A UK court has ruled that over 60 Tamil asylum seekers stranded in Diego Garcia were unlawfully detained for three years. Rescued by the British Navy in 2021, the group hoped to repair their boat and continue to Canada.

Instead, they endured harsh conditions in rat-infested tents. A judge described their detention as a "prison in all but name." The UK delayed processing their asylum claims, partly due to political concerns over the Rwanda policy.

Despite bail, detainees faced restrictions, including limited movement and denied basic needs. The ruling is seen as a victory for justice and human rights.

VFS Global has secured a major contract to provide UK visa services in 142 countries. The announcement was marked by the opening of a new UK Visa Application Centre (VAC) in Ikeja, Lagos, Nigeria, the largest in Africa.

Officials emphasized the importance of this facility in strengthening UK-Nigeria relations. Nigeria ranks among the top four countries for UK visit visa applications, with VFS Global now operating three modern centres in Abuja, Ikeja, and Victoria Island.

These centres offer streamlined services, including document assistance and premium lounges. VFS Global’s partnership with UK Visas and Immigration began in 2003 and continues to grow.

China has extended its visa-free transit policy to allow a 10-day stay (240 hours) for eligible foreign travellers. The update, effective December 17, 2023, increases visa-free entry/exit points from 39 to 60 across 24 provinces.

Newly added ports include key airports in regions like Shanxi, Hainan, and Zhejiang. Eligible travellers from 54 countries can explore broader areas, with some provinces allowing travel throughout their entirety.

To qualify, passengers must present a valid passport, onward ticket, and completed landing card. This policy aims to boost tourism, business, and cultural exchanges while supporting China’s economic openness and international engagement.