Archive for May, 2008

I understand the problems the Burma Cyclone has brought the Burma Government may have reservations about allowing hoards of do gooding tourists in to their country only to take pictures of the disaster and condescend.  If the weather holds out this summer they could even put on a concert or two for a new Cyclonic charity! The UN are not without their share of problems but all said and done maybe a little help from others may not be such a bad thing.

If you (the Burmese Government) do decide to allow aid workers in and want to start issuing visas all of us here at Global Visas are prepared to offer all our services and resources free of charge to assist in our small way.  We also promise not to go to Burma ourselves and will ask people to leave their cameras at home.

Let us know. 

I am lucky. I am a South Africa, living in London on a Working Holiday Visa.

Why is that luck you may ask? Well because as from October this year Working Holiday Visas will no longer be accepted from South African citizens.

This week the UK immigration minister, Liam Byrne, announced the intended provisions for the tier 2 and tier 5 systems that will replace many current UK immigration laws from autumn this year. Tier 2 visas refer to the sponsorship of skilled workers, while tier 5 is the temporary workers and youth mobility scheme. The Working Holiday Visa will be abolished outright and replaced by the tier 5. However it is not that easy.

Tier 5 permits, based on a points based system, will only become viable in countries that reciprocate the same conditions to youth and temporary workers coming from the UK to another country. South Africa does not have any kind of working holiday scheme; therefore tier 5 will not apply to South African citizens.

Each year thousands of South African school leavers and new graduates come to the UK to experience all that the island has to offer. The UK, especially London, is a popular choice for those seeking a gap year or two, mostly because of the strong pound and travel opportunities. This working holiday visa allowed young people, younger than 30, access to work and travel the UK for a period of 24 months.

This no longer happening has dashed the dreams of many South Africans wanting to embrace all that the UK has to offer with ease. Only South Africans with a high level of skills, experience and money or a job offer will be able to come to the UK via tier 1, (which replaces the Highly Skilled Migrant Programme) and tier 2.

I am going to thoroughly enjoy my time here in the United Kingdom on behalf of those who will not be as fortunate in the future. I am of course one of a dieing breed.

If you want to be part of this breed contact www.globalvisas.com NOW and start your Working Holiday application right away.

The UK government aim to try again to prevent Snoop Dogg from entering the UK, this follows the decision to ban the US rapper being overturned last month.

In 2006 Snoop Dogg, real name Calvin Broadus, was involved in a brawl with the police at Heathrow Airport, this ultimately led to the visa ban.

Even celebrities need visas to enter the UK, however if they are believed to be a risk to society their visa will be denied no matter who you are - this is the case with Snoop.

However despite evidence that he did not resist arrest and footage of him quietly playing with children at the airport was revealed in court, the government still are not happy with the decision to allow the rapper access into the country. They have therefore launched this new appeal.

It seems rather ridiculous that the Brits will not give up the fight and allow this highly popular and successful artist come and perform in the UK, this has embittered Snoop’s vast amount of UK fans.

It seems silly that Snoop Dogg would be viewed as such a threat to the UK society. What is it that they believe Snoop will do when he is here besides entertain, would he be involved in terrorism, gang fights or become a hoody? Not very likely!

We would love to hear your point of view. What do you think? Should Snoop Dogg be allowed a visa into Britain?

If so he should use Global Visas in order to guarantee a visa!     

Tons of immigrants flock to South Africa from across the border each year. This story refering to Mozambican repatriation caught my eye:

“Orlando Cossa, head of the immigration services at Ressano Garcia told the daily Noticias that at least 8017 illegal Mozambicans were repatriated through that border post in March and in February, at least 3577 illegal Mozambicans were repatriated through the same border post.

Cossa said in March the Mozambican immigration officials also deported 16 South Africans who were living illegally in Mozambique, a decrease from 20 who were deported in February.

“We continue to have illegal entries through the porous border post from both countries by people who sneak through illegal points,” said Cossa.

While a lot of Mozambicans entered legally into South Africa, they overstayed their 30 days, which are allowed under the visa waiver agreement.

The terms of the visa waiver agreement allows thousands of Mozambicans who shop and do business in South Africa to enter without visas.

The visa waiver also allows citizens of either country to stay in the other country for up to 30 days without a visa.

Mozambique also has visa waiver agreements with Namibia, Botswana, Malawi, Namibia, Swaziland, Zambia and Zimbabwe.

Immigrations officials have said in recent media reports that the visa waiver has resulted in an increase in the movement of people at the Ressano Garcia/Lebombo border post.”

- Courtesy Sunday Times, South Africa 

Two English teams are in the final of the Uefa Champions league. This is a first in history. Another first is that this final will be held in Moscow, Russia. But just getting there in the first place may pose some problems.

Politics and tension between the UK and Russia may be the reason for these troubles but clubs, Uefa and proposed amendments to the visa laws for the game may come to the rescue. The idea that those with tickets will be exempt from having to obtain a visa is even being proposed.

Additional staff from Russia will also be brought into the consulate in order to deal with the influx of visa applications. The Russian consulate guarantee that despite the small time frame all applications will be dealt with.

The actual clubs have put together packages in order to make it easier for supporters. MU Travel (Manchester United Travel) offers a day package for £939 and a two-night stay costing £1299.

But just getting to the match in the first place will be heavy on the wallet. As much as £3000 could be spent by someone wanting to come to the all-England game on May 21, this includes the flight that could set you back as much as £1500, accommodation, which is in short supply at the moment and the ticket costing between £67 and £167. If a visa is required this could be as much as £100. 

And to make matters worse, those desperate to secure their trip to Moscow could, however have to wait a while as Thursday and Friday are Russian public holidays.

So, despite the numerous firsts that come with this match, bureaucracy and high costs may hamper the dreams of so many to enjoy the spectacle of this historic match.