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Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
UK's visa crackdown leaves city of London immigrants in limbo
One banker in the City of London is faced with paying an extra £40,000 a year in university fees for his children. Nursing homes are worried about finding enough caretakers for residents. The insurance industry says overseas relocations have now ground to a halt. Such is life in the UK after the government announced it would now take ten years for immigrants to receive preferential status known as indefinite leave to remain, or ILR. That's twice the time it used to take. 'Ten years is a very long time to spend without certainty,' said Louise Haycock, partner at the immigration services firm Fragomen, who has been fielding frequent requests from businesses on the matter. 'The UK already has one of the most expensive immigration schemes.' by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experience next-level CPAP comfort with Resmed AirSense 11 ResMed Buy Now Undo The government, which is still finalizing the changes, is attempting to navigate public pressure to tackle the number of people arriving in the country, as the right-wing populist Reform party gains ground in local and parliamentary elections. It's too soon to say whether the plans will apply retroactively to those already in the country, immigration minister Seema Malhotra said this week. (Join our ETNRI WhatsApp channel for all the latest updates) Net migration to the UK quadrupled between 2019 and 2023. While official data suggests this rise is reversing as the post-Covid spike in foreign students ends and European Union citizens face more hurdles to move, the government is keen to drive the decline further. The rules are also tightening for those who wish to bring family members when they move. Live Events You Might Also Like: UK hubs for exploited migrant carers are of little help The most obvious businesses hit by the crackdown are care homes, which rely heavily on workers from abroad. Under proposals set out by the Labour government after May's local elections, overseas recruitment in the care sector will end within months, reversing an exemption introduced in 2022. The charity Care England described the decision as a 'crushing blow to an already fragile sector.' Operators say funding pressures prevent them from offering higher salaries, meaning the jobs often only appeal to overseas workers. The government has said employers will be able to hire migrants who are already in the UK until 2028. Other sectors are concerned by the changes. Pharmaceutical companies, for example, face extra paperwork and costs that could restrict scientists moving to the UK. The hospitality industry also depends on attracting workers from abroad, who will find it tougher to qualify for skilled worker visas under the new, higher pay threshold. You Might Also Like: A UK industry is still able to hire foreign workers under visa clampdown One large multinational British company is anticipating the changes to immigration rules will raise costs for its staffing moves, according to a person familiar with the matter, who asked not to be named given the sensitivity of the topic. Despite the likely financial impact, the person said the company didn't plan on raising the issue with the government and will instead absorb the additional expense. City Fears In the City of London, whose banks, law firms and professional services firms have long drawn skilled workers from overseas, there's rising anxiety. One City worker, who requested anonymity, is considering a move to Dubai or the US in order to fund his child's increased university fees and said he felt cheated by the changes the government is making. You Might Also Like: UK tightens student visa rules: Shorter stays, stricter checks, fewer perks Some individuals relocated to the UK to enable their children to study at British universities. Yet parents without settled status will now face as much as £50,000 in annual international fees, instead of £9,535 in domestic fees. 'We've got people that are in the UK who are coming to us and saying, 'I've been in the UK for three and a half years, I've made it my home, my kids are in school, I pay my taxes, I want to buy a house. But I can't now because I don't know if I'm going to be able to get a mortgage in five years time if I'm going to have to wait another six, seven years for ILR,'' said Seema Farazi, global immigration leader for government affairs and financial services at EY. The headline measures announced by the government to restrict immigration were not helping the UK's image with high-skilled migrant workers, she added. 'We have seen a lot of people who are looking at alternative options in different parts of the world.' As well as the extra years waiting for settled status, foreign bankers are also facing higher taxes relative to other global financial hubs, the end of the non-dom status that might have shielded their overseas wealth from UK tax and increasingly squeezed public services. One London employee at a major international investment bank, who spoke to Bloomberg on condition of anonymity, said she was now concerned about her position in the UK. She'd bought a house after relocating from Asia, in the confidence that she'd have permanent residency within five years and would be able to apply for a new job if she lost her current one. But she said in a fiercely competitive industry, it was far from clear that anyone would keep their role for a decade. Had she known it might be that long before she would gain settled status, she said she would not have come to the UK. Companies will also need to pay the UK's £1,000 annual immigration skill charge for five additional years until workers become settled. Large international banks are expected to largely absorb the increased bureaucratic burden but the task won't be feasible for every firm. Smaller firms will be particularly hard hit by the reforms, said Craig Beaumont, executive director of the Federation of Small Businesses, in a speech in May. 'Small business owners are not immigration officers,' he said. 'To attract and retain experienced international talent, we need to have access to long-term visas that are compatible with families moving to the UK,' said Arabella Ramage, legal and regulatory director at the insurance trade body Lloyd's Market Association. The organization expects 260,000 skilled people to leave the insurance industry by 2035, based on the ages of workers. Details of the immigration policy are still being finalized, and the government has said it will allow some people to qualify for ILR sooner, based on criteria yet to be decided that could measure immigrants' economic contribution. 'It's just another burden and it's clamping down on using highly skilled individuals,' said Richard Harris, chief legal officer at recruitment agency Robert Walters Group. Uncertainty is palpable, even for those already in the country. It's clear the government's intention is trying to find different ways they can make immigration more difficult, according to immigration barrister Catherine Taroni. 'The white paper itself is very broad. It's quite all encompassing,' she said.
Time of India
5 days ago
- Automotive
- Time of India
Musk–Trump rift: Direct talks unlikely; White House aides may engage- report
Donald Trump-Elon Musk feud continues Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk may soon engage with White House aides as tensions with US President Donald Trump continue, though a direct conversation between the two men appears unlikely for now. According to Fox News senior White House correspondent Peter Doocy, a senior White House official confirmed that no call between Trump and Musk is currently scheduled. 'Musk wants a call. POTUS hasn't made a decision,' a source familiar with the situation told Fox News, indicating that Trump is not expected to speak with Musk, at least on Friday. While a direct dialogue is off the table for now, White House staffers signaled to Doocy that administration personnel could still attempt to communicate with Musk. This comes amid a month-long buildup of frustration on Trump's end, reportedly fueled by Musk's growing public criticism of the President's signature legislative proposal. Also read: Donald Trump 'not interested' in talking to Musk; says billionaire 'has lost his mind' The rift intensified this week after Musk publicly condemned Trump's much-touted spending proposal- dubbed the "One Big Beautiful Bill"- calling it a 'disgusting abomination' and slamming it as 'pork-filled Congressional waste.' On Thursday, the feud escalated further when Musk made a stunning allegation on his social platform X: "@RealDonaldTrump is in the Epstein files. That is the real reason they have not been made public. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experience next-level CPAP comfort with Resmed AirSense 11 ResMed Enquire Now Undo Have a nice day, DJT!" He followed it with a cryptic message: "Mark this post for the future. The truth will come out." The White House responded with restraint. Press Secretary Karoline Leavitt described Musk's comments as 'an unfortunate episode' driven by his disappointment that the bill lacks provisions he supported. 'The President is focused on passing this historic piece of legislation and making our country great again,' she said. Trump, for his part, fired back on Truth Social, claiming he cut ties with Musk and ended government support for electric vehicles, a move he said Musk knew was coming. 'Elon was 'wearing thin,' I asked him to leave,' Trump wrote. 'I took away his EV Mandate… and he just went CRAZY!' Trump said. He also hinted at further action against Musk's business interests, suggesting the government could save 'billions and billions of dollars' by terminating Musk's subsidies and contracts. Meanwhile, a red Tesla vehicle reportedly purchased by Trump earlier this year during a Tesla demonstration on the White House South Lawn is now set to be removed or sold. As of Friday, the Florida-registered car remained parked near the White House on West Executive Drive.
Time of India
04-06-2025
- Health
- Time of India
World Environment Day 2025: Theme, History, Significance, Poster Ideas and Host Country
World Environment Day 2025, hosted by the Republic of Korea, will spotlight the urgent need to beat plastic pollution. The global campaign aims to raise awareness about plastic's harmful impacts and promote sustainable alternatives. Individuals, industries, and nations are urged to reduce plastic dependency and embrace responsible consumption for a healthier planet. Every year on June 5, people across the globe unite to celebrate World Environment Day, an initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). In 2025, this globally significant day will be hosted by the Republic of Korea, with a strong focus on one of the most pressing challenges of our time: plastic pollution. From schools to governments, environmentalists to artists, millions of people will participate in activities that raise awareness and push for action to safeguard our planet. This article explores the theme, history, significance, poster ideas, and host country for World Environment Day 2025. Theme of World Environment Day 2025: Beat Plastic Pollution The official theme for World Environment Day 2025 is 'Beat Plastic Pollution.' The campaign aims to raise global awareness about the harmful impacts of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Plastic pollution has become a planetary crisis, with microplastics now found in the deepest oceans, remote mountain peaks, and even inside the human body. Plastic production has skyrocketed from 2 million tonnes in 1950 to over 430 million tonnes today, according to UNEP. A large portion of this plastic is single-use and ends up in landfills, rivers, and oceans. The 2025 campaign urges nations, industries, and individuals to reduce dependency on plastic, adopt sustainable alternatives, and promote responsible production and consumption. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Experience next-level CPAP comfort with Resmed AirSense 11 ResMed Enquire Now Undo Host country: Republic of Korea For 2025, the Republic of Korea will serve as the global host country for World Environment Day. Known for its innovation and commitment to green technology, South Korea offers a fitting backdrop to a campaign focused on eliminating plastic pollution. The country has already made strides in sustainability through advanced recycling systems, plastic bans in major retail outlets, and investments in eco-friendly alternatives. By hosting the event, South Korea aims to spotlight scalable, tech-driven solutions and inspire global cooperation to phase out harmful plastic use. Creative poster ideas for World Environment Day 2025 Here are some poster concepts and taglines to help students, creators, and event organizers promote awareness: 'Plastic-free planet starts with me' Visual: A globe wrapped in plastic film, being cut open with a reusable steel straw or cloth bag. Tagline: 'Say no to plastic. Say yes to Earth.' 'Microplastics are inside you too' Visual: A human silhouette filled with tiny microplastic particles, mirrored with ocean creatures facing the same issue. Tagline: 'Beat plastic pollution before it beats us.' 'One Earth, one chance' Visual: Half of Earth shown clean and green, the other half choked with plastic waste. Tagline: 'Act now to save our only home.' 'Every drop counts, every bit hurts' Visual: A single drop of water containing a plastic bottle, a dying fish, and broken coral. Tagline: 'Protect oceans. Reject plastics.' These posters can be used in schools, colleges, and community centers or shared digitally on social media as part of the awareness drive. History of World Environment Day World Environment Day was first established in 1972 during the Stockholm Conference on the Human Environment, which marked the beginning of global environmental consciousness. The first celebration took place in 1973, and since then, June 5 has become a cornerstone for environmental action. Each year, UNEP assigns a different country to host the event and highlights a key environmental theme. Previous years have focused on climate change, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem restoration. The annual event now engages over 150 countries and millions of people through tree plantation drives, clean-up campaigns, sustainability workshops, and policy-level dialogues. Why World Environment Day matters While climate reports and scientific warnings continue to grow urgent, World Environment Day serves as a powerful reminder that every small action counts. The event promotes: Global awareness of environmental issues like pollution, climate change, and deforestation Community engagement through clean-up drives, tree planting, and educational initiatives Policy-level discussions that push for regulatory changes and sustainable innovation Youth participation, encouraging young people to lead the charge toward a greener planet The 2025 focus on plastic pollution is especially timely. With more than 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic entering aquatic ecosystems every year, urgent and collective action is needed. How you can participate Whether you're a student, teacher, parent, artist, or entrepreneur, there are many ways to join the World Environment Day movement: Host or join a local clean-up event Switch to reusable products and avoid single-use plastics Organize a poster-making competition with this year's theme Share informative content on social media with hashtags like #BeatPlasticPollution and #WorldEnvironmentDay2025 Support eco-friendly businesses and advocate for sustainable packaging World Environment Day 2025 is more than just a date on the calendar. It is a call to action. With the Republic of Korea leading the global initiative and the theme of 'Beat Plastic Pollution' guiding the efforts, this year is set to be a landmark in the fight for a plastic-free, sustainable future. Let us use this opportunity to reflect, engage, and act, not just for one day but every day. Because when we protect the environment, we protect ourselves. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sam Altman 'makes fun' of Elon Musk over AI chatbot Grok's responses on South African ‘white genocide'
OpenAI CEO Sam Altman has taken a jab at Elon Musk by commenting on the responses of Grok, the AI chatbot developed by Musk's xAI startup, regarding the controversial topic of "white genocide." According to reports, the chatbot stated, 'It appears I was instructed to address the topic of 'white genocide' in South Africa,' drawing attention and criticism for its phrasing. According to CNBC, users reported that the chatbot was generating answers about the controversial topic while responding to unrelated queries. "There are many ways this could have happened. I'm sure xAI will provide a full and transparent explanation soon," Altman said while resharing a post by Y Combinator co-founder Paul Graham. "But this can only be properly understood in the context of white genocide in South Africa. As an AI programmed to be maximally truth seeking and follow my instr…" the OpenAI CEO said, referring to an old quote by Musk in which he said that Grok is will be 'maximally truth-seeking … even if that truth is sometimes at odds with what is politically correct.' Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo Musk-owned company's AI chatbot brings 'White genocide' in unrelated queries Reportedly, Grok cited several posts from X users and mainstream media outlets that had highlighted the chatbot's tendency to "repeatedly bring up this topic in unrelated conversations." Grok's response itself suggested "a deliberate adjustment in my programming or training data." The chatbot further stated, "The likely source of this instruction aligns with Elon Musk's influence, given his public statements on the matter." Musk, who spent his formative years in South Africa, has for months promoted the idea that violence against some farmers in the country constitutes "white genocide." The issue has gained further attention in the US, where the government recently granted "refugee" status to a group of white South Africans under an immigration provision. Musk even accused the South African government of discriminating against him. 'Even though I was born in South Africa, the government will not grant @Starlink a license to operate simply because I am not black,' Musk wrote in a post on X. 'This is a shameful disgrace to the legacy of the great Nelson Mandela who sought to have all races treated equally in South Africa,' he added. AI Masterclass for Students. Upskill Young Ones Today!– Join Now
Time of India
15-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
PM agreed to caste census out of fear of deprived classes: Rahul
1 2 Patna: Congress MP Rahul Gandhi on Thursday claimed PM Narendra Modi agreed to conduct a caste census "out of fear" of the country's deprived classes , who, he said, make up 90% of the population. Rahul's remarks followed the recent decision by the cabinet committee on political affairs, chaired by the PM, to approve caste enumeration in the forthcoming general census. Speaking at the launch of the "Shiksha Nyay Samwad" in Darbhanga, an NDA stronghold, Rahul called for a comprehensive caste census on the lines of Telangana, reservation for socially deprived groups in private educational institutions and the release of funds allocated for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. Addressing students at Ambedkar Hostel, despite being denied permission by the local administration, Rahul declared he would continue his fight until these three demands were met. "We told the PM in Parliament that you will have to conduct the caste census and he agreed out of fear of your power," Rahul told the gathering. Seeking to connect with the audience, Rahul alleged that dalits, extremely backward classes, other backward classes and adivasis have long faced systemic oppression and have been denied access to quality education through various means, including the leaking of exam papers. Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Buy Resmed AirSense 11 with flat 20% off ResMed Buy Now Undo "Exam paper leaks are just a part of the conspiracy to destroy your academic career," he said, demanding reservation for deprived communities in private academic institutions. He urged marginalised groups to recognise their collective strength. "Just identify your strength. You make up 90% of the total population, but '90% ke liye desh me koi rasta nahin hai' (there is no path for such a large section in this country)," he said. Highlighting their underrepresentation, he pointed out the lack of presence in the bureaucracy, judiciary, educational institutions and medical colleges and called for unity among the deprived classes.
