewed as a security threat rather than a legitimate development tool.' He warns: 'Commonwealth ties or past diplomatic goodwill won't protect countries from enforceent if their citizenship programmes fail to meet modern standards of integrity.' 'The EU's suspension of Vanuatu and the CJEU ruling against Malta have created a clear legal and policy precedent — CBI must involve genuine residency, integration, and public accountability, or face consequences.' 'Visa-free access to the UK or Schengen is not a birthright, it's a privilege based on trust. And that trust is eroding fast for countries that continue to operate opaque or outdated CBI models.' For countries like Saint Kitts and Nevis or Dominica, which rely heavily on revenue from citizenship sales to fund infrastructure, schools, and hospitals, the stakes are high. 'A US travel ban would devastate their local economies, and most of their populations won't understand the reason,' said Bayat. Secure alternatives Amid growing uncertainty, many affected individuals are exploring secure alternatives, particularly the UAE's 10-year Golden Visa. 'We are navigating a significant transformation in the citizenship by investment landscape,' says Rayyad Kamal Ayub, managing director of Rayad Group Immigration Services. 'The shift away from off-the-shelf passport purchases indicates a move toward more sustainable and legitimate pathways.' His firm has set up a help desk to assist affected individuals as the rules evolve. 'The growing appeal of programmes like the UAE Golden Visa lies in their credibility,' Rayyad says. 'Points-based systems in Canada, Australia, and New Zealand are also gaining traction, as countries prioritise applicants' qualifications and long-term value over cash.' Bayat is clear: The idea of investment migration isn't under attack, only the way it has been misused. 'Citizenship is a sovereign right, but it carries responsibilities for both the issuing state and the individual,' he says. 'The US and EU message is loud and clear: adapt or be shut out.'
Washington Post
01-07-2025
- Politics
- Washington Post
'The disappointment is huge:' Cuban women's volleyball team denied US visa to compete in Puerto Rico
HAVANA, Cuba — The Cuban women's national volleyball team was denied a chance to play in a tournament in Puerto Rico following the new visa restrictions imposed by U.S. President Donald Trump. The Cuban Volleyball Federation said last week that the team, comprising 12 athletes, a referee, and several coaches, had their visa request denied and will be unable to attend the tournament later this month.
Zawya
30-06-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Assistant Minister Gbaa Engages United States (U.S.) Embassy Over Potential Visa Restrictions
In a bid to prevent potential U.S. visa restrictions on Liberian nationals, the Assistant Minister for Public Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Hon. Saywhar Nana Gbaa, led an engagement with U.S. Embassy officials in Monrovia. The meeting was held with Mr. Nicolas Worden, Acting Consular Chief, and Mr. Raymond Stephens, Public Affairs Officer, to address concerns raised by the U.S. government that could result in stringent visa limitations within the next 50 days. The bilateral discussion, held at the U.S. Embassy, was part of a broader effort by the Government of Liberia to maintain strong diplomatic relations with the United States and ensure continued access to various categories of U.S. visas, including those for tourism, business, education, and immigration. During the meeting, U.S. officials expressed growing concern over multiple visa-related challenges originating from Liberia. These include the overstay of non-immigrant visitors and tourists, the submission of fraudulent documentation, and increasing incidents of misrepresentation such as falsified identities, family relationships, and travel purposes by visa applicants. According to Mr. Worden, approximately 20% of Liberians granted non-immigrant visas to the United States do not return at the end of their authorized stay. This statistic has triggered heightened scrutiny of visa applications from Liberia and has contributed to increased denial rates across multiple visa categories. The U.S. representatives acknowledged the proactive steps already being taken by the Government of Liberia, notably the formation of a high-level presidential task force spearheaded by H.E. President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, Sr., and co-led by Mme. Sara Beysolow Nyanti, Minister of Foreign Affairs. This task force was launched to diplomatically address and resolve the U.S. concerns in a timely and effective manner. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs emphasized that collaborative public affairs and communication strategies will be key in addressing the crisis. Hon. Saywhar Nana Gbaa and her team committed to spearheading comprehensive public awareness campaigns, including media outreach and community engagement, to educate citizens on the importance of compliance with visa terms and U.S. immigration policies. 'The Ministry of Foreign Affairs views this issue as a matter of national urgency,' said Hon. Gbaa. 'We remain fully committed to working in concert with the United States to address these concerns through transparency, diplomacy, and strategic public engagement. We urge all Liberians to adhere strictly to the rules governing their stay in the United States.' The potential restrictions outlined by the U.S. government cover a wide range of visa categories, including tourist (B-2), business (B-1), student visas (F-1), fiancée visas (K-1), non-immigrant visas, and the popular Diversity Visa (DV) program. The restrictions would not apply to lawful permanent residents but would significantly impact ordinary Liberians seeking temporary or permanent travel opportunities to the United States. Liberia is among 36 countries reportedly under review by the U.S. government for potential visa sanctions. These concerns date back to assessments conducted during the Trump administration, which highlighted weaknesses in identity verification, passport security, overstay rates, and inadequate cooperation in repatriation of deportees. The U.S. maintains that countries failing to meet specified benchmarks within 60 days of the proclamation may face far-reaching visa restrictions. With only 50 days remaining, both governments agreed that immediate and consistent action is needed to address the outlined issues. The Ministry is calling on all relevant Liberian stakeholders, including travel agencies, immigration officers, and community leaders, to support this national endeavor. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs reaffirms its commitment to safeguarding Liberia's global mobility and fostering strong bilateral ties with the United States. Further updates will be provided as diplomatic and public affairs efforts continue in the days ahead. Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Liberia.
Reuters
26-06-2025
- Politics
- Reuters
US announces new fentanyl-related visa restriction policy
June 26 (Reuters) - U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Thursday announced a new visa restriction policy aimed at stopping the flow of fentanyl and other illicit drugs into the United States. "Imposing visa restrictions on drug traffickers, their family members, and close personal and business associates will not only prevent them from entering the United States, but it will serve as a deterrent for continued illicit activities," Rubio said in a statement issued by the State Department.
