Etihad extends Abu Dhabi flight suspension, offers free re-booking to 31 March
Surprise CEC-Only Draw Invites 4,000 Candidates as IRCC Tests Smaller Rounds
Switzerland and EU Seal “Bilaterals III”, Updating Free-Movement & Market-Access Rules
Latest News
404 Flight Delays, 63 Cancellations Snarl Business Travel Across Canada
A mix of winter weather and aircraft shortages linked to Middle East reroutings caused 404 delays and 63 cancellations at Canadian airports on March 3. Companies must budget for passenger-rights compensation and build greater schedule flexibility for travelling staff.
Australia doubles Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa fees, sparking outcry from education sector
From 1 March 2026, the application fee for Australia’s Temporary Graduate (Subclass 485) visa doubled to AUD 4,600. The sudden hike—announced just days before thousands of students’ visas expire—makes the 485 the world’s most expensive post-study work permit and has drawn sharp criticism from universities and student groups. Government says the revenue will fund integrity measures, but the education sector warns the move could deter talent and worsen skills shortages.
UAE’s Identity Authority issues 15,327 emergency visas and shelters 30,913 stranded passengers
Immigration authorities have granted over 15,000 emergency entry visas and provided lodging to more than 30,000 passengers caught by the flight shutdown. The measure lets stranded travellers legally remain in the UAE with basic welfare support until air corridors reopen, easing compliance concerns for employers.
Gulf carriers keep UAE skies largely closed until March 5 as conflict disrupts regional airspace
Emirates, Etihad and Qatar Airways have pushed the restart of regular UAE services to at least 5 March, citing unsafe airspace after Iranian strikes. Only charter, cargo and government-authorised repatriation flights are moving, causing severe disruption to business travel through Dubai and Abu Dhabi and driving up fares on alternative routings.