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Today, Sunday January 25, 2026
Four-Day Air-Traffic-Controller Strike Announced for 7–10 October
The SNCTA union has called a nationwide four-day air-traffic-controller strike for 7–10 October, demanding inflation-linked pay rises and better staffing. DGAC minimum-service rules will limit but not prevent disruption; airlines project thousands of cancellations, and corporate travellers are urged to build contingency plans. The walk-out threatens to hobble France’s airports at the start of a busy holiday period and could herald further industrial action later in the year.
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Jan 25, 2026
MP High Court Rules Afghan Student’s Post-Study Overstay Illegal, Signals Tougher Visa Enforcement
The Madhya Pradesh High Court has upheld a police exit order against an Afghan graduate who overstayed his student visa and began teaching without a work visa. The judgment affirms that UNHCR refugee cards do not grant the right to reside or work in India after a visa expires, signalling stricter enforcement against long-term overstays. Universities and employers are advised to tighten compliance checks for foreign nationals.
Jan 25, 2026
International student arrivals plunge 97 % after study-permit cap, IRCC data reveal
Monthly IRCC figures show new study-permit approvals collapsing to 2,485 in November 2025—a 97 % drop from the previous year—as Canada’s national cap, higher proof-of-funds and letter-of-acceptance verification take hold. The plunge threatens college finances and future labour supply while underscoring Ottawa’s push to curb temporary-resident growth.
Jan 25, 2026
EU Justice & Home Affairs Ministers kick-off Cyprus’ 2026 Presidency with tough talk on migrant returns and Schengen security
Cyprus used its first big EU-Presidency event to push a tougher, ‘sustainable’ returns agenda and showcase its own bid for Schengen membership. EU ministers agreed to draft new Council conclusions on voluntary and forced returns, reviewed upcoming EES/ETIAS changes and underlined the need to curb secondary movements. For employers, the outcome points to more compliance checks on foreign staff and faster removal of overstayers.
Jan 25, 2026
State Department Visa Pause for 75 Countries Freezes Green Cards—but Could Add 50,000 Employment Numbers in 2027
Immigration lawyers estimate the State Department’s new freeze on immigrant visas for 75 countries could leave about 50,000 family-based numbers unused this fiscal year. Under U.S. law those numbers roll into the employment-based quota in FY 2027, potentially increasing it by more than 35 %. Multinationals should prepare their PERM and I-140 pipelines now to capitalize on a rare opportunity to cut green-card backlogs.
Jan 25, 2026
Monster Winter Storm Cancels 12,000 U.S. Flights and Triggers Nationwide Airline Waivers
A coast-to-coast winter storm forced airlines to cancel roughly 12,000 flights on 24 January and to issue fee-free re-booking waivers through 30 January. Major hubs from Dallas to Charlotte lost up to 60 % of operations, while carriers repositioned aircraft and staff to speed recovery. Mobility managers should anticipate onboarding delays, invoke remote-work plans and remind travelers of new DOT refund rules.
Jan 25, 2026
Brazil to Grant Short-Term Visa Waiver for Chinese Citizens
President Lula da Silva has confirmed that Brazil will exempt Chinese nationals from short-term visit visas, reciprocating China’s 2025 waiver for Brazilians. The measure, expected to enter into force in Q1 2026, will slash red tape for Chinese business travelers and could significantly increase bilateral tourism and investment flows.
Jan 25, 2026
US Rolls Out Stricter ESTA Rules—Finnish Travellers Face Social-Media Disclosure and Extra Biometrics
The United States has confirmed that, starting later this year, Finns travelling under the Visa Waiver Program must disclose five years of social-media activity and submit extra biometrics when applying for ESTA. The change raises GDPR and privacy questions, extends processing times and forces Finnish companies to adjust travel-planning and data-compliance procedures.
Jan 25, 2026
U.S. Pause on Immigrant Visas for 75 Countries Could Add 50,000 Employment Green Cards—Big Win for Indian Professionals
Experts say Washington’s freeze on family-based immigrant visas for 75 countries could leave about 50,000 visas unused, shifting them to employment categories in FY 2027. Because Indians dominate employment-based queues, they are likely to capture most of the spill-over, potentially advancing green-card priority dates by several years. Companies should prepare documentation so employees can file quickly if quotas jump.
Jan 25, 2026
Emirates axes multiple Dubai–US flights as Winter Storm Fern grips North America
Emirates has cancelled more than a dozen DXB-to-USA flights from 24-26 January because Winter Storm Fern is closing runways and disrupting air-traffic flows at major U-S hubs. Connecting passengers will be denied boarding, and travellers must rebook or refund. The move highlights the value of robust travel-risk policies for UAE firms with trans-Atlantic operations.
Jan 25, 2026
Opposition unveils plan to slash permanent migration by 25 % and tighten skilled-visa intake
The federal opposition has proposed reducing Australia’s permanent-migration program by 25 %—to 140,000 places—starting in 2026, with skilled visas taking most of the hit. Business groups fear deeper labour shortages, while mobility teams may face longer lead-times and tougher compliance checks. The policy divergence from the government introduces new planning risk for multinationals relocating staff to Australia.
Jan 25, 2026
Brazil Announces Visa-Free Entry for Chinese Short-Stay Visitors
Brazil will scrap short-stay visa requirements for Chinese citizens, mirroring China’s 2025 waiver for Brazilians. The policy—formal decree pending—will slash lead times for tourism and project work, but limited air capacity remains a hurdle.
Jan 25, 2026
Belgian Railways Publish Reduced Timetable Ahead of Five-Day National Strike
SNCB has published a reduced timetable for the 25-30 January national rail strike, confirming that only limited InterCity trains will operate while most local services are cancelled. Companies should review travel and assignment plans, as missed appointments may affect immigration deadlines.
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