International
Saudi Introduces New Visa Policy Affecting Nigerians
The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
Saudi Arabia has introduced new visa regulations that will impact travelers from 14 countries, restricting them to single-entry visas valid for 30 days with no option for extension.
The new regulations target travellers from the following nations: Algeria, Bangladesh, Egypt, Ethiopia, India, Indonesia, Iraq, Jordan, Morocco, Nigeria, Pakistan, Sudan, Tunisia, and Yemen.
The changes apply to tourists, business travelers, and those visiting family members, while excluding applicants for Hajj, Umrah, diplomatic, or residency visas.
Saudi authorities have cited the misuse of multiple-entry visas as a key reason for the policy shift, noting that some travelers used long-term visas to stay in the country illegally or participate in Hajj without proper authorization.
The Saudi government regulates Hajj attendance through a fixed quota per country, and unauthorized pilgrims have contributed to overcrowding issues.
The situation became particularly severe in 2024, when over 1,200 pilgrims lost their lives due to extreme heat and congestion, a crisis authorities believe was exacerbated by unregistered attendees.
Travelers from affected nations are advised to apply for their single-entry visas well in advance of their trips and to comply strictly with the new regulations to avoid penalties or travel disruptions.
International
Trump says he thinks Putin is helping Iran
“I think he might be helping them a bit, yeah.”“I guess, and he probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine, right?”
President Donald Trump on Friday said he believed that Russian leader Vladimir Putin is helping Iran in its war against the United States and Israel.
According to CNBC, Trump’s comment came in a radio interview with Fox News host Brian Kilmeade, and a week after the president lashed out at Fox News reporter Peter Doocy for asking him at the White House about reports that Russia was aiding Iran.
Kilmeade asked Trump on Friday: “You think Putin is helping them?”
Trump replied, “I think he might be helping them a bit, yeah.”“I guess, and he probably thinks we’re helping Ukraine, right?” Trump continued.
“Yeah, we’re helping them also,” Trump said, referring to Ukraine, which has been at war against Russia since being invaded in early 2022.
“So he [Putin] says that, and China would say the same thing, you know,” Trump told Kilmeade.
“It’s like, ‘Hey, they do it, and we do it, in all fairness,’ ” Trump said. “They do it, and we do it.”
International
IEA agrees to release record 400 million barrels of oil to address Iran war supply disruptions
The IEA did not set out a timeline for when the stocks would hit the market
Merchant ship on fire hits by Iran in Strait of Hormuz.
The International Energy Agency on Wednesday agreed to release 400 million barrels of oil to address the supply disruption triggered by the Iran war, the largest such action in the organization’s history.
The IEA did not set out a timeline for when the stocks would hit the market.
It said that the reserves would be released over a time frame that is appropriate to the circumstances of each of its 32 member countries.
IEA members are primarily advanced economies in Europe, North America and northeast Asia. The organization is tasked with maintaining global energy security.
It was founded in 1974 in response to the oil embargo imposed by Arab producers over U.S. support for Israel during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war.
(CNBC)
International
Iran tells world to get ready for oil at $200 a barrel as it fires on merchant ships
The war unleashed with joint U.S. and Israeli air strikes nearly two weeks ago has so far killed around 2,000 people, mostly Iranians and Lebanese, as it has spread into Lebanon and thrown global energy markets and transport into chaos.
(REUTERS): Iran said the world should be ready for oil at $200 a barrel as its forces hit merchant ships on Wednesday and the International Energy Agency recommended a massive release of strategic reserves to dampen one of the worst oil shocks since the 1970s.
The war unleashed with joint U.S. and Israeli air strikes nearly two weeks ago has so far killed around 2,000 people, mostly Iranians and Lebanese, as it has spread into Lebanon and thrown global energy markets and transport into chaos.
Despite what the Pentagon has described as the most intense airstrikes since the start of the war, Iran also fired at Israel and targets across the Middle East on Wednesday, demonstrating it can still fight back.
On Wednesday, three vessels were reported to have been hit in Gulf waters as Iran’s Revolutionary Guards said their forces had fired on ships in the Gulf that had disobeyed their orders.
While Israel’s Defence Minister Israel Katz said the operation “will continue without any time limit, as long as required, until we achieve all objectives and win the campaign,” Trump suggested the campaign would not last much longer.
BREAKING: Former Super Eagles Midfielder Henry Nwosu Dies at 62
2Baba in talks with Defense Minister to leverage music for Nat’l Security
Trump says he thinks Putin is helping Iran
Tech Expert, Zuckerberg trains with UFC champions, Adesanya, Alexander
Organ Trafficking: Ekweremadu bags 10 years in UK prison
SAINT OBI: Between his marriage and his death
-
News3 days agoTinubu appoints Lamido Yuguda as CBN’s Deputy Governor
-
News3 days agoSenate confirms Oyedele as minister
-
Business2 days agoSenate will pass 2026 budget after Sallah break, says Akpabio
-
Entertainment2 days agoTiwa Savage foundation to train 100 African music talents
-
Politics1 day agoCourt bars Aiyedatiwa from re-contesting for third term
-
International3 days ago
Iran tells world to get ready for oil at $200 a barrel as it fires on merchant ships
-
International3 days agoIEA agrees to release record 400 million barrels of oil to address Iran war supply disruptions
-
International1 day agoTrump says he thinks Putin is helping Iran