International
UK unveils stricter Visa measures to curtail net migration
UK unveils stricter Visa measures to curtail net migration
To address soaring net migration figures, the United Kingdom has introduced stringent visa measures, significantly increasing the minimum salary requirements for skilled job entrants by one-third. The move comes amidst growing pressure on Prime Minister Rishi Sunak to tackle record levels of net migration, a pivotal issue in the political landscape since the 2016 Brexit vote.
High levels of legal migration have shaped Britain’s political discourse for over a decade, prompting Sunak to pledge enhanced control amid criticism from his Conservative Party members. With an election looming next year and the Labour Party leading in polls, Sunak aims to address migration concerns.
However, the measures have faced backlash from businesses and trade unions, citing potential challenges for the private sector and the state-run health service already grappling with labour shortages.
Recent figures revealed a record annual net migration of 745,000 in 2022, with migrants increasingly hailing from countries like India, Nigeria, and China instead of the European Union.
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Home Secretary James Cleverly asserted that the new measures could reduce net migration by 300,000, emphasizing the government’s commitment to curbing what Sunak called “too high” immigration. The minimum salary threshold for foreign skilled workers will rise to £38,700 ($48,900) from its current £26,200, with exemptions for health and social workers.
Additional measures include barring foreign health workers from bringing in family members on their visas, a 66% increase in the health service usage surcharge paid by migrants, and an elevation of the minimum income for family visas.
Critics argue that these measures may fuel disputes with businesses struggling to hire due to the persistently tight labour market and the end of free movement from the EU since 2020.
Cleverly addressed concerns about salary undercutting, revealing plans to abolish the current system that allows employers to pay migrants 80% of the standard rate for jobs facing worker shortages. A review of the shortage occupations list and creating a new immigration salary list are also on the agenda.
However, scepticism persists, with some studies suggesting foreign workers have minimal impact on overall wages and employment levels. Persistent skills shortages in specific sectors remain a challenge, as noted by the Bank of England last month.
Trade unions, including UNISON, voiced concerns, with general secretary Christina McAnea labelling the plan a “total disaster” for the health service. Critics argue that these changes risk shrinking the talent pool and worsening shortages faced by businesses, emphasizing the need for an immigration system aligned with both business needs and the labour market.
UK unveils stricter Visa measures to curtail net migration
International
American man arrested for beating tourist to death at Ireland hotel
American man arrested for beating tourist to death at Ireland hotel
A 30 year old American man whose name was not given by security officials, has been arrested for beating up a 60 year old tourist to death at the Ballyfin Demesne hotel in Laois, Ireland.
The Irish police force commonly known as ‘Garda Síochána’ announced that the incident occurred in the late hours of Tuesday, November 12.
Ballyfin Demesne hotel, is a popular luxury five-star hotel located in Laois, Ireland and special guests such as Kanye West, Kim Kardashian, George Clooney e.t.c had made use of the hotel in times past.
The victim was discovered unconscious in the late hours of Tuesday, November 12 and was then rushed to the hospital were he died due to severe beating inflicted on him by the culprit.
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Independent local councilor James Kelly stated that nearby communities were ‘stunned’ upon learning about the incident at the renowned hotel.
He said, “There would be a lot of staff from the area and they’re totally shocked by what has happened here.
“It’s something we didn’t think we’d be waking up to this morning.”
The police also noted that a senior officer has been assigned to lead the investigation and an incident room has been set up at Portlaoise Garda Station, Ireland.
Furthermore, a family liaison officer will be designated to assist the family of the deceased.
International
FBI raids home of crypto platform Polymarket CEO, after accurate prediction of Trump win
FBI raids home of crypto platform Polymarket CEO, after accurate prediction of Trump win
The Federal Bureau of Investigation on Wednesday carried out a raid at the home of Shayne Coplan, CEO of cryptocurrency prediction outlet Polymarket.
Authorities seized Mr Coplan’s phone during the raid, according to New York Post which first reported the incident.
Mr Coplan, 26, has been running the famous platform for bets throughout the 2024 presidential election in the United States.
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It wasn’t immediately clear why the search was conducted, but Polymarket promptly said it might be due to its activities during the election. Users on the platform had correctly predicted Donald Trump was going to defeat Kamala Harris. The company paid out a substantial amount to winners following the election.
“This is obvious political retribution by the outgoing administration against Polymarket for providing a market that correctly called the 2024 presidential election,” a spokesperson for Polymarket said in a statement from its headquarters in New York. “Polymarket is a fully transparent prediction market that helps everyday people better understand the events that matter most to them, including elections.”
It was unclear whether or not the FBI would be filing charges after the raid.
FBI raids home of crypto platform Polymarket CEO, after accurate prediction of Trump win
International
Two dead, buildings destroyed in American factory explosion
Two dead, buildings destroyed in American factory explosion
Two employees of Givaudan sense colour, a factory known for making colourings for beverages, located in Louisville, Kentucky, United States (US) were killed in an explosion that took place at the company’s facility.
The factory reported that the incident which took place on Tuesday, November 12 in the afternoon have also destroyed buildings around the company.
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Louisville Mayor, Craig Greenberg stated that firefighters managed to rescue and evacuate numerous individuals from the site, including some who sustained life-threatening injuries.
He also confirmed that all employees present at the plant during the explosion have been accounted for.
Earlier reports indicated that at least 11 workers were hospitalized.
The cause of the explosion is still under investigation.
Two dead, buildings destroyed in American factory explosion
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