UAE-Nigeria Travel Dispute Resolved with New Visa Requirements

The three-year travel dispute between the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Nigeria has been resolved, enabling the resumption of travel for citizens of both countries starting July 15. This resolution was announced on Monday by Mohammed Idris, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and National Orientation, following what he described as “successful talks and extensive, mutually beneficial negotiations” 

The agreement, while a significant step forward, includes new and stringent conditions for obtaining a UAE visa. One of the primary new requirements is the acquisition of a Document Verification Number (DVN), a specialized service designed to authenticate and verify documentation essential for visa applications to the UAE.

– **Cost**: The DVN costs a non-refundable ₦640,000 (excluding VAT) per application. – **Validity**: The issued DVN is valid for 14 days from issuance or until the visa application is processed by the visa application department, whichever comes first. – **Processing Time**: Travellers can expect to receive their DVN within five business days after successful payment.

By Oluwatamilore Akinkuolie.

Full story at TV360 Nigeria.

Three police officers arrested in Gauteng after robbing a man his phone at a Welkom petrol station

Blurred. These three police officers were arrested in
Gauteng after they allegedly robbed a member of the
public of their cellphone in Welkom.
Pictures: SAPS/Supplied

Three police officers have been arrested for allegedly a robbing a man his cellphone after he entered an Engen garage at Jan Cillierspark in Welkom, Free State. 

In pictures that are seen circulating on social media platforms, two men and a woman are seen wearing SAPS bullet proof vests and an SAPS mask entering a filling station.

A white police number plated VW Polo sedan which was allegedly used by the members was also captured flashing blue lights. 

National police spokesperson, Brigadier Athlenda Mathe, said preliminary investigation revealed that on July 1, two Constable’s and a Sergeant pulled over the vehicle and ordered the 44-year-old mineworker to step out of the car.

Full story at IOL.

By Sinenhlanhla Masilela.

What to do if you get ill on holiday abroad

When planning your holiday, it's always worth
 preparing in case you experience health issues abroad
- Fertnig/E+

We all hope it never happens, but what do you do if you or a companion is taken seriously ill, or has an accident on holiday? What kind of treatment can you expect, how do you make sure you get it and how do you pay for it? And what happens if you need to be flown home in an air ambulance? Here are your questions answered.

1. Dealing with a medical emergency

Our table below shows the emergency numbers for calling an ambulance in 35 different countries. It is likely that you will be able to get through to someone who speaks at least some English, but you might do well to ask a local passerby to help, or make the call for you so there is no uncertainty about the nature of the problem or the location of the patient. Emergency numbers for all countries are on the destination pages of the FCDO website.

By Nick Trend.

Full story at Yahoo News.

How mentorship can make entrepreneurs do more.

The road to success for entrepreneurs is not the same and is most likely difficult. I am keen on trying to make something out of nothing depending on the given opportunity and the ideation process one needs to follow.

I am trying to be what I am destined to be. I know, I know and the very thing I know; I will never forget. I know where those silicon valley's companies make their money from. As a dice is cast, you await its outcome but is a pity if you don't learn the rope your case will end up like "the more you look; the less you understand." 

Hence, I refer to mentorship as the lifejacket of every entrepreneur. 

With so much love for Tony Elumelu and respect to Tony Elumelu Foundation; I officially turned down the invitation to mentor this year. 

In my email to Moyo Awotile; " I am not in a good space for that now. I promise to be ready next time. All the best with all the entrepreneurs."

By Olagunju, Success Taiwo.

10 African countries with the longest prison sentences for homosexuality

The scrutiny and discrimination of the LGBTQ+ community in several African countries is one of the most glaring in the world. Most of Africa still has a very low tolerance level for the group. Many LGBTQ+ people are abandoned by their families, and rejected by society. Discrimination against homosexuals cuts across society, permeating from major institutions such as churches, mosques, and schools.

Many African countries have strict laws against same-sex unions. These laws frequently carry harsh punishments, including lengthy jail terms and, in some circumstances, the death penalty. Anti-LGBTQ+ legislation is aggressively implemented in countries such as Nigeria and Uganda.

Beyond legal obstacles, deeply held cultural and religious beliefs contribute to prejudice against LGBTQ+ people. Many African communities are conservative, having conventional views on gender and sexuality. Homosexuality is frequently regarded as a taboo, an offense to cultural and moral standards. In many areas, LGBTQ+ persons endure social exclusion, harassment, and violence.

By Chinedu Okafor.

Full story at Pulse NG.

Mzansi outraged by the new Irish visa requirements

South Africans have booed Ireland’s decision which will see South African and Batswana passport holders requiring an Irish visa to travel to the country from July 10.

Although many have booed the decision, which was communicated by the Irish Embassy in Pretoria, others said they were accepting the decision as they said there was rampant fraud at the South African Home Affairs Department.

Irish Minister of Justice Helen McEntee, said the Irish visa requirement are put in place to ensure that effective immigration controls are in place.

However, South Africans have since taken to X to bemoan that this decision is not concerned with the influx or South Africans.

 

By Nozuko Mangena.

Full story at IOL.

Traveling with kids can be tough. Here's how experts say to handle the added stress of airline delays, cancellations and other disasters.

Traveling together as a family can be rewarding, but difficult.
Here's how to handle airline disasters like delayed
flights and lost luggage while traveling with kids.
 (Photo: Getty)

Tired toddlers and cancelled flights are not a good match. Experts share ways to handle traveling with kids when things go wrong.

The last year has not been kind to travelers: From across-the-board delays to mass cancellations at major airlines to the total meltdown of the Federal Aviation Administration's computer systems, travel has never been more challenging. Add traveling with kids to the mix and things can get more than a little chaotic.

Imagine you're stuck in a city you know nothing about for an undetermined number of hours, potentially overnight. You only have the items in your personal item or carry-on. Your checked bags are who-knows-where. Your only dining options are days-old pre-made sandwiches, long lines for fast food or pricey table service restaurants.

Now, imagine being in that situation with kids. Little kids. Or a baby.

By Holly V. Kapherr.

Full story at Yahoo News.