New Zealand will tighten the rules for the Migrant Exploitation Protection Work Visa (MEPV) starting October 31. Introduced in 2021, the visa allows migrants to escape exploitative work while staying legally.

Under new rules, migrants can no longer apply for a second six-month visa after the first expires. This aims to reduce prolonged vulnerability. The government also updated the definition of migrant exploitation to focus on genuine employment relationships.

Critics, like Green Party’s Ricardo Menéndez March, argue that these changes risk leaving migrants in precarious situations, especially as exploitation rates rise. Other reforms include stricter employer requirements.

Canada’s Immigration, Refugees, and Citizenship Canada (IRCC) will provide financial assistance to Gazans arriving to help them meet basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing.

In addition, Gazans will receive temporary health coverage for three months and access to settlement services, including language training and job search support. The aid aims to ease the transition for Palestinians fleeing conflict.

So far, 733 Gazans have been approved to come to Canada, with 334 already arriving. Canada has also pledged $140 million in humanitarian aid for the region and implemented streamlined immigration measures for affected Palestinian and Israeli families.

Singaporean permanent residents can now visit Indonesia's Riau Islands, including Batam, Bintan, and Karimun, without a visa for up to four days. This initiative, aimed at boosting tourism, aligns with Indonesia's goal of attracting 14.3 million international tourists by 2024.

The visa-free policy applies to Singaporean PRs with a blue National Registration Identity Card (NRIC). It simplifies travel and is expected to benefit tourism and the creative economy.

Additionally, Indonesia plans to extend visa-free access to popular tourist destinations like Labuan Bajo, as officials continue to evaluate supporting infrastructure like flights.