Latest news with #onlinetravel
Daily Mail
2 days ago
- Business
- Daily Mail
Bombshell as Webjet is hit by a HUGE fine for misleading customers in landmark court ruling
Webjet has been ordered by the Federal Court to pay $9million in penalties for making false or misleading statements about the price of flights and booking confirmations. The case run by the ACCC, saw the online travel agency admit between 2018 and 2023 it made false or misleading statements when it advertised airfares that excluded compulsory fees. The statements were made on its website, and in promotional emails and social media posts. Webjet also admitted that between 2019 and 2024 it provided false or misleading booking confirmations to 118 consumers for flight bookings which had not actually been confirmed. Webjet later asked for additional payments, of up to $2,120 from consumers to complete the booking. Webjet has refunded these consumers. The ACCC started its investigation after a consumer complained about an airfare advertised as 'from $18', which cost almost three times that price after Webjet added its compulsory fees. 'We took this case because we considered that Webjet used misleading pricing by excluding or not adequately disclosing compulsory fees in its ads,' ACCC Chair Gina Cass-Gottlieb said. 'Seeking to lure in customers with prices that don't tell the whole story is a serious breach of the Australian Consumer Law.' The Webjet fees comprised the 'Webjet servicing fee' and 'booking price guarantee' fee which ranged from $34.90 to $54.90 per booking, depending on whether the flights were domestic, to New Zealand and the Pacific, or other international destinations. While Webjet's website, app and most emails contained information about the additional fees, some users had to scroll to the fine print near the bottom of the screen to see them. In its social media posts, Webjet didn't disclose the additional fees at all. 'Retailers must ensure their advertised prices are accurate. They should clearly disclose additional fees and charges,' Ms Cass-Gottlieb said. The Webjet fees represented 36 per cent of Webjet's total revenue in the period from 1 November 2018 to 13 November 2023. Webjet co-operated with the ACCC, admitted liability and agreed to make joint submissions to the Court about orders, including the penalty. The Court also made declarations and other orders proposed, including that Webjet review its compliance program and pay a contribution to the ACCC's costs.
Arabian Business
18-07-2025
- Business
- Arabian Business
Kuwait launches new online visa portal for tourists, families, and business visitors
The Kuwait Ministry of Interior has launched a new online visa platform that allows foreign nationals to apply for e-visas. The portal enables users to submit visa applications for approved categories and access detailed visa guidelines before travelling to the country. Launched under the directives of First Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Interior Sheikh Fahad Al Yousef, the platform supports four major visa types: government, business, family, and tourism. Kuwait e-visa types explained The new Kuwait visa portal enables visitors to apply for the following: Government visa: Issued to officials or government employees visiting Kuwait for official purposes. Valid for 30 days from the date of entry. Business visa: Issued for commercial visits such as meetings or establishing partnerships. Requires a local sponsor. Valid for 30 days from the date of entry. Family visa: Issued to individuals visiting family members residing in Kuwait. Valid for 30 days from the date of entry Tourist visa: Issued to visitors entering Kuwait for leisure or tourism. Entry permit is valid for 30 days from issuance, with a maximum stay of 90 days from the date of entry. Each of these visas is single-entry and does not permit employment. The platform also outlines full details for residency permits, visit visas, and special entry categories, including entry durations, document requirements, and applicable fees or penalties. Kuwait residency entry permits Kuwait issues residency entry permits under the following categories: Government work Private Sector work Domestic workers and similar cases Commercial or industrial activity Family dependents Students Temporary government contracts منصة كويت فيزا Kuwait Visa Portal #CGCKuwait — مركز التواصل الحكومي (@CGCKuwait) July 16, 2025 Kuwait residency permit requirements Passport validity: Minimum 1 year and 6 months Entry permit validity: 90 days from the date of issuance Stay duration (pre-residency): Up to 60 days from the date of entry Criminal record certificate: Required from the home country (issued within 90 days), or from the country of residence if the applicant has lived there for two years Post-arrival process: Must report to the General Directorate of Residency Affairs to finalise residency Note: Entry permit is considered invalid if it does not match the passport details Short-term visit visas: Rules and Categories Visit visas include: Government visit visa Family visit visa Private visit visa General conditions Passport validity: Minimum 6 months Entry permit validity: 30 days from issuance Maximum stay: 30 days from the date of entry Entry type: Single entry Employment: Strictly prohibited Special Kuwait visa categories Visa type Stay duration Entry validity Entries Notes Tourist visa 90 days 30 days from issuance Single Work prohibited Business visa 30 days 30 days from issuance Single Requires local sponsor Multiple entry visa 30 days per entry Up to 1 year Multiple Work prohibited Transit visa 7 days 30 days from issuance Single Must hold visa for destination Transport drivers 14 days 30 days from issuance Single Work prohibited Emergency visa 7 days 30 days from issuance Single Work prohibited Kuwait residency visa fees and penalties Visit visa fees and overstay penalties Visa Type Entry Fee Overstay Penalty Government Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Family Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Private Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Tourism Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Business Visit Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Multiple Entry Visa KD3 + KD/month (~$3.25/month) KD10/day (~$33) Transit Visa KD2 (~$6.50) KD10/day (~$33) Transport Drivers Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Emergency Visa KD3 (~$10) KD10/day (~$33) Important reminders for all visa holders All visa holders must exit Kuwait before the visa expires Employment is not permitted under visit or transit visas Entry permits must match passport details exactly Criminal record certificates are required for all residency permits For official applications and complete visa information, visit the new Kuwait visa portal.
