Author: Web Desk

The UAE cabinet has announced a 10-year Blue Residency visa for individuals who have made exceptional contributions to protecting the environment. Those involved in the circular economy and related fields are also eligible.

His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, announced the initiative during a Cabinet meeting at Qasar Al Watan in Abu Dhabi on Wednesday.

‘In alignment with national directives to designate 2024 as the Year of Sustainability, we introduced the ‘Blue Residency,’ a 10-year visa granted to individuals who have made extraordinary contributions to environmental protection. This includes work in marine life, land-based ecosystems, air quality, sustainability technologies, the circular economy, or related fields. The sustainability of our economy is linked to the sustainability of our environment,’ Sheikh Mohammed stated.

Blue Residency: Eligibility Criteria

The Blue Residency visa will be awarded to:

Members of intern
ational organizations

International company members

Association and NGO members

Global award winners

Distinguished activists and researchers in environmental work

Interested individuals can apply through the Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs, and Port Security, or via nominations by competent authorities. The UAE also offers 10-year Golden Visas to investors, entrepreneurs, scientists, outstanding students and graduates, humanitarian pioneers, and frontline heroes.

Summary of Cabinet Decisions

Approval of the National Youth Agenda 2031

Approval of the national framework for higher education institution classification

Regulation of marketing calls (cold calling) in the UAE

Review of achievements in the UAE space sector

Establishment of the Supreme Committee for Combating Commercial Fraud and the National Committee of Statistics

Restructuring the UAE Council for Artificial Intelligence and Digital Transactions and the UAE Sustainable Aviation Fuel Committee

Approval of guidelines
for generative artificial intelligence use in the UAE government and creation of a CEO role for AI

Ratification of an investment agreement with India

Approval of a comprehensive economic partnership agreement with Korea

The Blue Residency is not just a visa; it’s a symbol of recognition for those who tirelessly work towards a greener, more sustainable future. With this bold step, the UAE reaffirms its commitment to environmental stewardship and sets an inspiring example for the world to follow.

Source: Pro Pakistani

The Council of the European Union has officially adopted the reform of the EU migration and asylum pact, following approval from MEPs. This new system establishes rules to help member states manage migrant arrivals through regulated procedures, create uniform and effective processes, and ensure an even distribution of responsibilities, reports SchengenVisaInfo.

The reform aims to create a fairer and stronger migration system that will make a tangible difference. These new rules will enhance the effectiveness of the European asylum system and increase solidarity among member states.

Screening of Migrants and Asylum Applicants at External Borders

According to the Council, member states will now perform necessary procedures for migrants and asylum seekers at external borders in line with the screening regulation. This regulation mandates that identification, security checks, and health evaluations will be conducted uniformly across all member states.

The Council has also revised the asylum procedure regulati
on to streamline asylum processes and the return border procedure regulation, which handles the return of rejected applicants. Additionally, the Eurodac database has been updated to collect more information, including biometric data, on migrants and international protection applicants, as well as those who entered the EU irregularly.

The EU has also reformed several regulations,

The asylum and migration management regulation

The crisis regulation

The qualification regulation

The reception conditions directive

The resettlement regulation.

With the adoption of ten legislative acts and the complete overhaul of the asylum and migration management framework, the EU aims to ensure a fairer and stronger migration system and enhance solidarity among member states.

Mandatory Border Procedure

A significant new feature of the reform is the mandatory border procedure. This procedure will apply to specific categories of asylum seekers, particularly those from countries with low asylum recognition rates, to quickl
y assess whether applications are unfounded or inadmissible at the EU’s external borders. The new rules clarify which member states are responsible for processing asylum applications.

Another important change is the introduction of a solidarity mechanism to ensure responsibilities are shared fairly and transparently among member states. Contributions can include relocation, financial support, or other alternative solidarity measures.

Source: Pro Pakistani

Heatwave Conditions are likely to develop over most parts of the country, especially Punjab and Sindh from Tuesday.

According to NDMA, a three-day shallow westerly wave is likely to affect upper parts of the country from today, resulting dust and thunder storms with expected rains.

Farmers are advised to remain extra cautious and plan agricultural activity accordingly.

NDMA also advised general public to take necessary precautions.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Pakistan and United States have agreed to enhance cooperation in IT and Telecommunication sector.

The understanding to this effect was reached between Minister of State for IT and Telecommunication Shaza Fatima Khawaja and United States Ambassador to Pakistan Donald Blome in Islamabad.

Talking to US Ambassador, Minister of State for IT said that Pakistan wants to enhance its relations with US in field of IT and Telecom.

Speaking on occasion, the Ambassador Donald Blome said that the US will fully cooperate with Pakistan in field of IT and Telecommunication.

Source: Radio Pakistan

Lahore police have registered a First Information Report (FIR) against the owner of a beauty salon in Nawab Town for allegedly recording videos of two female customers.

The two victims, Esha and Areeba, stated that while at a private beauty parlor, they discovered the owner, Rukhsana Amjad, secretly recording them while they were not properly dressed.

Both the girls raised concerns when they noticed the salon owner behaving suspiciously. Upon further inquiry, they discovered that she had secretly recorded their video and shared it with others via WhatsApp.

Subsequently, the police registered a case and are now probing the incident. It is pertinent to mention that there has been a recent surge in incidents involving the secret recording of women.

Last year, police in Sahiwal registered a case against a wedding hall manager and assistant manager for allegedly installing hidden cameras in the bridal dressing room.

The complainant informed the police that while his daughter and wife were in the bridal room,
they heard suspicious sounds coming from the adjacent room.

Upon being informed, he and his family members investigated and were surprised to find a video of a dressing room playing on a screen in that room. The manager, Munir Javed, was apprehended at the scene and allegedly threatened to shoot them.

Source: Pro Pakistani