The Surinamese diaspora in the Netherlands is urging the Surinamese government to pursue visa-free travel for Surinamese passport holders. This initiative aims to strengthen ties between the two communities and streamline travel for the nearly 360,000 Surinamese people residing in the Netherlands.
The Platform Surinamese Diaspora (PSD) is leading the charge, with board member Ramnarain Rambaratsingh calling on Foreign Minister Albert Ramdin to initiate talks with the Netherlands for a visa facilitation agreement.
Rambaratsingh believes that such an agreement would foster closer connections between the Surinamese diaspora and Surinamese residents. He points to Greece’s recent visa program for Turkish tourists as a successful example of improved relations through relaxed travel restrictions.
Travel Statistics:
According to Schengen Visa Info, the Netherlands is the top destination for Schengen visa applications by Surinamese nationals.
In 2023, Surinamese submitted nearly 20,000 visa applications, with almost all directed to the Netherlands.
The approval rate for Surinamese applicants is around 84%, with rejections accounting for approximately 15% of applications.
The Surinamese Diaspora in the Netherlands:
Statistics show a growing Surinamese population in the Netherlands, reaching nearly 360,000 in 2022.
Nearly half of Dutch citizens of Surinamese origin are Dutch-born, reflecting the migration wave of the 1970s.
Suriname’s colonial history with the Netherlands and the widespread use of Dutch in Suriname contribute to the successful integration of the Surinamese community.
Unlike larger migrant communities, Surinamese migration to the Netherlands has slowed down over the past few decades.
Conclusion:
The push for visa-free travel reflects the deep connection between Suriname and the Netherlands. With a significant diaspora population and historical ties, facilitating easier travel could benefit both communities.
For more information on the Surinamese diaspora in the Netherlands and the visa-free travel initiative, please visit:
Ireland’s job market is booming! With a growing demand for skilled workers across various sectors, the country has issued over 27,181 work permits in the first eight months of 2024 alone. This represents a significant increase compared to previous years.
Healthcare and Tech Lead the Way:
The Department of Enterprise, Trade and Employment (DETE) reports that the health and social work sector received the highest number of permits (9,125), followed closely by information and communication (4,628). Agriculture, forestry, and fishing also saw a significant demand for foreign workers with 2,533 permits issued.
Addressing Labor Shortages:
This surge in work permits reflects Ireland’s attempt to address labor shortages in crucial sectors. A 2023 EURES report identified healthcare, IT, engineering, manufacturing, construction, and transportation as areas facing significant workforce gaps.
New Employment Permit Law:
To further address these shortages, Ireland implemented a new Employment Permits Act in September 2024. This act aims to create a more flexible system, particularly benefiting agriculture and horticulture with a new seasonal employment permit. This short-term permit allows non-EEA nationals to work for up to seven months in seasonal roles.
Minister Peter Burke, Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Employment of Ireland, emphasizes the benefits of the new law:
“The improvements in the new Act will allow for a more modern, flexible employment permit system while ensuring employee rights are maintained.”
Looking Ahead:
With a focus on attracting skilled workers and streamlining the work permit process, Ireland positions itself as a welcoming destination for international talent. This trend of increasing work permits is likely to continue as the country strives to fill crucial positions and maintain economic growth.
Europe’s stunning beaches beckon travelers worldwide, promising relaxation and adventure. However, with growing popularity comes the need for regulations. Here’s a quick guide to some beach bans and restrictions in popular European destinations:
Spain:
No Saving Spots: Ditch the towel reservation tactic! Some Spanish beaches fine tourists for claiming spots with towels before arrival.
Early Bird Gets the Chair: Setting up umbrellas or chairs before 9:30 am in Calpe, Spain, might lead to a hefty fine.
Smoke-Free Shores: Barcelona enforces a beach smoking ban to keep cigarette butts at bay. Fines apply for violators.
Dress Code for Diners: Certain Barcelona restaurants have banned beach attire (football shirts, strapless tops) and require proper clothing.
Hygiene Matters: Public urination in the sea is strictly prohibited in Galicia. Fines await those who disregard this rule.
Nighttime Beach Ban: Benidorm enforces a midnight to 7 am ban on swimming and sleeping on the beach.
Italy:
Swimwear Etiquette: Sorrento frowns upon swimwear outside beaches and pools. Breaking this rule can lead to a €500 fine.
Towel Trouble in Sardinia: The pristine Spaggia della Pelosa prohibits towels for sunbathing, citing sand preservation.
Limited Entry Paradise: Sardinia’s stunning beaches like Lu Impostu and Brandinchi have daily visitor caps and entrance fees.
Footprints Forbidden: Stepping on the unique pink sand of Spiaggia Rosa beach in Italy is illegal, with hefty fines for violators.
Strike a Pose (But Not Here): Portofino discourages selfies in crowded areas due to congestion and fines violators up to €275.
Guided Whisper Tours: Tour guides in Venice can no longer use loudspeakers, and groups are limited to 25 people to minimize “confusion and disturbances.”
No Sitting on the Spanish Steps: Rome’s iconic Spanish Steps are off-limits for sitting, with fines ranging from €250 to €400.
Portugal:
Keep it Quiet: Playing loud music on Portuguese beaches, including via portable speakers, can result in significant fines (up to €36,000).
Stay Informed, Enjoy Responsibly!
Remember, these are just some examples. Always research specific beach regulations before your trip to ensure a smooth and enjoyable European getaway.
Important Update for Foreigners Seeking Lithuanian Residence
As of September 2nd, 2024, Lithuania has stopped accepting temporary residence permit applications submitted through external service providers in Nepal. This decision aligns with stricter security protocols implemented by the Lithuanian Ministry of Interior.
Key Points:
Nepal Closure: Applications in Nepal can no longer be processed through external service providers.
Reduced Outsourced Units: The Ministry has decreased outsourced visa centers from 34 to 31 globally in 2024.
Security Concerns: Closures in Lebanon, Jordan, and Sri Lanka earlier this year were due to national security considerations.
Availability in Other Countries: Residence permit applications remain available via external providers in numerous countries, including Albania, Argentina, and the United States.
Reasoning Behind the Change
The Lithuanian government prioritizes state security and a robust visa service. The Ministry of Interior, along with security and border agencies, conducts evaluations when selecting countries for outsourced visa processing. These evaluations consider:
State Security: Potential security risks associated with each country.
Foreign Policy & Labor Market: Alignment with Lithuania’s foreign policy goals and labor market needs.
Institutional Capacity: Capabilities of external service providers in each country.
Impact on Applicants
Individuals seeking Lithuanian residence permits from Nepal will now need to submit applications directly through Lithuanian authorities. You can find the latest procedures and application forms on the official Lithuanian Migration Department website .
Alternatives for Residence Permit Applications
The closure in Nepal doesn’t affect other countries. You can still apply for Lithuanian residence permits through external service providers in various locations, including:
Albania
Argentina
Armenia
Australia etc
Stay Informed
For the latest updates on Lithuanian visa and residence permit procedures, consult the official Lithuanian Migration Department website or contact the Lithuanian embassy or consulate nearest you.
You must have heard about Grenada for a very interesting reason; it is famous for being a producer of amazing spices! The second name of this country is Spice Island, which surely gives it a distinct identity. Globally, it exports a variety of amazing spices, which keeps its international trade activity vibrant throughout the year.
This is probably one of the reasons why the economy of Grenada is always balanced. This leads to an overall improved standard of living for the citizens that live there.
If you plan to move to Grenada and need to know exactly what entails the moving process and living conditions, then this article is your guide. Keep reading to learn more about Grenada relocation, citizenship, and cost of living.
1. Easy Relocation Prospects
Compared to other countries in the Caribbean, Grenada offers an easier relocation process. This is probably why the Grenada passport is so popular amongst the expats. The steps are pretty simple, and it doesn’t take much time. Most applications will be take around 90 days to be processed, with your second passport issued once this is complete. Alongside this, the investment cost is also quite low compared to other countries. A minimum of $150,000 is what you need to contribute to the National Transformation Fund.
As offered by the Grenada citizenship by investment program, your second option is to purchase some real estate in any part of the country. For that, you will have to spend at least $220,000. After five years, there are great chances of this investment being returned.
If you plan on gaining citizenship in Grenada, there is good news. Grenada offers a quick citizenship process and you don’t need to pass any tricky exam which would require you to memorize every aspect of the country’s history. Though it would be great to know about it, you don’t really need to force yourself to cram it.
Alongside this, even though it’s a prominent Caribbean country, moving there is considerably easy as there are no tough tests to pass. You can simply make the investment needed and complete all your legal papers. There is no need for residency as well. You don’t have to spend a particular period in the country to be eligible for citizenship.
Hence, it makes Grenada one of the easiest countries in the World, where you can get a second passport!
3. Cost Of Living
The cost of living in Grenada is quite low, which makes it a feasible option to opt for. This is why the crime rate in the country is pretty low. Moreover, it makes this country one of the safest places in the world to have a peaceful living.
There are many reasons behind this low cost of living, including the lack of overbearing tourist attention to it and a comparatively higher population of students. Food, most of the time, comes from the farmer’s market. Hence, it costs really less than what you may have to pay in your current living place.
You would be surprised to know how cheap the accommodation is in Grenada. This is one major reason why a lot of people find it one of the most inexpensive countries in the world to live in. Even if you opt for the citizenship by investment program, you will have enough reserves to lead a comfortable life in Grenada with your family.
Apart from these, the medical facilities, groceries, food and transport are also quite affordable, even for a large expat family.
The most significant benefit you get is surely the fact that you travel to as many as 144 countries without a visa!
4. Guaranteed Privacy Of The Investor
As an investor who wants to relocate, you can easily keep your privacy intact. The company register through which you want to make a move won’t enter your personal data into the official registers. This will keep your relocation secure.
Getting citizenship registration through an international company will reduce the tax payments in your favor. Alongside this, there will be no currency control restrictions. This way, no matter how frequent, your transactions won’t be affected by any limitations.
5. Convenience Of Taxes
Contrary to other major countries across the globe, relocating to Grenada won’t require you to pay taxes on any global income of yours.
As well as this, the dividends, royalties, or any interest that you get from your international activities won’t require tax deductions. This is an add-on to the numerous benefits that an expat gets from relocating here.
Final Thoughts
Relocating to a different country is surely a massive decision. However, some countries make the process easier and more beneficial. Grenada citizenship by investment program is surely one of the most convenient ways through which you can apply for a second passport.
You would be able to enjoy all the perks of being a citizen of this country without relinquishing your second citizenship.
Alongside this, even though it’s a prominent Caribbean country, moving there is considerably easy as there are no tough tests to pass. You can simply make the investment needed and complete all your legal papers. There is no need for residency as well. You don’t have to spend a particular period in the country to be eligible for citizenship.
