Beginning January 1st, Azerbaijan will reciprocate Russia’s new 90-day visa-free entry limit for foreign nationals by implementing the same restriction on Russian citizens. This decision follows Azerbaijan’s announcement of planned amendments to its entry rules for Russians. The move is a direct response to Russia’s own policy changes regarding foreign visitor stays. The timing coincides with ongoing diplomatic tensions between the two countries stemming from a recent Azerbaijan Airlines plane crash in Kazakhstan.
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Numerous US universities have issued travel advisories to international students and staff, urging them to return to campus before President Trump’s inauguration, fueled by concerns over his planned mass deportations and potential visa restrictions. This follows Trump’s past actions, including a travel ban and attempts to end the DACA program, creating uncertainty for the over 400,000 undocumented students enrolled in US higher education. Students, particularly those from Asia, express heightened anxiety about their future given the administration’s stance on immigration and US-China relations. The advisories reflect a proactive effort to mitigate potential risks for international students amid anticipated policy changes.
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It’s been seven weeks since the bridge collapse in Baltimore, and the crew aboard the ship involved in the incident are still on board, unable to disembark due to visa restrictions, lack of required shore passes, and ongoing investigations by the NTSB and FBI. The term “trapped” might give the wrong impression. The crew is not physically unable to leave the ship but is bound by bureaucracy. The ship needs to be staffed and operational, and the crew members are essential for maintaining it.
When considering the situation, it becomes clear that the crew members are not seen as people by their employers.… Continue reading
John Q. Hosedrinker