Trump Administration Wants Immigrant Sponsors To Provide Bank Information

The Trump administration is intending to require Americans who support their mates from outside the country and different family members for green cards to give their bank account information.

In a notification scheduled to be informed on the Federal Register on April tenth, United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) plans to include an area in Form I-864, Form I-864A, and Form I-864EZ (Affidavit of Support) requiring the support to give details of their financial balance.

Additionally, USCIS plans to require that the Affidavit of Support forms be notarized, wants sponsors to provide information about Affidavits they have previously submitted, and “optionally submission of a credit report.”

USCIS says the proposed changes are meant “to better inform sponsors and household members of their support obligations and better ensure the support obligations”

USCIS further informs these changes are in accordance with the presidential memo released by President Donald Trump in May, 2019 requiring immigrants living in or intending to live in the US to be self-sufficient.

In the planned change document, USCIS announces that by submitting an Affidavit of Support, the sponsor creates a contract between the sponsor and the U.S. government that among other things holds the sponsor “liable for any reimbursement obligation incurred as a result of the sponsored immigrant receiving any means-tested public benefits.”

The prospective change will be released in the Federal Register for 30 days in orders for members of the public to make comments before it becomes effective.

Costa Rica Again Extends Tourist Visas For Foreigners In Country

According to Costa Rica’s Immigration Administration, they will provide foreigners with extra flexibility as countries restrict travel because of the coronavirus pandemic.

As follow, foreigners who entered Costa Rica on a tourist visa after December 17, 2019, can legally remain in Costa Rica until July 17, 2020.

This extension is applied automatically; tourists do not have to contact the Immigration Administration to request it. This policy is very convenient for foreigners. Previously, the automatic extension for tourists was only valid through May 17.

As this new policy, documents which will expire within this period will also be deemed valid until July 17, 2020, according to Outlier Legal.

In addition, the Immigration Administration will not enforce penalties for people who have an irregular immigration status. That means tourists and others who overstay their visas will not be fined when they next try to exit Costa Rica.

In response to the coronavirus pandemic, Costa Rica has stop allowing non-citizens and non-residents to enter this country since March 19. That ban will come to effect until at least May 15.

Indian Embassy in Qatar starts collecting data of those requiring repatriation

Indian Embassy in Qatar has started gathering data about Indian expatriates in Qatar, who will require repatriation due to various reasons.

The embassy has confirmed clearly that it is only collecting data for information purpose and no decision has been taken regarding the resumption of flights to India.

“We are collecting data about people requesting repatriation to India. Please follow this link and answer the questions.  At this stage, the purpose  is only to compile information. No decision or details yet on resumption of flights to India,” the embassy said on Twitter.

The form will required you to provide your basic details like name, passport number, age and also what kind of visa you hold – Residence Permit, Visa On Arrival / Tourist Visa, Business Visa or Family / Visit Visa.

You need to also provide the reason for travelling back to India: Be it Medical Emergency (Self), Medical Emergency (Family Member), Death of Family Member, Stranded Tourist/ Visitor, Amnesty/ Deportation, Loss of Employment, Expiry of Visa or Stranded Student.

“As and when a decision is taken (regarding flights to India), Embassy of India will make an announcement. This form is to be filled for a single individual at a time. For addition of details of family members, you are requested to fill the form again for each member.” Indian Embassy added.

US Embassy in Manila: All US visa interviews suspended

The United States Embassy in the Philippines has canceled all scheduled immigrant and nonimmigrant visa interviews until May 31 because the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ) was extended to May 15.

In a statement, the US Embassy said they will resume routine visa services “as soon as possible” but are unable to provide a specific date at the moment

The government had decided to extend the imposition of an enhanced community quarantine all over Luzon in order to control the further transmission of the novel coronavirus or SARS-CoV-2, which causes COVID-19.

But the US Embassy advised applicants that once the quarantine period ends, they may reschedule their visa interviews through +63 (2) 7792-8988 and +63 (2) 8548-8223, or through the online appointment system at ustraveldocs.com/ph.

It guaranteed that candidates would not be charged for their arrangement change, in any event, taking note of that visa application expenses are “valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid.”

“There is no fee to change an appointment and visa application fees are valid for one year in the country where the fee was paid,”

On Friday, President Duterte ordered the extension of the ECQ in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, Calabarzon, and other “high risk” area in Luzon until May 15, 2020.

Chinese Embassy rejects call for China to pay for PH’s COVID-19 response

The Chinese Embassy on Wednesday blasted a Filipina senator for demanding that China pay the Philippines’ expenses in battling COVID-19 as a reparation for destroying the reefs at West Philippine Sea.
Senator Risa Hontiveros of Philipines said that China must pay a compensation for the country some ₱200 billion for “at least six year’s” because of environmental damages.

According to the reports of the University of the Philippines’ Marine Science Institute, which states that the destruction to the reefs in Scarborough Shoal and Spratly Islands is equivalent to at least ₱33.1 billion in annual losses. This is reportedly on top of other economic and health costs.

The senator added that the compensation should be used to fund efforts against the coronavirus disease and extend aid to affected families.

“The government should demand what is rightfully ours and use this to help the Filipino people battle COVID-19,” she said.

The Chinese embassy, in response, reduced the senator’s call to a “selfish political” tactic.
“At this trying time, it is ridiculously absurd and irresponsible to make such remarks for the sole purpose of catching eyeballs and for selfish political gains,” it said, adding that the two countries are “friendly neighbors across the sea.”

The West Philippine Sea are areas that the Philippines claims and occupies in the disputed South China Sea. While an international arbitration has already favored Manila by concluding China has no claims to the bulk of the global waterway, Chinese President Xi Jinping continues to ignore the ruling.

Apart from compensation for marine environmental damages, Hontiveros also said the government should demand the ₱50 billion unpaid taxes from Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO).
She also urged the government to reassess its decision to allow POGOs to operate once the lockdown is lifted. The online gambling firms have been involved in multiple allegations of crimes linked to their operation, such as corruption, money laundering, bribery, tax evasion, kidnapping and sex trafficking.
For its part, the Chinese embassy maintained that China and the Philippines are “working closely” to address the threats of the coronavirus disease. It also assured that China will provide assistance “to the best of [its] ability” in the fight against the pandemic.

Meanwhile, German newspaper Bild has sent the Chinese President an invoice of £130billion reparations for the economic damages brought by the coronavirus disease.
She emphasized that China had to know long ago that Corona is highly infectious but they don’t let the world know about that.

Schengen Area Borders Might Remain Closed Until Summer

According to European Commissioner for Internal Market and Services Thierry Breton, the external borders of the Schengen Area will probably remain shut until summer. This issue is still being discussed, while revealing that there will be additional constraints to respect and pointing out that the battle against the Coronavirus has not been won yet.

President of France, Emmanuel Macron pointed out that the virus is spreading at different rates around the world with the US still not at its peak. Opening airports to allow non-essential travel over the summer could result in travelers bringing a second wave of the virus to Europe.

The Commissioner said that this would depend on the health situation, asserting that border closure and controls lifting needs to be done through coordinated actions of Member States.

He also emphasized that tourism is one of the hardest-hit sectors in the current health crisis in Europe, announcing that a special summit in September or October could be organized to deal with the fallout of the pandemic.

July and August are usually two of the busiest months in the travel calendar. However, European Commission President Ursula Von der Leyen has cautioned that nobody can make reliable forecasts as to whether borders will reopen by then and has urged people not to make summer holiday plans in Europe as the coronavirus pandemic continues to grip the Continent.

The initial lockdown in Europe began on the 17th of March. 30 members of the EU and the Schengen area entered lockdown at the same time; a lockdown that was due to end this week. However, the EU has now asked its members to extend the current state of lockdown until May and is considering further restrictions, as suggested by Macron.

South Korea cancels visa-free travel for Thais from April 13

The Royal Thai Embassy in Seoul said on Facebook page that South Korea has temporarily halted the visa exemption facility for Thais travelling to their country.

The move is aimed at preventing the spread of Covid-19 in South Korea.

The move also includes press visa (C-1) and short-term visa (C-3) for single and multiple uses which were issued before April 5.

Thai nationals who wish to enter South Korea from April 13 onwards will have to apply for a visa at the South Korean embassy in Thailand, except those holding diplomatic and official passports.

The embassy also added that the South Korean government has employed strict measures to reduce imported cases of Covid-19, which have risen to 861 from over 10,000 of the total confirmed cases in the country. – The Nation/Asia News Network

U.S. Embassy offering second repatriation flight from Costa Rica

The United States Embassy in Costa Rica has coordinated with United Airlines to offer a repatriation flight from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) near San José to Houston, Texas (IAH) on Monday, April 20.

The offering is in addition to Friday’s sold-out flight, which is operating on a similar schedule and with the same airline.

The U.S. Embassy in San Jose and the U.S. State Department have coordinated with United Airlines to offer a commercial flight from Juan Santamaria Airport (SJO) in San Jose, Costa Rica to Houston, Texas (IAH) on Monday, April 20 The flight will depart SJO at 12:00 pm and arrive at IAH at 4:46 pm.  This flight is open to public bookingyou are encouraged to book ASAP as seats are limited 

Payment and booking will be done directly with United Airlines at www.united.com.  

The cost of the flight will be based on the passenger’s final destination.  This price is set by United Airlines.  

Passengers can purchase a one-way ticket or round trip.  However, please be aware that foreigners will not be allowed to enter Costa Rica until after current border restrictions are lifted.  Passengers wishing to book connecting flights from Houston to other destinations in the United States or beyond should do so independently through United or other airlines.  The U.S. Embassy is not able to assist with arranging onward travel from Houston.  

Policies regarding luggage allowances and seating arrangements will be managed by United Airlines. 

Health regulations for boarding will be managed according to Costa Rican Ministry of Health guidelines.  At this time that includes medical personnel monitoring passenger lines for people with COVID 19 symptoms, and asking passengers with symptoms to self-identify.     

U.S. Citizens must have valid passports to enter the United States.  If you do not have a valid U.S. passport, please email ACSsanjose@state.gov immediately to apply for an Emergency Passport. 

Foreign national passengers must possess an official travel document from their country of nationality and permission to approach a United States port of entry such as a legal permanent resident card, U.S. visa, or Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) pre-approval.  For more information on U.S. entry follow this link:  https://www.cbp.gov/travel.     

 For information on requesting an emergency visa application appointment call 4000-1976, or visit: www.ustraveldocs.com/cr/cr-niv-expeditedappointment.asp.Note that foreign nationals seeking visas must qualify for a nonimmigrant visa under applicable laws, and that per U.S. Presidential Proclamation, most foreign nationals who have been in areas of highest COVID-19 incidence within the past 14 days must be refused embarkation to the United States. See complete details atwww.ustraveldocs.com/cr 

 The U.S. Embassy will continue to monitor traffic and travel restrictions associated with COVID-19 preventative measures.  Please be sure you are enrolled in the Safe Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP) at https://travel.state.gov/content/travel.html to receive the latest updates.  You can also find updated information on the U.S. Embassy website at https://cr.usembassy.gov/ 

 People with residency status who depart Costa Rica at this time will not be allowed to re-enter Costa Rica using their residency status until the emergency period is lifted by the Government of Costa Rica. 

 For additional questions regarding this flight or airline requirements, please contact United Airlines at www.united.com. 

Swedish Embassy in Zambia No Longer Grants Schengen Visas to 11 Countries It Represents

The Swedish Embassy in Lusaka, Zambia, which so far represented 11 other Schengen countries in terms of visa application processing and visa admission has announced that it will no longer process applications for these 11 countries.

Citizens of Zambia wishing to travel to Norway, France, Latvia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland or Belgium will have to contact the relevant authorities of these countries as Sweden has suspended the representation agreements with these countries.

Norway, France, Latvia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland and Belgium have suspended the representation agreements, and the Embassy can therefore no longer process applications for Schengen Visas for these countries,” a notice published by the Embassy of Sweden in Zambia explains.

As per applicants who have already been granted with visas for Norway, they will, however, no longer be able to enter Norway, regardless of the length of the visa.

While the Embassy claims that it has yet not received any information on whether applicants who have already obtained visas to France, Latvia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, The Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland and Belgium will be allowed to enter these countries, all these countries are already applying a ban on all non-EEA nationals as a measure against new Coronavirus infections coming in.

The ban has been applied by most of the countries listed above within the very first days after the decision was taken on March 17 between the EU Commission and the EU Council.

For those to whom travel to Norway, France, Latvia, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, the Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Switzerland or Belgium is essential, they are advised to contact the following authorities according to the country they wish to visit.

  • Royal Embassy of Norway in Pretoria – visa.pretoria@mfa.no
  • Danish Immigration Service – visas@us.dk
  • Ministry of Foreign Affairs Latvia – schengen.representation@mfa.gov.lv
  • Embassy of Estonia in Egypt – embassy.cairo@mfa.ee
  • Consulate General of France in Johannesburg – info.johannesburg-fslt@diplomatie.gouv.fr
  • Embassy of Finland in Lusaka – consul.lus@formin.fi
  • Belgium: daressalaam@diplobel.fed.be
  • The Netherlands Ministry of Foreign Affairs (website with more information) – netherlandsandyou.nl
  • Poland – pretoria@msz.gov.pl
  • Portugal – maputo@mne.pt

Source: schengenvisainfo.com

France Was About to Close Border Had UK Not Toughened Coronavirus Measures

The French President warned UK Primer on Friday that he would shut the border if the UK government did not undertake any steps to toughen restrictive measure for curing the coronavirus.

The President Emmanuel Macron said: “We had prepared the closure of our border and told Prime Minister Johnson we would implement it that day if there was no evolution [of British measures],”

However, his office in UK denied any suggestion that the stricter rules undertaken last Friday afternoon were triggered because of another country’s warnings.

Whereas the French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe said on the same evening regarding the travel ban to work, that all EU members should adopt methods which are “coherent”.

Italy, France, Spain, perhaps other countries will do the same soon, chose confinement, it goes without saying that if states, namely neighboring countries like the United Kingdom continue for much longer without such measures, then it’ll be difficult for us to allow entry to British citizens,” Philippe said.

On the 17 March The EU Commission and Council had agreed to seal off the external borders of the Schengen and EU territory, in a bid to contain the spread of the coronavirus. France was among the first countries to start implementing the measure after President Macron warned French citizens on the criticality of the situation in a televised address to the nation.

Despite the EU members closing their borders, the UK, as yet a member state, refused to do so alongside Ireland.

President Macron has been the person who has voiced most the concern of unilaterally reintroduced border controls within the Schengen Area, warning the EU leaders that such measures may bring the agreement to an end.

In the 25 years since the first borders of the Schengen members were abolished, the borderless area has never been closer to its suspension.