The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act will reduce fraud, provide protections for American workers and visa holders, and require more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers…reports Asian Lite News
A group of influential lawmakers have introduced a bipartisan legislation in the US Senate to comprehensively overhaul the H-1B and L-1 visa programmes and usher in more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers.
The H-1B visa is a non-immigrant visa that allows US companies to employ foreign workers in speciality occupations that require theoretical or technical expertise.
Technology companies depend on it to hire tens of thousands of employees each year from countries like India and China.
The L-1 is the other type of work visa the US issues to professionals looking to work in the country. Unlike the H-1B, where an individual is looking to join an American company, the L-1 visa is issued to those who are already employed by the company in another country, and who are merely relocating to an American office.
Two influential Senators — Dick Durbin and Chuck Grassley — have introduced this legislation in the Senate.
The co-sponsors include Senators Tommy Tuberville, Bernie Sanders, Sherrod Brown, and Richard Blumenthal.
The H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act will reduce fraud and abuse in the immigration system, provide protections for American workers and visa holders, and require more transparency in the recruitment of foreign workers, a media release said on Tuesday.
The legislation proposes to place new wage, recruitment and attestation requirements on employers looking to hire L-1 and H-1B workers, and employers seeking to hire H-1B employees to post those jobs on the Department of Labour (DOL) website, it said.
It also proposes to give DOL the authority to place a fee on labour condition applications and use it to hire an additional 200 DOL employees and make reforms to the H-1B programme by prioritising the H-1B visa issuance for workers with higher levels of education in STEM and amending the definition of a “specialty occupation” to require a bachelor’s degree or higher, according to the release.
The legislation seeks reforms to the L-1 nonimmigrant programme, including new time limits and evidentiary requirements for petitions from a “new office” and mandating cooperation from the Department of State in verifying foreign affiliates.
Low H-1B visa limit affecting employers: Study.
“For years, outsourcing companies have used legal loopholes to displace qualified American workers and replace them with foreign workers who are paid sub-par wages and put under exploitative working conditions,” Democratic Party Senator Durbin said.
“These actions hurt all workers and make our country less attractive to the world’s top talent. Our legislation would fix these broken programs, protect workers, and put an end to these abuses,” he explained.
The H-1B and L-1 visa programmes were established to fill in gaps in America’s high-skilled workforce, not supplant it, Grassley, a Republican lawmaker said.
“Unfortunately, some companies have exploited these programmes to replace American workers with cheaper labour, which ultimately harms American workers and foreign labour alike. Our bill puts American workers first and ensures that the programmes promote fairness for all workers,” he said.
Durbin and Grassley, long-time advocates for H-1B and L-1 visa reform, first introduced the legislation in 2007.
Authors of this legislation said the H-1B and L-1 Visa Reform Act would stop these abuses by closing loopholes in these programmes.
The legislation will also crackdown on companies that hire large numbers of H-1B and L-1 workers to displace American workers and facilitate the outsourcing of American jobs, the media release added.
Thousands of highly skilled foreign-born workers, including Indians, in the US, have lost their jobs due to the series of recent layoffs at companies like Google, Microsoft and Amazon.
According to The Washington Post, nearly 200,000 IT workers have been laid off since November last year.
Industry insiders say that between 30 to 40 per cent of them are Indian IT professionals, a significant number of whom are on H-1B and L1 visas.
Cap reached for additional H-2B Visas for first half of FY 2023.
Meanwhile, the government has received a sufficient number of applications needed to reach the Congressionally mandated 65,000 H1-B visa cap for the fiscal year 2024.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said on Monday that it has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach FY 2024 H-1B numerical allocations, including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
“We have randomly selected from the registrations properly submitted to reach the cap, and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration,” the USCIS said.
H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2024, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with USCIS beginning April 1, 2023, if based on a valid, selected registration.
Only petitioners with selected registrations may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2024, and only for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration notice.
The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that permits US companies to hire foreign workers in speciality occupations, which require theoretical or technical expertise.
It is the most sought-after work visa among foreign professionals, including Indians.
Union Civil Aviation Minister Scindia emphasised that the Central government was no longer a regulator but a facilitator and partner to the industry…reports Asian Lite News
Union Civil Aviation Minister Jyotiraditya Scindia said on Tuesday that India will become the largest civil aviation market in the next decade.
He made the remark while addressing the CII’s International conference on Advanced and Short-Haul Air Mobility for All (ASHA): Technologies for Ease of Transport.
Scindia said that India has crossed the pre-Covid number of air travellers by 10 per cent to reach 455,000 passengers daily, with airlines now operating at 80-90 per cent load factor.
“The penetration level in a population of 1.3 billion is, however, still 3-5 per cent. We need more aircraft and more quickly because India has an insatiable desire to travel,” he said.
While stating that the was proving itself to be a manufacturing hub in the aerospace sector, Scindia invited global companies to be part of India journey.
The Union Minister said technology has jumped forward and has become an important protagonist in the future of mankind.
“In that period of change and dynamic flux, the civil aviation sector is making unimaginable strides as never before.”
India to become largest civil aviation market in next decade: Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Speaking about opportunities in the advanced air mobility sector, the Minister said the drone market will become a Rs 3 lakh crore market by 2030 employing 3-4 lakh persons.
He underscored the need to have a good eco system and said advanced air mobility must have its basis in strong civil aviation infrastructure.
For the Infrastructure to be built, he said urban city planners were needed to be involved. “Along with vertiports, we need to have charging points.”
Scindia emphasised that the Central government was no longer a regulator but a facilitator and partner to the industry.
Salil Gupte, president, Boeing India and chairman, CII National Committee, said that advanced air mobility can do to India’s transport what telephony did to its communications.
“In telecom India skipped stages where the rest of the world was stuck. We have seen India leapfrog from landline to mobile to 4G to 5G roll-outs at lightning speed. India can do the same in transport if it chooses to embrace the AAM (Advanced Air Mobility) technologies and create the right ecosystem for it” said Gupte.
AAM comprises drones, helicopters, e-VTOL (electric, vertical take-off and landing systems) and other air-systems used for ferrying people and goods over short distances.
“The take-off of AAM will need a robust ecosystem that includes vehicles, training and education, research and development, landing structure, fleet-management, demand management, linkages with other mobility system,” said Kamal Bali, President and MD Volvo Group in India, and chairman, CII Southern Region.
For the industry, it will mean a huge new value chain, new economic clusters and many new jobs.
India to become largest civil aviation market in next decade: Jyotiraditya Scindia.
Meanwhile, Scindia on Sunday said that the government is working towards a target of taking the current number of 148 airports in the country to beyond 200 within the next three to four years.
“This effort will give equal importance to large metro airports as well as remote airports providing last mile connectivity,” he said, while flagging off the first IndiGo Airline Delhi-Dharamshala-Delhi flight.
Speaking on the occasion, Information and Broadcasting Minister Anurag Thakur thanked the Civil Aviation Ministry for facilitating IndiGo connectivity to Himachal Pradesh and said that IndiGo could not have become a truly national airline without flying to the Hill State.
Thakur made a case for a larger airport and said that currently passengers coming to Himachal from all over India have to go to Delhi and then board connecting flights to the state.
He further said that it is due to the UDAN scheme of the Civil Aviation Ministry that the people in ‘hawai chappal’ (slippers) can travel in ‘hawai jahaz’ (aeroplane).
USCIS said that it has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach FY 2024 H-1B numerical allocations…reports Asian Lite News
The US has received a sufficient number of applications needed to reach the Congressionally mandated 65,000 H1-B visa cap for the fiscal year 2024.
The US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) said on Monday that it has received enough electronic registrations during the initial registration period to reach FY 2024 H-1B numerical allocations, including the advanced degree exemption (master’s cap).
“We have randomly selected from the registrations properly submitted to reach the cap, and have notified all prospective petitioners with selected registrations that they are eligible to file an H-1B cap-subject petition for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration,” the USCIS said.
H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2024, including those petitions eligible for the advanced degree exemption, may be filed with USCIS beginning April 1, 2023, if based on a valid, selected registration.
Only petitioners with selected registrations may file H-1B cap-subject petitions for FY 2024, and only for the beneficiary named in the applicable selected registration notice.
The H-1B is a non-immigrant visa that permits US companies to hire foreign workers in speciality occupations, which require theoretical or technical expertise.
It is the most sought-after work visa among foreign professionals, including Indians.
For the first time, the Mirbad market will be embedding international brands and adding to their programming entertainment. The Ramadan Market will give visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture with a modern twist…reports Asian Lite News
The Department of Culture and Tourism – Abu Dhabi (DCT Abu Dhabi) is inviting residents and visitors to experience Ramadan with a vibrant and unique calendar of authentic and inspiring activities across the emirate.
The start of Ramadan, that is expected to begin 23 March, will coincide with the term break from schools. Abu Dhabi is preparing to welcome and share Ramadan with visitors from around the world, inviting them to discover experiences at their own pace. Attractions, restaurants and retail outlets will remain open throughout the day, though once the sun sets, the spirit of Ramadan in Abu Dhabi comes alive.
From Iftar to Suhoor, festivals and pop-ups at the city’s hotels, restaurants and attractions, there are no shortage of options for spaces to gather and celebrate the holy month with family and friends. With more announcements coming soon, we have selected a shortlist of dining, family and retail experience that will make this year’s Ramadan one to remember.
RETAIL RAMADAN POP-UPS
The First Fendi Majlis in the Region: FENDI takes over Abu Dhabi’s tashas Al Bateen for the holy month to host their very own Ramadan Majlis. Surrounded by the iconic codes of the FENDI Maison, the Majlis welcomes the community to gather family and friends every evening for Suhoor. Starting from 26 March, and for the entire month this especially unique concept will surely be the most glamourous evening in the region. Make it a must to visit this one-off experience which includes a mouth-watering menu curated by tashas exclusively for Fendi.
Charlotte Tilbury Majlis: The First Charlotte Tilbury Majlis in the Region will welcome guests from 6 – 17 April with a specially curated and iconic Charlotte Tilbury Ramadan Cafe in the heart of Abu Dhabi. Taking over Society in Mamsha Saadiyat, this luxury F&B concept offers a memorable Ramadan experience with consumer-led exclusive masterclasses hosted by Regional and Global Make-up artists, gaming opportunities as well as product discoveries.
Ethr Take Over by Dyptique: From the chic streets of Paris, to paradise in Abu Dhabi, Dyptique, the pioneering parfumerie Maison, will bring to life a mesmerising, first of its kind cafe takeover at Ethr, a hidden gem in Abu Dhabi located in Mamsha Saadiyat. Offering visitors the chance to discover new and exciting fragrance collection Eau Nabati, and flavours that weave through the exotic and the magical surroundings. Friends of the brand, perfume connoisseurs and beauty enthusiasts will also be able to appreciate the Layali Ramadan Campaign event further thanks to a series of creative workshops that will be taking place over 14 days, to unveil the special Dyptique scent launch of Eau Nabati. The Ethr Take Over by Diptique runs from 5 – 22 April.
RITUALS Wellness Retreat: As a pre Ramadan event, the wellness brand RITUALS COSMETICS will be hosting a rejuvenating wellness getaway from 16 – 19 March at the magnificent Park Hyatt, in Abu Dhabi. This 4-day retreat will allow you to immerse yourself into the World of Rituals and indulge in sound meditation, manifestation workshops and fragrance zoning to get your mind, body and home ready for Ramadan. The Ramadan Market: In collaboration with the home-grown brand Mirbad, Retail Abudhabi will host the first Ramadan night retail market in the emirate from 24 – 27 March at Manarat Al Saadyat, where over 100 local and global vendors will showcase and host different brand experiences. For the first time, the Mirbad market will be embedding international brands and adding to their programming entertainment. The Ramadan Market will give visitors a chance to immerse themselves in the local culture with a modern twist.
AUTHENTIC ARABIAN HOSPITALITY
The Majlis by the Sea at Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental: The Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental presents The Majlis by the Sea, a Ramadan tent uniquely situated by the Arabian Gulf. With glittering views across the Abu Dhabi skyline, this Arabian-inspired contemporary tent offers luxury hospitality, serving world-class Arabic and Michelin-starred cuisine and live Arabic musical entertainment. The Iftar buffet, daily from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm, is priced at AED 325 per person, and Suhoor, from 10.00 pm to 2.00 am priced with a minimum spend of AED 175. Iftar and a Suhoor Under the Stars at Rosewood Abu Dhabi: Celebrate Iftar and Suhoor against a magnificent backdrop of the city or under the stars at the Rosewood Abu Dhabi. For Iftar, Aqua has curated an enchanting gastronomic offering with magical flavours, sure to enchant guests each evening from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm. Suhoor Under the Stars, from 10.00 pm to 3.00 am, shares a night to remember at Glo with its a la carte Suhoor menu being served al fresco on its beautiful terrace with views over the sparkling waters of Al Maryah Island. With additional Ramadan exclusive stay rates also available, the magical sunset Iftar is AED 275 during the first week of Ramadan and AED 295 per person after that. Suhoor Under the Stars is priced a la carte.
Ramadan at Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island: This Ramadan offers plenty at the Rixos Premium Saadiyat Island with exceptional Suhoor and Iftar experiences offering authentic atmosphere and sumptuous food across its outlets. From the all-day dining venue, Turquoise, to a serene beachfront Suhoor at Mermaid and an Ottoman experience at Orient, families and friends can gather together to break their fast daily from 6.00 pm to 10.30 pm. Guests can avail of the Iftar Buffet at AED 299 per person and the Suhoor Buffet at AED 200 per person, both including Arabic juices, soft beverages, tea or coffee and water.
Ramadan Village at Shangri-La: This Ramadan, Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri invites guests to join them in the spirit of togetherness among traditional Arabian hospitality at the Ramadan Village. Dining with panoramic views of the Khor Al Maqta creek, the Shangri-La Ramadan Village serves up a Suhoor to remember with immersive experiences, seasonal-inspired culinary stations, fresh juice bars, speciality coffee carts and authentic entertainment. Price packages start at AED 100 minimum spend per person for standard and lounge seating, AED 500 minimum spend for a Suhoor Majlis for up to 5 people and AED 1,500 minimum spend to reserve the Grand Majlis up to 15 people. Opening on the 22nd of March and ideal for groups and social gatherings, the month-long festivities at the Ramadan Village begins with the exclusive ‘Culinary Master Series’ with Michelin-awarded Chef Greg Malouf presenting a four-course menu for Suhoor during the first week of Ramadan. The four-course menu is priced at AED 275, with guests selecting two starters, one main and one dessert dish from the a la carte, sharing-style menu.
Ramadan at the Oasis Tent and Majlis Suhoor by the Beach At Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi: The Park Hyatt Abu Dhabi offers lots this Ramadan with its Oasis Tent and beachside Majlis. Guests can enjoy an Iftar at The Oasis with an Arabian Nights-themed Iftar under the stars with a generous selection of signature dishes in a one-of-a-kind setting in the lush gardens of the Park Hyatt. For Suhoor, relax under the Saadiyat night and escape the hustle and bustle whilst savouring an Arabic-style gourmet menu paired with refreshments and shisha and refreshments. Iftar at The Oasis, from 6.00 pm to 9.00 pm, is priced at AED 320 per person and the Suhoor, from 10.00 pm to midnight, at AED 150 per person.
Ramadan at The Liwa Tent Four Seasons Hotel: As the sun sets over Al Maryah Island, the spirit of Ramadan shines at The Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi. Experience the essence of Ramadan at the Four Seasons Abu Dhabi Liwa Tent, with flavourful five-star Iftar and Suhoor menus that can be taken indoors or in the open air under the night sky. At AED 310 per person, the experience will tantalise your tastebuds and offer additional traditional entertainment with a wide selection of aromatic shisha and captivating live performances.
Ramadan at one of the city’s Michelin Stars: Abu Dhabi is a hotspot for cultural and culinary excellence. With an impressive line-up of Michelin Star recognised restaurants, why not spend the evening dining on a world-renowned Ramadan offering? With leading chefs curating Iftar menus for the holy month, guests can make reservations for a truly traditional touch at Tazal on Al Qana Walk or Layali Al Baraka at Jumeirah Hotel at Etihad Towers. For those looking for a more modern twist on international cuisines, the Galleria Al Maryah Island’s COYA offers up an immersive 360-degree Peruvian experience, whilst Mamsha Al Saadiyat’s homegrown Niri Restaurant serves up Japanese cuisine and spirit and the Punjab Grill at the Venetian Village at The Ritz-Carlton Abu Dhabi, Grand Canal shares an authentic Indian six-course tasting menu from Chef Sandeep Ail.
LPM Abu Dhabi at the Galleria Al Maryah Island promises a succulent Ramadan transporting guests somewhere else, far away in time and place, and 99 Sushi Bar & Restaurant at the Four Seasons Hotel Abu Dhabi at Al Maryah Island invites guests to celebrate Iftar with a generous 13-dish Michelin-star menu. Ramadan at the Louvre Abu Dhabi: Whilst the iconic Louvre Abu Dhabi remains closed on Mondays, throughout Ramadan, the museum has extended its hours from 10.00 am to midnight on Tuesdays to Sundays, allowing more time to soak up world-class arts and culture. Inside, the galleries close at 6:30 pm on weekdays (Tuesday to Thursday) and 8:30 pm on weekends (Friday to Sunday). After sunset, the Louvre Abu Dhabi offers individual and private group dining options. Aptitude Cafe serves up specialised evenings throughout the week, with an authentic three-course set Iftar menu, at AED 165 per person, of middle eastern and international cuisines from 6.00 pm to 00.30 pm on Wednesdays, Saturdays and Sundays. On Thursdays and Fridays, from 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm, the cafe hosts an a la carte celebration of Mediterranean street food and regional souk cultures with Manoushe Night, and on Tuesdays, from the 28th of March onwards, from 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm, an a la carte, Ramadan-inspired pizzas menu.
Elsewhere at the Louvre Abu Dhabi, Fouquet’s Abu Dhabi will host a traditional Iftar menu with French twists on firm favourites such as lentil soup with truffle foam and gougere and sharing-style mezze plates of roasted cauliflower bavaroise, eggplant confit, pine nut burrata and cucumber salad and Cecina de Leon Snails Provencal. The menu is available all day, daily, for AED 390 per person. Offering privacy, larger groups can book the three-course Iftar menu at the Museum Cafe for AED 245 per person or, for corporate groups, the Art Lounge offers both an Iftar and Suhoor menu, with flexibility on timings based on client requirements. The Iftar menu is priced at AED 245 per person and offers full privatisation, whilst the Suhoor menu is priced at AED 195 per person, with full privatisation at an additional fee.
AWE-INSPIRING ACTIVATIONS
Underwater Iftar by Shangri-La at the National Aquarium: The National Aquarium, in partnership with Shangri-La Qaryat Al Beri, Abu Dhabi, is hosting a one-of-a-kind ‘underwater’ Iftar evening with unparalleled access to the National Aquarium for groups between 30 to 50 guests. Taking place from the 10 -11 April, business partners, family or friends can come together in the spectacular setting and connect over an elevated Iftar offering from the culinary team at Shangri-La, showcasing flavours from across the region, including traditional Arabian-influenced dishes and tempting sweet delights. This exclusive experience requires booking at least 48 hours in advance and is priced at AED 600 per person.
SALT Camp at Louvre Abu Dhabi: UAE homegrown favourite SALT will pitch its ‘tent’ this Ramadan with the Salt Camp pop-up at Louvre Abu Dhabi. From 1 March to 21 April, SALT Camp presents a space for friends and family to meet and enjoy the laidback menu favourites against a backdrop of SALT-inspired activities and activations.
Iftar with the Lions and Giraffes at Al Ain Zoo: From 23 March to 21 April, go wild this Ramadan with an Iftar with the lions and giraffes at Al Ain Zoo. Both Iftar settings promise an evening to remember, bringing guests and their loved ones next to exciting wildlife in the world’s largest man-made African Safari setting. Iftar with the Lions sees a breath-taking Iftar moment with the king of the jungle, whilst Iftar with the Giraffes sees visitors dining with Miss Zafarana the Giraffe and her family after the sunset, and even an up-close-and-personal feeding experience and photo opportunity.
Ramadan at the Warner Bros Hotel Abu Dhabi: From authentic Arabic dishes to the cosy Ramadan-themed ambience and even meet-and-greets with renowned WB characters, including Tom & Jerry, Bugs Bunny, Daffy Duck and Robin, Ramadan at the WB Abu Dhabi is sure to be a memorable experience for all the family. Taking place at Sidekicks restaurant from 6.00 pm to 10.00 pm each evening, the Iftar will combine authentic traditions with modern flair, with an array of authentic and lavish Levantine cuisine.
Ramadan at the Oasis: The Al Ain Oasis will host its ever-popular Ramadan Nights at the Oasis from 10.00 pm to 1.00 am each evening from 1 – 15 April, hosting a series of cultural activities, entertainment and live TV broadcast.
Ramadan Arcade: Taking place at Manarat Al Saadiyat from 6 – 16 April from 9.00 pm to 2.00 am, Ramadan Arcade returns this Ramadan to embrace cultural traditions in a contemporary setting with a fantastic round-up of cultural activities, a variety of entertainment and music, art, games, workshops and more, making it the ultimate hang out spot in Ramadan!
Pixoul Ramadan Nights: Every Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday throughout Ramadan, Pixoul Gaming, located in Al Qana, hosts a rare Suhoor experience with activities designed to bring families and friends together. From 10.00 pm to 3.00 am, the immersive gaming Suhoor experience allows guests to meet with the local gaming community, play vintage Arcade games, save Planet Pixoul with a VR experience, and show off skills at the Esports Hub, all whilst enjoying refreshments from the E-Sports Bar.
A Reflection on Cultural Heritage at Louvre Abu Dhabi: From 15 February to 15 May, 6.30 pm to midnight daily, the Concrete Beach of the Louvre Abu Dhabi is set to stun with mesmerising projections seen from the Promenade. Iconic images of Emirati heritage will come alive on the seafront surfaces with projections of cultural activities and traditions from maritime moments and desert travellers, urban and rural landscapes and architecture and portraits of the people and lifestyle of the city.
SPORTING SPECIALS
Science & Soulful at Jubail Mangrove Park: This Ramadan, stay active and reconnect with nature at Jubail Mangrove Park. In addition to scenic boardwalk experiences through native wildlife to clear your mind and detoxify your body, the environmentally-protected park is hosting various water activities, yoga sessions and creative art classes. On the water, single or double kayaking guided experiences through mangroves, seeing stunning sunrises and sunsets whilst discovering native wildlife, or navigating the night with the newly-launched Night Glow experience in specially fitted, LED-lit kayaks. Promoting spiritual reflection, Jubail Mangrove Park has curated a schedule of ladies-only yoga practices every Monday from 8:30 pm to 9:30 pm, including a Detox Flow with Sound Healing Journey, Yin with Roll & Release, Detox Pilates to Reset and Breath and Meditation.
Ramadan at the Circuit: Yas Marina Circuit is hosting an array of adrenaline-packed activities, from driving packages to thrilling Ramadan Karting Cup and Yas Super Street Challenge, the ADNOC TrainYAS Ramadan Challenge presented by ADSC encouraging guests to stay active over Ramadan and be in for a chance of winning some fantastic prizes.
Hudayriyat Mar Vista: With something for all ages, tastes and interests, be sure to visit Hudayriyat Island this Ramadan. The one-stop island destination boasts everything you will need for a great day or night out, with ample indoor and outdoor attractions such as cycling and biking tracks and trails, obstacle parks and pristine beaches, restaurants and food trucks and the cultural Hudayriyat Heritage Trail.
Wellness Iftar at Pura Eco Resort: Disconnect from the world around you and be engulfed by nature with Pura Eco Resorts’ unique Wellness iftar. Over two weekends with limited spaces available, the extensive Ramadan programme will include a series of yoga and meditation classes before coming together to break fast with a delicious and healthy iftar designed by Emirati Chef Faisal Al Harmoodi. Hosted on 31 March and 1, 7 and 8 April, the sessions promise guests moments of reflection and connection with their inner selves set in the stunning surroundings of Pura Eco Resort.
Kicking off the Eid celebrations, Abu Dhabi’s citizens, residents and visitors will be dazzled by fireworks lighting up the skies across the city from 9.00 pm with shows along the Abu Dhabi Corniche, at Al Ain’s Hazza Stadium and Madinat Zayed Public Park, Gayathi and Al Marfa’s AlMugheirah beach in the Al Dhafra region.
Music lovers can revel in the sounds of the most iconic stars from the Arab world with special concerts hosted at Etihad Arena on the second day of Eid. Concerts, with details and artists yet to be announced, will also occur on the same evening in Al Ain and Al Dhafra.
Throughout the Eid public holiday, activations will be hosted by iconic tourist and cultural attractions, including Yas Bay Waterfront, Yas Island, Manarat Al Saadiyat and Qasr Al Hosn. Al Ain’s Palace Museum will see special Al Ayyala and Al Razfa performances, with Al Ain Oasis and Qasr Al Muwaiji also hosting yet-to-be-announced celebrations across the four days.
Two other airports newly approved for Hajj pilgrims are Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh and Agartala in Tripura….reports Asian Lite News
India has approved four new embarkation points for pilgrims for the Hajj in 2023, two of them in Kerala state.
Kannur and Calicut in the Malabar area of the state are the new airports of embarkation for Keralites.
The Gulf region hosts millions of expatriates from Kerala and the new embarkation points will come as a consolation for them when their families and relatives go on Hajj from this year onwards.
Two other airports newly approved for Hajj pilgrims are Vijayawada in Andhra Pradesh and Agartala in Tripura.
“The final number of embarkation points will be subject to a minimum number of passengers opting for an airport and the feasibility of setting up of the related infrastructure,” India’s Minister of Minority Affairs, Smriti Zubin Irani, told Parliament. “Pilgrims have been given options to travel from 25 embarkation points for Hajj 2023.”
She said that during interactive sessions with stakeholders, including Hajj Committees in states, demands for more embarkation points were received. After analysing all the feedback, new airports for Hajj departures were added to reduce the difficulties pilgrims face due to fewer embarkation points.
Kerala already has a third designated Hajj departure airport, Cochin.
Survey reveals domestic and international travel preferences of Indian travellers.(photo:IANSLIFE)
According to the reports, Mumbai was the most visited city for domestic business trips (50 per cent of respondents), while internationally, the United States (44 per cent of respondents) emerged as the most popular destination…reports Asian Lite News
With business travel across domestic and international markets showing a rebound post pandemic, majority of Indian businesses (67 per cent) expect a rise in business travel in 2023 and 77 per cent of businesses are expecting to increase their travel budget in 2023 as compared to 2022.
These findings were revealed in the business travel and entertainment (T&E) survey report titled ‘Revival of business travel: An India perspective’ commissioned by American Express, India with the Centre for Economics and Business Research (Cebr).
The report further indicates that 79 per cent of Indian businesses surveyed use business travel data analytics to assist with travel booking and expenditure, showing how important technology has become for the travel sector. As with the broader technology sector, the travel technology sector is constantly innovating. In the post-pandemic period, 43 per cent of financial decision makers surveyed said that the use of better software to manage expenses and travel is a key innovation.
Manish Kapoor, Vice President and Head, Global Commercial Services (GCS), American Express Banking Corp, India said: “The sentiment is upbeat for corporate travel in India. While the past two years resulted in a temporary decline in business travel, domestic travel has resumed, and almost surpassed pre-pandemic level. International travel is also picking up and we can expect a sustained recovery. With increased average ticket prices expected to remain high in the medium term, Indian companies will be exploring technologies, and should adopt smarter solutions for better cost efficiencies.”
In terms of the practical methods used to pay for travel expenses, the most common way, used by two thirds of companies (66 per cent), is that the business has company accounts with third party booking systems. However, most businesses reported using multiple methods, with 61 per cent saying they let employees pay and expense, and 57 per cent saying they provide employees with access to a company credit card.
If business travel doesn’t resume, 40% concerned about earnings.(photo:IANSLIFE)
KEY FINDINGS:
Business travel trends: Current and Future
53 per cent of businesses said that just over half of their employees had taken an international or domestic work trip in H2 2022.
Government/public sector employees followed by marketing, sales, real estate, professional services, and pharmaceuticals lead trips. 64 per cent of government or public sector employees took international or domestic trips for work.
One of the reasons preventing a full bounce-back of business travel is that more meetings and events are now being conducted virtually.
Reasons for travel and key locations to visit in the second half of 2022
The top reason for business travel, selected by 41 per cent of businesses, was attending, hosting or presenting at conferences, presentations or events.
Mumbai was the most visited city for domestic business trips (50 per cent of respondents), while internationally, the United States (44 per cent of respondents) emerged as the most popular destination.
Budgets and payment
77 per cent of businesses expected to increase their travel budget in 2023.
Agriculture, manufacturing, construction, utilities and engineering topped the list with largest travel budgets on average, at Rs 70 lakh per year for each business.
Technology
79 per cent of Indian business surveyed said they use business travel data analytics to assist with travel booking and expenditure, showing how important technology has become for the travel sector. Three quarters also said they use travel management software.
As with the broader technology sector, the travel technology sector is constantly innovating. In the post-pandemic period, 43 per cent of financial decision makers surveyed said that that use of better software to manage expenses and travel is a key innovation.
Travel policy
92 per cent businesses have a travel policy with a further 6 per cent in process of making a travel policy. 46 per cent businesses selected cost limits for bookings, including hotels, airfares and ground transportation as the topmost component when asked about what is included in their travel policy.
43 per cent of financial decision makers also selected that they consider special exceptions or rules for more expensive cities in their policy document, while 43 per cent also selected that routes and approval processes for trips that exceed typical limitations are included.
Environmental sustainability considerations were also selected by over a third (36 per cent) of respondents, highlighting that this is an increasingly important topic.
The survey report was conducted amongst 500+ Indian businesses across cities in India. It focusses on larger businesses, with half of the respondents seeing annual revenues greater than Rs 600 crore. 82 per cent of businesses in the survey report have 250 employees or more.
Planning a trip to the temples?.(pic credit:IANSLIFE)
Holy city of Varanasi, which is famous across the world for its Ghats and temples. Located on the banks of the River Ganga, considered sacred by Hindus, Varanasi is home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas…reports Lothungbeni Humtsoe
Across the globe, India is one nation that is known to be the land of spirituality and where people truly value its culture. The country has worshippers in plenty and large groups of them often venture off from faraway corners for pilgrimage. India, being one of the most renowned places for pilgrimage tourism, also has one of the strongest rail networks for it.
Here are five pilgrims you can easily visit by rail shared by Dinesh Kumar Kotha, the Co-founder and CEO of Confirmtkt – an online train discovery and booking platform – and should absolutely check out if you’re looking to connect with your spiritual side:
Amongst some of the most famous pilgrimage sites is the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, located in the Tirupati city of southern state Andhra Pradesh. The site is so popular that it is visited by almost 60,000 devotees on an everyday basis. In order to reach the holy site by train, the pilgrims can board either the Tirumala Express or the Venkatadri Express.
Named after the Tirumala Venkateswara Temple, Tirumala Express is a train that shuttles between Visakhapatnam and Kadapa, covering a distance of 872 kilometers. On the other hand, the Venkatadri Express is also a popular train for the Tirumala pilgrimage and connects the Kacheguda in Hyderabad (Telangana) to Chittoor in Andhra Pradesh. Both trains are equipped with modern amenities to provide ease and comfort to travelers.
Planning a trip to the temples?.(pic credit:IANSLIFE)
Meenakshi Temple – Tiruchendur Express (16105)
Lying in the temple town of Madurai, Tamil Nadu is the Meenakshi Amman Temple, which is a place of great religious importance. The temple is dedicated to the goddess Meenakshi, who is a form of Shakti, and her consort, Sundareshwarar, who is a form of Shiva. Throughout the year, devotees flock to Madurai to perform religious practice at the temple. The travelers use the popular train Tiruchendur Express, which stops at several major stations along the way, including Chengalpattu, Villupuram, Trichy, and Madurai. According to reports, the train covers a distance of around 700 kilometers.
Deoghar – East Coast Express(18045) and Simhapuri Express(12710)
Deoghar in Jharkhand is a crucial Hindu pilgrimage region and home to the Baidyanath Temple. Every year, between the months of July and August, 7 to 8 million devotees embark on the DeogharYatra, wherein they bring holy water from various areas of the Ganges. Some of the popular trains which carry these pilgrims from across the country are the 18045 – East coast Express and the 12710 – Simhapuri Express. Both the trains cover a distance of 1,586 kilometers and 643 kilometers respectively and are equipped with modern amenities for smooth travel.
Shiridi – BZA SNSI Express(17208)
Everyone knows of Shirdi in Maharashtra as one of the most prominent religious sites. It is immensely famous for the Sai Baba Mandir, which is visited by thousands of devotees every day. Devotees can travel to the site by boarding the 17208 SainagarShirdi-Vijayawada (BZA SNSI) Express, which runs between SainagarShirdi and Vijayawada Junction. Travelers can enjoy facilities like air-conditioned coaches, food service, and onboard entertainment.
Planning a trip to the temples?.(pic credit:IANSLIFE)
Varanasi – Kashi Vishwanth Express(15128)
Last but not least is the holy city of Varanasi, which is famous across the world for its Ghats and temples. Located on the banks of the River Ganga, considered sacred by Hindus, Varanasi is home to the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva and is one of the 12 Jyotirlingas.
An important train that takes devotees to the sacred land of Varanasi is the Kashi Vishwanath Express, which is named after the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The train operates daily while covering a distance of 794 kilometers. It offers first A/C, second A/C, third A/C, and sleeper-class coaches and pantry-car services and offers a very good running speed.
Bill introduced in US House to eliminate visa backlogs.
The bipartisan bill, according to Krishnamoorthi, will end country-based discrimination in high-skilled immigration…reports Asian Lite News
A bipartisan bill has been introduced in the US House of Representatives to properly utilise the employment-based visas currently allocated each year under existing federal immigration law.
Democrat Indian-American Congressman Raja Krishnamoorthi and Republican Larry Bucshon introduced the Eliminating Backlogs Act of 2023 to provide “greater flexibility to use existing allotted work visas”.
This legislation would give greater flexibility to use existing allotted work visas that employers desperately need, but does not change the overall number of visas available.
“Even as our country’s high-skilled immigration system helps us draw top talent from around the world, current law caps the number of employment-based visas available based on workers’ country of origin, leaving thousands of visas that would otherwise help our economy unused,” Krishnamoorthi said.
The bipartisan bill, according to Krishnamoorthi, will end country-based discrimination in high-skilled immigration.
It will ensure every allotted visa is used to draw skilled workers from across the globe to help strengthen the US economy and create jobs as America also continue to invest in their domestic workforce.
Under current federal immigration law, there are a certain number of visas allocated annually for skilled workers, such as doctors and engineers, to ensure our workforce can meet the demands of the US economy in Indiana and across the country.
“Unfortunately, bureaucratic policies and delays have prevented hundreds of thousands of these visas from being used, despite a serious need for more skilled workers across our nation,” Bucshon said.
The bill will help to “eliminate this backlog and ensure that visas allocated under existing federal immigration law can be properly used. This will help support an immigration system that incentivizes and rewards legal applicants and boosts our economy”, Bucshon added.
Every year Congress allows for a set number of foreign nationals with specific skills and training to come to the US for work.
This helps ensure that American businesses have access to the skilled labour force they need to succeed.
Each nation is capped at receiving only seven percent of the allotted employment-based slots in any year.
Due to this per-country limitation and bureaucratic delays, US immigration officials failed to utilise approximately 9,100 employment-based visas in FY2020 and over 66,000 in FY2021.
On behalf of the state tourism delegation, the Indian Ambassador and the Union Tourism Secretary were welcomed in traditional Rajasthani style…reports Asian Lite News
Rajasthan Tourism is participating in the ongoing International Travel Bourse, the world’s largest tourism trade fair, in Berlin with focus on the European market.
Among the European tourists visiting the international tourism circuit, about 65 per cent come to Rajasthan, said Principal Secretary (Tourism), Gayatri Rathod.
“Rajasthan tourism has a unique identity on the international tourism map. It is the endeavor of the tourism department that the tourists coming here return with an indelible impression and memories of Rajasthan. In such a situation, the tourism department is constantly motivating tourists to come to Rajasthan in maximum numbers through innovations,” she said.
On March 7, the pavilion of the Rajasthan Tourism was inaugurated in Berlin by Indian Ambassador to Germany, P. Harish, and Union Tourism Secretary, Arvind Singh, in the presence of the state tourism delegation.
On behalf of the state tourism delegation, the Indian Ambassador and the Union Tourism Secretary were welcomed in traditional Rajasthani style.
Joint Secretary Rajesh Sharma and officials of the tourism department are participating in the International Travel Bourse (ITB) under the leadership of Gayatri Rathore, Chief Secretary, tourism department.
The main objective of the tourism department is to attract more and more European tourists to Rajasthan.
International tour and travel operators have shown a lot of interest in the Palace on Wheels, a luxury tourist train that was launched by the Indian Railways in association with the Rajasthan Tourism Development Corporation to promote tourism in the desert state.
An exhibition on Rajasthan tourism has also been set up in the state’s pavilion at ITB. Officials of the tourism department are participating in more than 30 B2B meetings in Berlin.
The national flag carrier’s net income for the fourth quarter of 2022 rose to 11.15 billion baht from 4 billion baht registered a year earlier…report Asian Lite News
Thai Airways International (THAI) reported a nearly triple profit in the final quarter of last year as foreign arrivals to the Southeast Asia destination picked up further, data showed on Friday.
According to an annual financial statement, the national flag carrier’s net income for the fourth quarter of 2022 rose to 11.15 billion baht from 4 billion baht registered a year earlier, Xinhua news agency reported.
Operating income for the period grew more than fivefold to 8.9 billion baht from a 2.6 billion baht deficit in the previous year, making the airline’s total revenue soar by 367 per cent to 36.9 billion baht, according to the statement filed with the Thai Stock Exchange (SET).
THAI reported an 84.3 per cent decrease in operating loss excluding one-time items to 4.59 billion baht last year, down from a 29.19 billion baht loss in 2021, while total operating revenue in 2022 increased 342 per cent to 105 billion baht, the statement said.
After filing for bankruptcy protection in 2020, THAI planned to exit its rehabilitation earlier than scheduled in late 2024 and resume trading on SET in two years, its new chief executive officer said earlier in February.
Since early this year, THAI has started to operate flights to China’s major cities to meet the rising demand. It is also expected to boost the number of flights, add new routes, and expand its fleet to achieve its rehabilitation plan.
