EU Commission President Ursula von der Leyen met Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdoğan in Ankara to discuss shared priorities. She emphasized the EU’s openness to enhancing visa cooperation and border management.

Talks hint at potential visa developments next year, addressing complaints of long processing times and high rejection rates Turkish nationals face. Türkiye's Foreign Minister urged faster progress on visa liberalization, citing economic losses from increased visa denials.

Additionally, Erdoğan reaffirmed Türkiye’s commitment to EU membership, highlighting its strategic importance for both parties. Membership discussions began in 2005, and although they faced obstacles, they remain a key goal for Türkiye.

Airport security lapses have allowed over 10,000 passengers to bypass UK immigration checks over seven years. Errors, often caused by human mistakes like incorrect gate directions, led to misdirected travellers avoiding passport control.

In 2023, 1,432 passengers were affected, nearly tripling the 2022 figure of 574 but lower than pre-pandemic numbers. Some passengers were later redirected to immigration checks, but others exited undetected.

Migrationwatch UK expressed concerns over potential threats. AirportsUK emphasized the small scale of such incidents, attributing many to accidental wrong turns. Authorities and airports continue efforts to minimize security gaps and maintain robust processes.

Australia has introduced a two-tier student visa system to manage international student numbers and support regional universities. The policy, set to begin before the May 17 election, prioritizes visa processing for institutions labelled as 'high priority.'

Up to 80% of their international student cap can be approved quickly, with slower processing for additional applications.

The reform aims to address rising migration concerns and ease housing pressures. Critics worry about potential delays, financial instability for universities, and Australia’s reputation as a study destination. The success of this system depends on adequate resources and its impact on balancing education and migration demands.