Latest news with #Visas


Daily Mail
7 days ago
- Politics
- Daily Mail
Labour is accused of betraying critics of China in UK who fled to Britain by opening door to extraditions
Labour was last night accused of betraying opponents of China who have fled to Britain by opening the door to extraditions to Hong Kong. Critics fear a legal change quietly announced by the Government will end the five-year ban on people being sent from the UK to face justice in the former colony. Security Minister Dan Jarvis said he wanted to 'enable co-operation' with Hong Kong once more, after the Tories suspended the extradition treaty in response to a security crackdown by Beijing amid fears that dissidents could be sent on to China. He wrote in a letter to the Conservatives that secondary legislation was needed, removing Hong Kong from its designation in the 2003 Extradition Act, so the UK can co-operate with it on a 'case-by-case ad hoc basis'. Currently a request cannot be allowed 'even if there were strong operational grounds to do so', Mr Jarvis wrote. Shadow National Security Minister Alicia Kearns said it was an 'extraordinary betrayal of Hong Kongers', more than 150,000 of whom have come to the UK on British National (Overseas) Visas since 2021. It comes as Labour is expected to approve plans for a Chinese 'mega-embassy' in London despite security fears, and as Sir Keir Starmer prepares to make his first visit to the communist superpower later this year. Critics fear a legal change quietly announced by the Government will end the five-year ban on people being sent from the UK to face justice in the former colony (pictured left: Security minister Dan Jarvis, pictured right: Shadow Security Minister Alicia Kearns) Ms Kearns said: 'This would allow the Chinese Communist Party to demand the extradition of dissidents for any number of falsified charges. 'I fear this is a grubby, shameful backhander – alongside a new embassy – for quick bucks to bail out Labour's failed economic strategy. Under no circumstances should the Government reinstate extradition as the rule of law has been severely eroded in Hong Kong.' And Mark Sabah of the Committee for Freedom in Hong Kong Foundation said: 'This is an awful decision by the Government. The question now is what else has Labour promised the CCP in order to secure the trade deal they covet so much?' Chloe Cheung, who fled Hong Kong in 2020 when she was 15 years old and had a £100,000 bounty issued by the CCP-controlled Hong Kong government for any information that could lead to her capture, told the Mail: 'If the Government follows through with this I would feel completely betrayed by Labour. 'I am really, really scared. If I were extradited I would be sent straight to prison under the National Security Law.' But last night the Home Office insisted the Extradition Act 2003 (Amendments to Designations) Order 2025, which will be voted on by Parliament after the summer, merely reflected in law the existing suspension of the extradition treaty with Hong Kong –and that co-operation was not resuming. Security Minister Mr Jarvis said: 'It is entirely incorrect to say the UK has restored extradition co-operation with Hong Kong. 'The 1997 treaty remains suspended and this legislation simply completes the severing of ties between the British and Hong Kong extradition systems. 'This amendment is in order to give legal effect to the suspension of the extradition treaty.'


Gulf Insider
16-07-2025
- Business
- Gulf Insider
Why India's Rich Are Heading Abroad
India's remarkable economic ascent, characterised by a burgeoning millionaire population, paradoxically coincides with a significant outflow of its wealthiest citizens. This phenomenon is not merely a statistical anomaly but a complex global shift, reshaping both origin and destination countries. For India, the trend is intricately linked to intensified domestic tax scrutiny, a rapidly formalising economy, and the magnetic pull of attractive, albeit sometimes illusory, overseas residency programmes. On July 7, the Emirates News Agency (WAM) reported that the UAE's Federal Authority for Identity, Citizenship, Customs and Port Security (ICP) categorically denied rumours that the country was offering lifetime Golden Visas for AED 100,000 (around ₹23 lakh) to select nationalities, including India and Bangladesh. This statement followed a widely circulated story, initially reported by PTI and picked up by Indian outlets, claiming a 'nomination-based' pilot programme had been launched for Indian and Bangladeshi nationals, dramatically reducing long-term visa costs. This incident fits into the broader context of a global phenomenon often referred to as the 'great wealth migration'. The Henley Private Wealth Migration Report 2025 reveals that India remains among the top five countries losing the highest number of millionaires annually. An estimated 3,500 Indian millionaires will leave the country in 2025—down from 5,100 in 2023 and 4,300 in 2024, yet still among the world's highest. More strikingly, these individuals are expected to take with them a combined wealth of $26.2 billion. Globally, 142,000 HNWIs are forecast to relocate in 2025, the highest figure on record. On the receiving end, the UAE is set to welcome the largest net inflow (9,800), well ahead of the US (7,500). A combination of zero income tax, investor-friendly regulations, a luxurious lifestyle, and long-term visa options has cemented the UAE's position as a wealth hub. Its appeal spans continents, attracting affluent individuals from India, the UK, Russia, Southeast Asia and Africa. 'Outside of Europe, strong demand from the UK, India, Russia, Southeast Asia and Africa, facilitated by attractive golden visa options, has reinforced the UAE's position as the world's most sought-after wealth haven (+9,800),' the Henley report said. Saudi Arabia, meanwhile, is the biggest gainer year-on-year, with an expected net inflow of 2,400 millionaires in 2025. Despite the outward flow, India's millionaire population is growing. Between 2014 and 2024, the number of Indian HNWIs rose by 72%, fuelled by start-ups, stock market gains and rising family wealth. Yet regulatory hurdles, security concerns, taxation and lifestyle aspirations continue to spur emigration. Several factors are driving the migration of India's wealthiest citizens: 1. Tax pressures at home A key push factor is increased scrutiny by Indian tax authorities. The Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) recovered ₹20,000 crore in outstanding dues in Q1 FY25, nearly double the amount from the same period last year. This includes ₹17,244 crore in corporate tax and ₹2,714 crore in personal income tax (as per ET, 8 July). The CBDT has set a ₹1.96 lakh crore recovery target for the fiscal year. Total outstanding tax demands have ballooned to ₹42 lakh crore (from ₹10 lakh crore in 2019–20), according to a parliamentary report dated 1 October 2024.2. Formalisation of the economy India is in the midst of a profound economic transformation. Historically, a substantial portion of its economy operated informally, characterised by cash transactions and limited oversight. However, a concerted effort by the Indian government is rapidly pushing economic activities into the formal sector, with direct implications for tax compliance and recovery. Central to this is the Unified Payments Interface (UPI), which processed 185.8 billion transactions worth ₹261 lakh crore in FY 2024–25, a 41% increase from the previous year, according to the Reserve Bank of India (RBI). Every UPI transaction is linked to a PAN, creating digital trails for tax authorities. This has made income harder to conceal, leading to greater measures include: Goods and Services Tax (GST): Unified tax structure with digital tracking via e-invoicing and e-way bills. JAM Trinity: Jan Dhan, Aadhaar and Mobile systems that tie identity to financial transactions. Udyam Portal: Simplified registration for MSMEs, broadening the tax base. 3. Cryptocurrency crackdown The Indian government has significantly escalated its formalisation efforts concerning emerging asset classes, particularly cryptocurrencies, which are now legally recognised as 'Virtual Digital Assets' (VDAs). This regulatory shift, implemented through a series of measures, aims to integrate the crypto ecosystem into the nation's broader financial and tax framework. Key to this strategy are strict taxation policies and enhanced regulatory oversight under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). Specifically, a flat 30% capital gains tax is levied on profits from VDA transfers, irrespective of the holding period, with no provisions for offsetting losses against gains or other income. Furthermore, a 1% Tax Deducted at Source (TDS) is applied to VDA transactions exceeding ₹50,000 (or ₹10,000 for specific entities) on the total sale consideration, rather than just the profit. These tax mandates have severely impacted the profitability of crypto investments and trading domestically. The inability to adjust for losses combined with the TDS on gross transaction value has rendered the Indian crypto market economically challenging for many large-scale investors and high-frequency traders. The cumulative effect of these stringent tax and regulatory policies has been a discernible shift in crypto trading volume and capital away from Indian platforms towards offshore exchanges. Wealthy individuals, seeking environments with lower tax burdens and less restrictive regulations on their digital assets, are increasingly exploring international avenues. 4. Global mobility and lifestyle aspirationsAccording to a survey by Kotak Private in partnership with EY, 22% of ultra-rich Indians expressed a desire to leave the country for better living standards, healthcare, education, and ease of doing business. Many also seek visa-free travel, which Indian passports currently do not offer at the same level as European or Caribbean counterparts. While domestic pressures contribute to the outflow, powerful 'pull factors' from abroad, particularly attractive residency and citizenship-by-investment (CBI) programs, play a significant role. Countries offering zero or low personal income tax, capital gains tax, and inheritance tax are highly desirable. The UAE stands out as a prime example, with its zero personal income tax, no capital gains tax, and no inheritance tax, making it a leading choice for wealth preservation. Additionally, jurisdictions such as Portugal, Singapore and the UAE offer attractive regimes for estate planning, making them prime options for intergenerational wealth transfer. UAEWith its zero-tax regime, quality of life and efficient Golden Visa programme, the UAE remains the top destination for Indian HNWIs. USAThe US remains popular, especially through the EB-5 visa route. A new entrant, the Trump 'Gold Card', has also generated buzz. Click here to read more Also read: India Launches E-Visa For Kuwait From July 14: 5-Year Tourist Visas Available Source The Economic Times


NDTV
06-05-2025
- Politics
- NDTV
Meerut Woman Forced To Hand Over Kids To Pakistani Husband At Attari Border
Meerut: An inconsolable Sana on Monday handed over her two small children, aged three and one, to her Pakistani husband at the Attari border, in the latest incident of families being separated following the central government's decision to cancel the Short-Term Visas of the neighbouring country's citizens residing in India. Married to a doctor from Karachi, Sana from Meerut in Uttar Pradesh was forced to part with her three-year-old son and one-year-old daughter due to visa regulations and central government directives in the wake of the terror attack in Jammu and Kashmir's Pahalgam in which 26 civilians were killed on April 22. The family members who accompanied Sana said on Tuesday that she was inconsolable after sending her children, both Pakistani citizens, across the border. After the Indian government revoked the visas of Pakistani nationals, Sana passed on her small children to her husband at the Attari border. The children hold Pakistani passports while Sana remains an Indian citizen. Breaking into tears, Sana said, "I ask the government, why are mothers being separated from their children? What is my fault?" Sana said she had entered India on a 45-day visa and cannot return to Pakistan now as she has not yet been granted Pakistani citizenship. She married Bilal, a resident of Karachi, in 2020. She said it may take another four years to obtain Pakistani citizenship. Saradha police station in-charge Inspector Pratap Singh told PTI, "We informed Sana two days ago that, according to government orders, she must return the children to Pakistan. She has now completed the legal formalities at the border and handed them (children) over (to her husband)." According to the government decision, only Pakistani nationals living in India on Long-Term Visas (LTV) are allowed to stay while those on Short-Term Visas are being repatriated. Officials said the process of sending back Pakistani nationals had begun following the central government's decision after the horrific terror attack in Pahalgam.