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US Eases Visa Renewal for 20,000 Indian H1B Workers

Due to heavy visa backlogs, some H-1B workers have pursued work-arounds such as traveling to nearby countries with fewer backlogs to secure appointments…reports Asian Lite News

In a move likely to benefit Indian professionals, 20,000 H1B specialty occupation workers will be able to renew their visas in the US beginning from January next year, according to State Department officials.

This development comes months after the White House announced a pilot programme for domestic renewal of certain categories of H-1B visas during the state visit of Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June this year.

The visa renewal pilot programme is one of multiple measures the State Department is looking to add or continue with the aim of driving down wait times for travel to the US, Bloomberg Law reported, citing officials.

It would allow H-1B holders to renew their visas by mailing them to the State Department rather than travel outside the US and face uncertain wait times to secure an appointment at a US consular office before returning.

“We really need to get proof of concept that it works before we can extend it to a larger group,” Deputy Assistant Secretary for Consular Affairs Julie Stufft told reporters on Monday.

“This is a huge change for folks who live here and previously would have had to leave the US,” she added.

Due to heavy visa backlogs, some H-1B workers have pursued work-arounds such as traveling to nearby countries with fewer backlogs to secure appointments.

According to Stufft, the domestic renewal option would help consular offices in those countries as well as India.

The average wait time to secure a visa appointment for travel to the US fell to 130 days last year, a drop of 70 days from fiscal year 2022.

The State Department considers acceptable wait times to be closer to 90 days.

ALSO READ-US Embassy in India Issues Over 140,000 Student Visas

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-Top News USA

US Embassy in India Issues Over 140,000 Student Visas

According to the Department statement, international visitors contributed as much as $239 billion in annual spending to the US economy and supported an estimated 9.5 million American jobs…reports Asian Lite News

 The US Embassy and Consulates in India issued an all-time record of more than 140,000 student visas from October 2022 through September 2023, the State Department announced.

Stating that international students at US colleges and universities inject up to $38 billion annually into the country’s economy, the Department said on Tuesday that it issued more than 600,000 student visas — the highest in any year since FY 2017.

During the main student visa season of June-August 2023, consular officers across India issued 95,269 visas in the F, M, and J categories — an 18 per cent increase over 2022 during the same timeframe.

According to Open Doors Report data, India surpassed China to become the largest source of international graduate students in the US for the first time since 2009/10.

The number of Indian graduate students rose by 63 per cent to 165,936 students — an increase of nearly 64,000 students, compared to last year, while Indian undergraduate students also increased by 16 per cent.

The 2023 federal fiscal year saw the State Department issuing a near record level of non-immigrant visas — more than 10 million globally, and half of the US embassies and consulates adjudicated more non-immigrant visas than ever before.

In addition, nearly eight million visitor visas for business and tourism were issued — more than in any fiscal year since 2016.

Additionally, the US Embassy issued nearly eight million visitor visas for business and tourism, more than in any fiscal year since 2015, the statement said.

According to the Department statement, international visitors contributed as much as $239 billion in annual spending to the US economy and supported an estimated 9.5 million American jobs.

A record-breaking 442,000 visas were issued to temporary and seasonal workers, addressing the need for workers in agriculture and other sectors where too few US workers are available — contributing to the American economy while addressing the root causes of irregular migration, the Department stated in its release.

A total of 590,000 non-immigrant visas were issued to high-skilled workers and executives to work alongside American experts in some of the US’ most critical fields, ranging from emerging technology to healthcare.

Nearly 365,000 non-immigrant visas were issued to airline and shipping crew members, who are essential for maintaining global transportation and the supply chains that support the US and global economies.

According to the Department, “these achievements were possible because of innovative solutions, such as expanding interview waiver authorities that allow frequent travelers who meet strict national security standards to renew their visas without having to visit an Embassy or Consulate”.

The US is increasing the staff strength and opening new consulates to reduce waiting time for visa issuance from India, US Ambassador to India, Eric Garcetti, said earlier this month.

He also said that the embassy is likely to issue 10-15 per cent more visas than usual in the current calendar year, and that the number of visas issued in India also increased one-third in recent weeks.

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US Imposes Visa Restrictions on Russian Military Officials

According to the State Department, Colonel Omurbekov was the commanding officer of Russia’s 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade when Moscow’s forces controlled the Ukrainian town of Andriivka…reports Asian Lite News

The US imposed visa restrictions on two Russian military officials for their alleged involvement in “gross violations of human rights” in Ukraine amid the raging war.

In a statement on Monday, Secretary of State Antony Blinken said Azatbek Omurbekov, also known as “The Butcher of Bucha” who is a Colonel in the Russian Armed Forces, has been designated “for his involvement in gross violations of human rights, namely the extrajudicial killings of unarmed Ukrainian civilians from Andriivka”.

The second designated military official was idenified as Daniil Frolkin, a Guard Corporal who was allegedly involved “in a gross violation of human rights, namely the extrajudicial killing of an unarmed Ukrainian civilian in Andriivka”.

“As a result of today’s action, Omurbekov, Frolkin, and their immediate family members are ineligible for entry into the US,” Blinken was quoted as saying in the statement.

According to the State Department, Colonel Omurbekov was the commanding officer of Russia’s 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade when Moscow’s forces controlled the Ukrainian town of Andriivka.

“Omurbekov later led the brigade to Bucha where the Department of State determined that the 64th Separate Motorized Rifle Brigade killed, beat, dismembered, burned, and conducted mock executions of civilians,” it added.

Blinken went on to say that by publicly designating Omurbekov and Frolkin, “the US reaffirms its commitment to upholding human rights, acknowledging the injustice experienced by victims and survivors, and promoting accountability for those responsible for human rights violations”.

“The US stands committed to promoting accountability for Russia’s abuses and atrocities against the people of Ukraine. We will continue to use all appropriate avenues to pursue justice for Ukraine.

“We stand with Ukraine in its fight for sovereignty, territorial integrity, and the rule of law, for as long as it takes,” he added.

The announcement of the new visa sanctions comes on the same day that Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin made a surprise trip to Ukraine to emphasise continued US support to the war-torn nation.

As part of his trip, Austin announced an additional $100 million in security assistance for Ukraine.

ALSO READ-US Ambassador Announces Swift Visa Processing in India

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-Top News India News USA

US Ambassador Announces Swift Visa Processing in India

Garcetti said the number of US visas that were being issued in India had gone up by one-third in recent weeks as part of the stepped up drive to clear the backlog…reports Asian Lite News

The US is accelerating the pace of issuing visas in India with more staff joining its Hyderabad consulate and new consulates to open up in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad soon, Washington’s Ambassador to New Delhi Eric Garcetti said here on Monday.

“Some more people have already joined the Hyderabad consulate as we are increasing the staff strength in the city and premises are being taken up in Bengaluru and Ahmedabad for setting up new consulates,” Garcetti said.

He said that he had a look at the new premises that the US is taking up to establish a consulate in Ahmedabad during his trip to the city to watch the India-Australia World Cup cricket final on Sunday.

Garcetti said the number of US visas that were being issued in India had gone up by one-third in recent weeks as part of the stepped up drive to clear the backlog.

The US ambassador said the waiting time for US visas for students and tourists had come down and it ranged from six months to a year depending on which office the application was made.

However, the US was focused on expediting the issuing of visas to Indian nationals.

He also said that the problem of delay was due to the large number of applicants that was on the rise so it was difficult to spell out the exact time lag.

This problem was also there in other large countries like Brazil and Mexico, he added.

ALSO READ-Garcetti holds talks with CEO of US-India Strategic Forum

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-Top News Asia News

Thailand Waives Visas for Indians to Boost Tourism

Thailand has already waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists in September to attract more visitors…reports Asian Lite News

Thailand has decided to waive visa requirements for travellers from India and Taiwan from next month to May 2024, a government official said on Tuesday, as the country is keen to attract more tourists in the peak season to rev up its economy.

According to Thai government spokesperson Chai Wacharonke, arrivals from India and Taiwan will be permitted to stay in Thailand for 30 days.

India has emerged as Thailand’s fourth-largest source market for tourism this year with about 1.2 million arrivals. Malaysia, China and South Korea constitute the first three respectively.

Thailand has already waived visa requirements for Chinese tourists in September to attract more visitors.

 From January to October 29, there were 22 million visitors to Thailand, generating 927.5 billion baht ($25.67 billion), the latest government figures showed.

The country aims to attract 28 million tourists as its new government hopes bring a slowing economy back on the growth path.

Winter flight schedule

 This winter, India is set to experience a significant boost in international connectivity, with the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) granting approval for a schedule of 2,336 weekly flights operated by 80 airlines.

This marks a notable 9.4 per cent increase compared to the previous winter, when 75 foreign airlines operated 2,136 flights.

As of October 29, the approved schedule for these 80 airlines now provides 5.9 lakh seats per week, a noticeable rise from the 5.5 lakh seats available during the last winter season, according to data from the DGCA.

According to the civil aviation regulator, a total of 2,336 departures per week have been approved to/from 23 stations in India – Ahmedabad, Amritsar, Bagdogra, Bengaluru, Calicut (Kozhikode), Chennai, Cochin, Coimbatore, Delhi, Gaya, Goa, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Jaipur, Kolkata, Lucknow, Madurai, Mumbai, Nagpur, Thiruvananthapuram, Tirchy, Varanasi, and Visakhapatnam.

The direct international airlines will connect to 50 countries – Australia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Belarus, Bhutan, Canada, Egypt, Ethiopia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Italy, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kenya, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Malaysia, Maldives, Mauritius, Myanmar, Nepal, Netherlands, Nigeria, Oman, Poland, Qatar, Russia, Rwanda, Saudi Arabia, Seychelles, Singapore, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Switzerland, Tajikistan, Tanzania, Thailand, Turkey, United Arab Emirates, the UK, the US , Uzbekistan, and Vietnam.

Air Peace Ltd, Batik Air, Belavia, ITA Airways, Neos S.P.A. NOK AIR and Uganda Airlines are seven new airlines which will be operating during Winter Schedule 2023, however, El Al of Israel have postponed its operations due to the ongoing situation there.

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-Top News Canada India News

Diplomatic Tensions between Canada and India Affect Visa Applicants

Following Miller’s remarks, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a statement saying that its staff in India is being reduced from 27 to just five…reports Asian Lite News

Canadian Immigration Minister Marc Miller said that visa processing in India will be “inevitably impacted” after Ottawa evacuated 41 of its diplomats following a diplomatic spat with New Delhi over the killing of pro-Khalistani hardliner Hardeep Singh Nijjar.

With India maintaining that it seeks parity in diplomatic presence, Canada said that only 21 Canadian diplomats and dependents would be stationed in India from now onwards.

Addressing a press conference on Thursday alongside Foreign Minister Melanie Joly in Ottawa, Miller said the move will result in slower visa processing of Indians looking to come to Canada.

“Processing times will inevitably be impacted by this unacceptable and unilateral decision by the Government of India, but we will strive to minimize the impact on people looking to come to Canada,” he said.

Following Miller’s remarks, the Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) issued a statement saying that its staff in India is being reduced from 27 to just five.

Miller, however, reassured that the lower number of staff will have short term repercussions, and that Canada will continue to accept and process all temporary and permanent resident applications.

According to CIC News, IRCC is trying to mitigate the impact by adjusting the work load for Visa Application Centres (VACs) that already process the majority of the applications from India, but some work will have to be done by email.

The Canadian immigration body said in a statement that a large majority of applications from India are already processed outside the country, with 89 per cent of India’s applications processed through the global network.

“The five Canada-based IRCC staff who remain in India will focus on work that requires an in-country presence such as urgent processing, visa printing, risk assessment and overseeing key partners,” the IRCC said in a statement released on Thursday.

According to IRCC, clients from India can expect to see some delays over the next few months in overall processing times, responses to their enquiries, and getting their visas or passports returned.

“Canada has a strong connection with Indian citizens, and will continue to welcome them, whether they wish to come here to visit, work, study, be reunited with loved ones, or live permanently in the country,” the IRCC said.

Acknowledging that newcomers from India play a vital role in Canada, Miller said the country’s Designated Learning Institutions (DLIs) will continue to welcome students and new applications will be processed, albeit slowly.

More than 118,000 Indians became Canadian permanent residents in 2022, which was 27 per cent of the over 437,000 new permanent residents welcomed by Canada, the CIC News reported.

Canada opened its door to more than 226,000 Indian international students last year and nearly 60,000 Indians became Canadian citizens in 2022.

ALSO READ-Pro-Khalistan Hardliner’s Threats Alarm Indian Diaspora In Canada

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-Top News UK News

Record increase in Indian students pursuing UK study visas

This trend is expected to continue in 2023 and is poised for further growth in the next academic year…reports Asian Lite News

The UK Home Office has reported a substantial 54 percent increase in the number of sponsored study visas granted to Indian students compared to 2022. This development marks a significant shift in favor of the UK as a preferred destination for Indian students seeking higher education. The findings have been meticulously analysed and presented by Gradding, a study abroad platform.

The statistics revealed a remarkable surge, indicating that Indians now hold nearly seven times the number of study visas compared to the year 2019. Specifically, the UK issued close to 500,000 sponsored study visas, with the exciting revelation that nearly one-third of these were granted to Indian students.

As a result, it is anticipated that the number of Indian students enrolling in UK universities will exceed an impressive 3 lakhs in the upcoming academic session.

The data shows that a total of 142,848 sponsored study visas were granted to Indian students, representing an astounding increase of 49,883 visas, or 54 percent, compared to the previous year ending in June 2022. Notably, the Graduate Route, which enables students to extend their stay in the UK after completing their studies, saw 42 percent of extensions granted to Indian students.

Furthermore, 20 percent of students whose visas expired in 2022 chose to transition to the Graduate Route after completing their studies. This trend is expected to continue in 2023 and is poised for further growth in the next academic year.

Mamta Shekhawat, the founder of Gradding, emphasises that students are increasingly drawn to the UK due to its exceptional “value for money.” She asserts that the UK offers a cost-effective education with average expenses lower than countries like the USA and Australia.

Additionally, she highlights the high employability of UK graduates, with 8 in 10 international students experiencing career progression, promotions, and increased earnings as a direct result of their education in the UK.

The landscape of international enrollments in UK universities has undergone a transformation in recent years. While in 2020, the majority of international students hailed from Greece and Ireland, constituting 21 percent of all enrolments, the situation has seen a significant shift in 2021.

However, in 2022 and 2023, China and India have emerged as the top two sending markets, contributing to 41 percent of all international enrollments. This shift can be attributed, in part, to recent tensions between India and Canada, which have steered many students toward the UK as their preferred destination for higher education.

Scholarships have played a pivotal role in making the dream of studying in the UK more accessible. Scholarships have seen a notable 10 percent increase in demand compared to the previous year, with the University of Essex in the UK offering valuable scholarships worth ã10,000 for Indian students enrolling in one-year master’s programmes.

The UK government has also taken proactive steps to simplify the visa process for Indian students, with the reintroduction of the Graduation Immigration Route, allowing Indian students to work in the UK for up to two years post-graduation without requiring a tier-2 visa.

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Education Europe India News

Planning for a Successful Study Abroad Experience?

Most leading banks and financial institutions offer educational loans against certain interest rates, guarantees, and payment terms…reports Asian Lite News

Studying abroad is a transformative decision, catapulting a student’s education and career graph many notches higher. It’s no surprise that many youngsters today consider overseas education for higher studies. According to the Union Ministry of Education, 7.5 Lakh Indian students traveled overseas for higher education in 2022. Associated data sets show that Indian students formed the biggest group of immigrant students in Canada, and the second biggest group in Germany and the United Kingdom last year.

The benefits of global education range from exposure to new-age courses, participating in the latest research and innovation; and enhanced job prospects. While all this makes sense, many crucial steps need to be taken in advance to make this experience worthwhile. Study abroad counselors from MSM Unify – a leading global higher education platform offering 50,000+ courses from 1,400 institutes over 20 countries – shared the top five aspects that every student must consider when planning international education. Here they are:

Step 1 – Research about the course, country, and culture

These three C’s define the success of your study abroad experience. The checklist should begin with:
– Understanding your academic inclination
– Finding an appropriate course in your chosen field
– Selecting an appropriate top-rate institute
– Choosing the Country for Higher Study
– Understanding the host country’s geo-political situation and culture at large

Each of these steps has multiple checklists. While a student’s career may not be limited to his area of study, choosing a course in alignment with academic interest offers the necessary kickstart for jobs. When choosing the courses, consider the present job prospects and a future outlook too. For example, jobs related to automation, data, and analytics will continue to be in demand even after five years, as per industry estimates.

When selecting an institute, it’s important to directly speak to institute representatives and clear all doubts in advance. For example, at MSM Unify students can directly interact with institute representatives. It’s important to have all the details about effective fee structures, scholarship options (if applicable), yearly academic roster, department lecturers, placement support, and academy-industry connections. All such queries determine how worthwhile the study abroad experience can be.

When choosing a host country, it’s important to consider its geopolitical standing. Additionally, take the time to learn about the popular customs, traditions, and cultural norms of the country to ensure a smooth transition.

Step 2 – Understand visa and immigration requirements

Make sure you understand the visa and immigration requirements for studying in your chosen country. Familiarize yourself with the application process, required documents, and any restrictions or limitations that may apply. Seek guidance from our experts. Applying for a visa can be challenging, but well-established consultants such as MSM Unify use their wide network within partner countries to simplify the process for you! Following are the generic documents required for a student visa, more documents can be required as per host country specifications:
– Passport with at least two blank pages and an expiry date beyond 180 days
– A formal admission letter from the university
– A printout of your online application
– Evidence of language certification (if needed)
– Evidence of financial means
– Passport size photographs
– Previous education record
– Vaccination results (if required, it varies by the country)


Step 3 – Plan Your finances in advance – Education loans, scholarships, and more to explore

Studying abroad is an expensive affair, hence resistance from many students. When considering to study abroad, start with making a budget. Consider all expenses such as tuition fees, accommodation charges, living expenses, travel costs, medical insurance, insurance for your devices (laptop/mobile phone, photography equipment), and any additional expenses that may arise.

Most leading banks and financial institutions offer educational loans against certain interest rates, guarantees, and payment terms. Again, well-established study abroad consultants such as MSM Unify provide multiple options to explore financial options. The firm offers multiple financing options from leading providers such as ICICI iSMART education loans, MPower Financing, and other international partners to make it easy for students to choose from the most competitive offerings.
If you plan on applying for an educational loan, you should begin the student visa application process 6 months before the start of your first semester. So, you would have enough time to manage your finances and education loans.

Step 4 – Find accommodation options

Research the various accommodation options available in your host country. Consider factors such as cost of accommodation, proximity to your educational institution, safety, and amenities provided. The usual options include university dormitories, shared apartments, homestays, or private flats, depending on your preferences and budget. If you decide to live in an apartment, you will also need to pay for tenant’s insurance as well as additional utility costs like power, internet, and water use. Confused about finding accommodation? MSM Unify’s partners such as University Living, Housemates Unilodgers, Casita, Gobritanya, and others offer a variety of options to choose from.

Step 5 – Transit services

Make sure to reserve your airline tickets in advance. To track price changes and buy at the cheapest prices, consider looking at the alternatives with plenty of time to spare. Also, familiarize yourself with the transit services available in the host country. Research public transportation options such as buses, trains, and subways, their popular routes, schedules, and fares. Additionally, look into student discounts or passes that may be available to help you save money on transportation costs.

Remember, studying abroad offers multi-dimensional experiences. The only way to make this worthwhile is by being prepared in advance. Speak to other students who also plan to study abroad or others who have had this experience helps in adding more perspectives.

ALSO READ-Global Destinations for Indian Students Pursuing Education Abroad

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-Top News China India News

Visa Denial Row: Chinese Envoy Calls For Strong India Ties

The three players from Arunachal Pradesh – Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu were supposed to participate in individual matches which will run from September 24 to 28 at the Guali Cultural and Sports Centre in Xiaoshan district…reports Asian Lite News

Amid China’s refusal to grant visas to three Wushu athletes from Arunachal Pradesh for the 19th Asian Games, Consul General of China in Kolkata, Zha Liyou said that Beijing is willing to work with India to implement the consensus reached by Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping to strengthen dialogue and promote the development of bilateral ties on a “healthy and stable track.”

While addressing a programme to celebrate the 74th anniversary of the founding of China, Zha stressed that a “stable and healthy” relationship between India and China is in the fundamental interest of both nations.

Zha Liyou said, “A stable and healthy China-India relationship is in the fundamental interest of both countries and their peoples. The common development and revitalization of the two countries is related to the future of us, of Asia and of the world.”

Speaking at the programme, he said, “Our relationship is generally stable. Our leaders maintain dialogue and communication. President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Modi had two face-to-face interactions in the past year and reached an important consensus on stabilizing our relations, providing guidance for the development of our bilateral relations.

“China is willing to work with India to implement the important consensus reached by the leaders of our two countries, strengthen dialogue and communication, overcome interference difficulties and promote the development of bilateral relations on a healthy and stable track,” he added.

He said that China is willing to work with all parties, including India, to serve as the builder of world peace. Speaking about the commonalities between the two nations, he said that India and China have a very long history and the two have been adjacent to each other since the time began.

“China is willing to work with all parties, including India, to serve as the builder of world peace, a contributor to global development and defender of the international order with a broader vision, a more open mind and a more positive attitude and write a new chapter in the programs of human political friends,” he said.

“China and India we share this commonality of very, very long history…civilization that has been you know we have been adjacent to each other for the time since the time began. We are the only two major countries with a population of more than 1 billion. There are no other twins and pairs and partners like this. We are important. We are important emerging economies with a broader development prospect. The friendly exchanges between the peoples of China and India have a long history and will have long centuries to go,” he added.

On the success of the Chandrayaan-3 moon mission, he said, “So sitting in my office and seeing the wonderful landing, it’s really exciting. I tweeted that is an achievement for all human beings. I’m very happy. I’m proud of India for that achievement.”

Asked about China’s denial of visas to three athletes for the Asian Games, he said, “The Asian game is the game for all of us. We are family. And for the specific issues, I’m sure the Chinese MFA and your MEA have already said that. And I have friends. This is a bilateral issue. I would invite you to reach out to the Chinese Embassy.”

On Sunday, Union Sports Minister Anurag Thakur criticised China’s refusal to grant visas to three Wushu athletes from Arunachal Pradesh for the 19th Asian Games. Thakur labelled this action as “discriminatory” and emphasized that it goes against the Olympic Charter, a stance deemed “unacceptable” by India.

The three players from Arunachal Pradesh – Nyeman Wangsu, Onilu Tega and Mepung Lamgu were supposed to participate in individual matches which will run from September 24 to 28 at the Guali Cultural and Sports Centre in Xiaoshan district.

In response, the Union Sports Minister cancelled his visit to China as a mark of protest.

“They did not allow our Athletes from Arunachal Pradesh to participate in Asian Games. As you can see I am not in China, I am in Coimbatore, standing with my players. And this discriminatory approach of a country that is against the Olympic Charter and is not acceptable at all,” Anurag Thakur said while speaking to reporters.

Union Minister asserted that Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India. “It is not acceptable to India and I have cancelled my trip to China on these grounds as they have denied the opportunity to the players from Arunachal Pradesh to be a part of the Asian Games. Arunachal Pradesh is an integral part of India,” Thakur added. (ANI)

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Visa’s Initiative to Shape Future Women Leaders in Oman

From workshops to outward-bound experiential learning and networking opportunities, the program equips young women with the skills and knowledge needed to face their future with confidence…reports Asian Lite News

Visa (NYSE: V), the world’s leader in digital payment,  partnered with Lahunna Oman to shape young women leaders and strengthen financial literacy through a local initiative with Sidrah, a Youth Leadership Program for Omani women.

The Sidrah Leadership Program supports young women through mentorship and leadership training for personal  and professional development. It is a holistic learning experience that focuses on nurturing leadership qualities, personal and professional development and encourages young women to envision themselves as future leaders and change makers. From workshops to outward-bound experiential learning and networking opportunities, the program equips young women with the skills and knowledge needed to face their future with confidence.

Taking the initiative to a broader audience, another initiative was introduced called Rialy; which included workshops and a gamified online competition for more than 1,000 students across various educational institutions across the Sultanate of Oman. Students were exposed to essential financial concepts while enjoying a fun and engaging learning experience which fostered motivation among learners as top performers were also rewarded with prizes.

“The positive impact of the Sidrah program is evident in the growth and achievements of our participants. Visa’s support has made it possible to reach a wide audience, ensuring that Sidrah has a far-reaching impact. By partnering with Lahunna Oman, Visa continues to focus on upskilling women and nurturing growth in the workforce,” said Carl Manlan, Visa’s Head of Inclusive Impact & Sustainability for Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa region. “We are confident that the skills acquired will inspire them to embrace opportunities, break barriers, and make a significant difference in their lives and their communities.”

As a testament to the success of the Sidrah Leadership Program, the young women cited several opportunities that resulted from taking part in the program, including internships, job opportunities, scholarships, public speaking opportunities and presenting projects to Oman Vision 2040.

Shatha Al Maskiry, Founder of Lahunna Oman said, “Visa is a strong ally and by leveraging their extensive knowledge base, we were able to conduct an array of workshops and interactive sessions to equip youth with fundamental financial literacy acumen to allow them to confidently navigate their financial future.”

Amal Al Mazroei, an engineering graduate that participated in the Sidrah program said,” I am proud to participate in one of the greatest programs, SIDRAH 2.0, which guarantees positive change and growth for Omani Women! I am more confident than ever that I have so much to give back to myself, my community and my beloved Oman.”

By inspiring young women to pursue leadership roles, Visa continues to drive positive change by supporting women leaders for the next generation.

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