Thai authorities are investigating 11,426 companies on Koh Phangan and Koh Samui for foreign ownership, with over 7,000 suspected of using illegal nominee structures, primarily in real estate and tourism. This crackdown follows prosecutions of over 850 companies for financial damages exceeding 15 billion baht.
The number of foreigners falling victim to fraud in South Korea has nearly quadrupled in two years, rising from 5,307 in 2023 to 19,907 last year. Many cases involve K-pop merchandise scams targeting 'hallyu' fans. Overall crime against foreigners also surged 81.7% amid a rise in tourism.
The first Bridge Awards ceremony in Moscow honored outstanding foreigners for their contributions to Russia's economy and culture. Winners included a Japanese dancer, an American UFC fighter, and a US journalist, with Steven Seagal presenting an award and commenting on US values.
The Trump administration has banned foreign nationals from accessing Anthropic's new AI models, Fable 5 and Mythos 5, citing national security concerns. The move, which impacts foreign employees and researchers, follows suspicions of China-linked access and a potential 'jailbreak' of the AI.
Indonesia's Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) arrested eight high-ranking immigration officials, including Deputy Minister Silmy Karim, for allegedly extorting over $8 million from foreigners seeking permits between 2022 and 2026. Nine visa agents were also detained.
Recent altercations in Egypt, particularly on public transport, have reignited debate over refugee rights and the strain on limited resources. While authorities claim equal treatment, incidents involving foreigners and citizens, often over seating priority, have led to police intervention and public criticism.
Libya's interim government has temporarily suspended its visa-on-arrival system for foreigners to enhance border control and combat organized crime. The move comes as security and military officials discuss ways to address national security threats.
Activists protested administrative blockages faced by foreigners in France seeking to regularize their status or renew residency permits. They highlighted issues with the dematerialized platform, lack of appointments, and unresponsive services, calling for state intervention.
Japanese municipalities are increasingly sharing information on foreign nationals who intentionally default on national health insurance payments with immigration authorities. This move aims to prevent 'free-riding' on the health insurance system, with potential consequences including refusal of visa extensions. While some municipalities report success in reducing arrears, critics argue the penalties for foreigners are disproportionately harsh compared to Japanese citizens.
Barnaby Joyce claims migrants are outbidding Australians at home auctions, despite tax data showing <1% of homes are bought by foreigners. The race discrimination commissioner warns against demonising migrants.
The dollar-won exchange rate surged past 1,530 won in overnight trading, driven by foreign investors selling Korean stocks for 19 consecutive days. Despite verbal intervention from South Korean foreign exchange authorities, the market showed little reaction, with the rate reaching a 17-year high.
A devastating fire in Malviya Nagar, Delhi, claimed 21 lives, including several foreigners. A video captured a foreign national attempting to escape the blaze. Eyewitnesses described scenes of panic, with some jumping from upper floors, while a mattress trader's quick thinking with quilts and mattresses helped save eight lives.
A fire at the Flourish Stay hotel in New Delhi killed at least 21 people, including several foreign nationals from Central Asia and Africa. Many were in the city for medical treatment. Authorities are investigating the cause, with reports suggesting safety regulation violations.
A massive fire at the Flourish Stay B&B hotel in Malviya Nagar, New Delhi, has killed at least 21 people. The blaze, which had a single entry-exit route, led to desperate escapes, including a woman and child jumping from the third floor. Rescue operations are ongoing, and the cause of the fire is under investigation.
A devastating fire at Lemon Green Restaurant in Malviya Nagar, South Delhi, claimed over 20 lives, including foreigners, and injured many on Wednesday morning. Fire services rescued over 40 people. The cause is under investigation.
A fire at a restaurant in Delhi's Malviya Nagar killed at least 21 people, many of them foreigners. 37 people were rescued and hospitalized. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced financial assistance for the victims' families, with Rs 2 lakh for the deceased and Rs 50,000 for the injured. The cause of the fire is under investigation.
A fire at a restaurant in Delhi's Malviya Nagar killed at least 21 people on Wednesday morning. Many victims are reportedly foreigners. 37 people were rescued and hospitalized. Prime Minister Modi announced financial aid for the deceased and injured.
A devastating fire at the Flourish Stay B&B restaurant in New Delhi's Malviya Nagar area on Wednesday morning has claimed at least 21 lives, with many victims reported to be foreigners. Over 40 people were rescued, and authorities are investigating the cause.
Thai authorities are cracking down on foreigners using Thai nominees to circumvent laws on foreign ownership of businesses. Nearly 500 companies linked to foreigners, including a nail salon allegedly fronting for an adult content business, have been identified. Legal firms report a surge in inquiries from concerned foreign investors.
India has updated visa rules, requiring foreigners on 180-day visas to register before expiry for extensions. Emergent circumstances are now needed for stays over 180 days. Birth intimation rules are waived if a parent is Indian.
Kenyans are protesting a US plan to establish an Ebola quarantine facility for its citizens in Nanyuki, fearing it will expose them to the virus and highlight double standards. The proposal has led to protests, court challenges, and debate, with some officials defending it as a health preparedness measure.
A Swiss swimming pool in Pruntrut is now charging non-residents double the entry fee and restricting online ticket sales for foreigners. This follows incidents of harassment and disturbances last summer, which led to a temporary ban on foreign visitors.
India has updated its immigration rules, requiring foreigners on visas for 180 days or less to register before their visa expires if they wish to extend their stay. New regulations also clarify procedures for children born to foreign parents and revise reporting duties for medical institutions.
Thailand is tightening visa rules, reducing visa-free stays to 30 days from 60, due to increasing concerns over misbehaving tourists and their impact on local culture and security. The government aims to balance public order with the economy, which heavily relies on tourism.
