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Time of India
37 minutes ago
- Time of India
Some visitors report extra scrutiny at US airports as Trump's new travel ban begins, ET TravelWorld
Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App President Donald Trump 's new ban on travel to the US by citizens from a dozen countries took effect on Monday with relative calm, as some travellers with valid visas reported extra scrutiny at American airports before being allowed ban targeting mainly African and Middle Eastern countries kicked in amid rising tension over the president's escalating campaign of immigration enforcement. But it arrived with no immediate signs of the chaos that unfolded at airports across the US during Trump 's first travel ban in Aguilar said she was anxious on Monday as she and her husband, both Guatemalan citizens, were subjected to three different interviews by US officials after arriving at Miami International Airport and showing tourist visas the couple received last week."They asked us where we work, how many children we have, if we have had any problems with the law, how we are going to afford the cost of this travel, how many days we will stay here," said Aguilar, who along with her husband was visiting their son for the first time since he left Guatemala 22 years said they were released about an hour after their flight landed, greeting their waiting family members in Florida with tears of relief. Guatemala is not among the countries included in the new ban or flagged for extra travel new ban shouldn't revoke previously issued visasThe new proclamation that Trump signed last week applies to citizens of Afghanistan, Myanmar, Chad, the Republic of Congo, Equatorial Guinea, Eritrea, Haiti, Iran, Libya, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen. It also imposes heightened restrictions on people from Burundi, Cuba, Laos, Sierra Leone , Togo, Turkmenistan and Venezuela who are outside the US and don't hold a valid new ban does not revoke visas previously issued to people from countries on the list, according to guidance issued Friday to all US diplomatic missions. However, unless an applicant meets narrow criteria for an exemption to the ban, his or her application will be rejected starting Monday. Travellers with previously issued visas should still be able to enter the US even after the ban takes effect. Narayana Lamy , a Haitian citizen who works for his home country's government, said he was told to wait after showing his passport and tourist visa on Monday at the Miami airport while a US official confirmed by phone that he was allowed into the country to visit family members. Luis Hernandez , a Cuban citizen and green card holder who has lived in the US for three years, said he had no problems returning on Monday to Miami after a weekend visiting family in Cuba."They did not ask me anything," Hernandez said. "I only showed my residency card."Ban appears to avoid chaos that followed Trump's first-term attemptDuring Trump's first term, a hastily written executive order ordering the denial of entry to citizens of mainly Muslim countries created chaos at numerous airports and other ports of entry, prompting successful legal challenges and major revisions to the immigration experts say the new ban is more carefully crafted and appears designed to beat court challenges that hampered the first by focusing on the visa application said this time that some countries had "deficient" screening for passports and other public documents or have historically refused to take back their own citizens. He relied extensively on an annual Homeland Security report of people who remain in the US after their visas also tied the new ban to a terrorist attack in Boulder, Colorado, saying it underscored the dangers posed by some visitors who overstay visas. US officials say the man charged in the attack overstayed a tourist visa. He is from Egypt, which isn't on Trump's restricted say travel ban sows divisionThe ban was quickly denounced by groups that provide aid and resettlement help to refugees."This policy is not about national security - it is about sowing division and vilifying communities that are seeking safety and opportunity in the United States," said Abby Maxman, president of Oxfam America, a nonprofit international relief transitional presidential council said in a statement that the ban "is likely to indiscriminately affect all Haitians" and that it hopes to persuade the US to drop Haiti from the list of banned Venezuela, some visa holders changed US travel plans last week to get ahead of Trump's restrictions. For those without visas, the new restrictions may not matter much. Since Venezuela and the US severed diplomatic relations in 2019, Venezuelans have had to travel to neighbouring South American countries to obtain US visas. Jose Luis Vegas , a tech worker in the Venezuelan capital of Caracas, said his uncle gave up on renewing an expired US visa because it was already difficult before the restrictions."Paying for hotels and tickets was very expensive, and appointments took up to a year," Vegas said.
Time of India
4 days ago
- Time of India
Rajasthan Pilgrimage Scheme: Rajasthan Launches First Heritage-Themed AC Train for Senior Pilgrims, ET TravelWorld
Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme of the Devasthan Department, the first AC train, beautifully designed with Rajasthan's rich heritage, will depart for Rameswaram on train is scheduled to leave from Durgapura Railway Station, carrying 776 pilgrims from six districts. Chief Minister Bhajan Lal Sharma will flag off the train in the presence of the Cabinet Minister of Devasthan Department, Joraram Kumawat, said is the first time an AC train is being deployed under the scheme to ensure enhanced comfort for the elderly passengers. The special train is beautifully decorated, with each coach showcasing Rajasthan's rich heritage -- featuring images of temples, forts, folk dances, festivals like Teej, and even the churches of Goa, as Goa has been newly included in this year's itinerary, said Kumawat while speaking to to officials, 450 pilgrims are from Jaipur and Dausa, 150 from Sikar, Alwar, and Jhunjhunu, and 176 from Bharatpur. Pilgrims from Bharatpur will board at Sawai return journey is scheduled for the night of June 12. Special arrangements have been made for cleanliness, decorations, and clear displays to provide information on pilgrimage sites and to promote Rajasthan tourism Minister Kumawat added that this train is part of the remaining 7,200 pilgrims under the 2024-25 AC train, although part of the 2025-26 budget scheme, has been introduced now for the first time to accommodate these travellers."Passengers are going by AC train for the first time. Complete comfort and aesthetic appeal have been ensured. The application process for 50,000 pilgrims will begin soon," Cabinet Minister Joraram Kumawat told IANS.A total of 14 coaches have been added to the specially designed AC train departing for Rameswaram under the Senior Citizen Pilgrimage Scheme. Saffron has been chosen as the theme colour, symbolising the golden spiritual aura of the coach is uniquely dedicated to showcasing Rajasthan's proud contribution to the Indian Army, prominently featuring visuals of the Jaisalmer War Museum, Tanot Border, and Mahajan -- the largest firing range on the continent. The pantry car offers a flavourful experience of Rajasthan, serving traditional delicacies such as Kair-Sangri, Bajra Roti, Rabri, Lassi, and Kulfi to senior the first time, an exclusive mobile app has been developed to provide detailed pilgrimage-related information to travellers, enhancing convenience and train embarks on an eight-day pilgrimage, during which pilgrims will visit sacred sites including Ramnath Swami Jyotirling, Dhanushkodi, Brahmakund, and Meenakshi Temple in coach offers passengers a visual journey through Rajasthan's heritage -- showcasing forts, palaces, temples, folk dances, musical instruments, wildlife, and traditional festivals, making the train itself a moving museum of the state's cultural richness.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Saudia Hajj Services: Saudia Transforms Hajj Experience with Innovative Technologies and Major Investments, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Saudia, the national airline of Saudi Arabia, has announced a strategic shift in its approach to Hajj 2025, offering a holistic pilgrimage experience that goes beyond air travel. With over one million seats and 158 aircraft allocated, the carrier will operate across 100 destinations, expecting to claim up to 35 per cent of the Hajj market share this airline is now taking a lead role in delivering ground services, accommodation, and hospitality for pilgrims. Over 11,000 staff and technicians will be deployed during the 74-day operational window, with services tailored to enhance comfort, accessibility, and efficiency. Saudia has also launched a dedicated Hajj and Umrah platform to streamline updates and service access for pilgrims General of Saudia, Engr. Ibrahim Al-Omar, stated, 'Hajj remains one of our top national priorities. This year, we extend beyond flight operations to become a direct service provider to pilgrims. Through this expansion, we aim to deliver a holistic experience that meets the highest standards of care and hospitality.'A SAR 100 million investment across Makkah, Madinah, and key sites will fund lounges, rest areas, and multilingual support centres modelled on Saudia's AlFursan lounges. The airline also introduced 'The Coolest Ihram ' — a high-tech pilgrimage garment designed in partnership with Landor and brrr. It features rapid-cooling technology, UV protection, and meets Islamic dress pilgrims will benefit from accessible transport, curated meals, prayer announcements, and medical services, including oxygen and stretcher support. With these comprehensive enhancements, Saudia is positioning itself as a leader in redefining the spiritual travel experience.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
US International Student Visa Policy: New Visa Policies Increase Uncertainty for International Students in the US, ET TravelWorld
Advt Advt Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App New State Department guidance on visa applications is adding to uncertainty for America's international students, who have faced intensifying scrutiny from President Donald Trump's a cable sent Tuesday to US embassies and consulates, Secretary of State Marco Rubio halted the scheduling of new visa interviews for international students as the department prepares guidelines for increased vetting of their activity on social media. Existing appointments may be kept and will proceed under current review guidelines, the cable of Wisconsin-Oshkosh student Vladyslav Plyaka was planning to visit Poland to see his mother and renew his visa, but he doesn't know when that will be possible now that visa appointments are suspended. He also doesn't feel safe leaving the US even when appointments resume."I don't think I have enough trust in the system at this point," said Plyaka, who came to the US from Ukraine as an exchange student in high school and stayed for announcement came days after the Trump administration moved to block Harvard University from enrolling any international students, a decision that has been put on hold by a federal judge, pending a said Wednesday that Harvard, whose current student population is made up of more than a quarter of international students, should limit that percentage to about 15%."I want to make sure the foreign students are people that can love our country," Trump told reporters in the Oval this year, US Immigration and Customs Enforcement arrested and tried to deport students who had been involved in campus protests against the Israel-Hamas war. And the Trump administration abruptly terminated the legal status of thousands of international students before reversing itself and then expanding the grounds on which students can lose permission to study in the students see new reason for caution The uncertainty raised by the suspension of visa appointments will do further damage to the US reputation as a destination country, said Fanta Aw, CEO of NAFSA , an association that represents international educators. Students generally commit to their program of study in late spring, meaning now would be peak time for students to schedule their visa interviews."International students and scholars are tremendous assets that contribute to US preeminence in innovation, research, and economic strength," Aw said in a statement. "Undermining their ability to study here is self-defeating."At the University of Wisconsin-Madison, the climate of uncertainty led one international student to cancel a trip home to Vietnam this summer. He emails the school's international office frequently to make sure his legal status is secure."There's just this constant unease. It's quite stressful, really," said the student, who spoke on condition of anonymity out of fear of being pause affects three categories of visas that cover university students, as well as high school exchange students and boarding school students. The largest category, F-1 visas, includes students who are enrolling at full-time accredited schools. Students participating in exchange programs enter on J-1 visas, and those enrolling in vocational or non-academic programs enter on M-1 1.1 million international students were in the United States last year - a source of essential revenue for tuition-driven colleges. International students are not eligible for federal financial aid. Often, they pay full University, which has more than 20,000 international students, has set up "contingency plans" for those who hit visa delays, said spokesperson Renata Nyul, without elaborating."This is a very dynamic situation, and we are closely monitoring the developments in real time to assess any potential impacts," she US plans more in-depth reviews of visa applicants' social media Visa applicants have been required to provide social media handles to the State Department since 2019. The cable did not indicate what kind of additional scrutiny the new guidelines would cover, but suggested the new reviews may be more additional vetting will deter students from coming to the U.S., said Jonathan Friedman of PEN America, a literary and free expression organization."The details remain vague, but this policy risks upending the long-standing place of the US as a beacon for intellectual and cultural exchange with the world," Friedman move to cut off international enrollment at Harvard stems from a dispute with the Department of Homeland Security, which has demanded that it provide information about foreign students that might implicate them in violence or protests that could lead to their deportation. Harvard says it complied with the records request, but the agency said its response fell Wednesday, Trump said more scrutiny of Harvard's students is necessary."They're taking people from areas of the world that are very radicalized, and we don't want them making trouble in our country," Trump Trump administration has cut over USD 2.6 billion in federal grants for Harvard as it presses demands for changes to policies and governance at the Ivy League school, which the president has described as a hotbed of liberalism and antisemitism. Harvard has pushed back and filed a lawsuit against the administration.
Time of India
26-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
The Leela IPO: The Leela Raises ₹1,575 Crore from Anchor Investors Ahead of IPO Launch, ET TravelWorld
Advt By , ETTravelWorld Join the community of 2M+ industry professionals Subscribe to our newsletter to get latest insights & analysis. Download ETTravelWorld App Get Realtime updates Save your favourite articles Scan to download App Brookfield-owned The Leela Palaces, Hotels & Resorts (Schloss Bangalore Limited) has mobilised INR 1,575 crore ahead of its forthcoming initial public offering through an anchor allotment to 47 institutional investors. The shares were priced at INR 435 apiece, the upper end of the IPO's price band of INR 413– INR 435 per equity share.A total of 36,206,896 equity shares were allotted under the anchor book, which saw broad-based participation from domestic and international investors . Of this, 14,252,970 shares were allocated to nine domestic mutual funds across 20 schemes. Major participants included HDFC Mutual Fund , ICICI Prudential, Nippon India, Mirae and Invesco. Domestic insurance players such as Max Life and Birla Life also featured among the demand was equally strong, with participation from global institutions such as Norges Bank, Fidelity, Think Invest, Whiteoak, TT International, UC Regents, Ward Ferry and Lunate, reflecting continued global investor interest in India's premium hospitality sector The public issue is scheduled to open on 26 May and close on 28 May 2025. It comprises a fresh issue of equity shares amounting to INR 2,500 crore and an offer for sale of up to INR 1,000 crore by Brookfield-owned Project Ballet Bangalore Holdings (DIFC) Pvt. from the fresh issue are intended to be used for the repayment or prepayment of certain borrowings, including associated interest and penalties, for the company and its subsidiaries. Remaining funds will be allocated for general corporate running lead managers to the offer include JM Financial, Kotak Mahindra Capital, Morgan Stanley India, BofA Securities, J.P. Morgan India, Axis Capital, Citi, IIFL Capital, ICICI Securities, Motilal Oswal Investment Advisors and SBI Capital move marks a significant step forward in The Leela's capital restructuring and growth trajectory under Brookfield 's stewardship.
