Headline

Japa: New Zealand Simplifies Work Visa Rules For Spouses Of Foreign Students

Published

2 years ago

July 7, 2024

In a bid to make New Zealand a more attractive destination for international students and their families, the government has announced revised visa policies.

These changes will allow partners of international students enrolled in specific higher education programs to qualify for work visas.

The revised guidelines target spouses of students enrolled in programs that align with New Zealand’s Green List occupations, particularly those at Levels 7 and 8.

This includes graduate certificates, graduate diplomas, Bachelor’s degrees, postgraduate certificates, postgraduate diplomas, and Bachelor’s Honours degrees.

The Green List identifies occupations that are in high demand in New Zealand, creating a streamlined pathway for skilled talent to enter the country.

Under the new rules, spouses and partners of students in the listed qualifications can now expedite their residency routes, potentially securing immediate residence or achieving it after two years of working in their qualified roles.

This policy update reflects New Zealand’s commitment to attracting skilled talent and providing support for the families of international students. It is designed to ease the work eligibility criteria, making the country a more appealing option for prospective students.

The new guidelines make it easier for students with valid visas to support various visa applications for their partners and dependent children.

Partners of students can apply for a “Partner of a Student Work Visa” if their spouse is enrolled in an eligible Level 7 or 8 qualification listed on the Green List. This work visa comes with open conditions, allowing applicants to seek employment without needing pre-existing job offers in New Zealand.

The updated Green List includes a comprehensive range of Bachelor’s degrees and Bachelor’s Honours qualifications that could lead to professional registration, recognizing the importance of these qualifications for certain occupations.

The new scheme supports the education of students’ children. Partners and spouses of work visa holders can apply for a Dependent Child Student Visa, treating their children as domestic students.

This exemption from international tuition fees will enable school-aged children to attend school in New Zealand without the financial burden typically associated with international education.

Headline

Indian Court Denies Bail To Nigerian Man Over Drug Charges

Published

5 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

A court in India has denied bail to a 44-year-old Nigerian national, Cristian Soporuchukwu, who is currently facing drug trafficking charges in the country.

Cristian Soporuchukwu initially entered India on a business visa but was later arrested over allegations of involvement in the sale of hard drugs.

Reports indicated that after arriving in India, Soporuchukwu travelled through Goa, Delhi, and Mumbai, where he allegedly established links with suspected drug traffickers.

He was accused of purchasing MDMA crystals and distributing them to college students and information technology workers.

According to reports, operatives of the Beguru Police arrested Cristian Soporuchukwu in April 2025 for allegedly selling MDMA crystals around Begur Lake and the AECS Layout Road area.

The New Indian Express reported that the High Court of Karnataka subsequently dismissed the Nigerian’s bail application.

“The anti-narcotics wing seized about 1 kg of MDMA crystals, a pocket weighing machine, 10 zip-lock covers, a mobile phone and a scooter from him,” the report stated.

Justice V. Srishananda, while ruling on the bail application, reportedly held that errors relating to the grounds of arrest could not automatically justify bail in serious narcotics-related offences under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances, NDPS, Act.

The court further noted that Cristian Soporuchukwu had allegedly overstayed his visa in India, according to the report.

Headline

Strait Of Hormuz: US Announces Sanctions Against Iran

Published

5 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The United States Treasury has announced sanctions against Iran’s Persian Gulf Strait Authority.

Treasury Secretary, Scott Bessent, said this in a statement on Wednesday.

The statement extended the threat of sanctions to anyone paying the fees, saying they may be providing support to and receiving services from Iran’s Revolutionary Guards, and therefore may be exposed to sanctions risk.

“The Iranian military’s latest attempt to extort global maritime trade is proof that Economic Fury has left the regime desperate for cash.

“Treasury has deprived the Iranian regime of revenue for their weapons programs, terrorist proxies, and nuclear ambitions,” Bessent said.

Bessent added that the US has succeeded in disrupting tens of billions of dollars’ worth of revenue from being accessible to Tehran.

Headline

US Launches New Airstrikes On Iran

Published

5 hours ago

May 28, 2026

Editor

The United States has launched new airstrikes in southern Iran.

The strike shot down four one-way attack drones that posed a threat around the Strait of Hormuz and then a ground control site.

A US official revealed that American forces struck an Iranian ground control station in Bandar Abbas that was about to launch a fifth drone.

The official described the strikes as purely defensive, saying the US intended to maintain the ceasefire.

Report says this is the second time in three days that the US has carried out self-defense strikes against Iranian military targets in southern Iran.

Recall that on Monday the US carried out airstrikes against Iranian missile locations and boats that US Central Command said were preparing to launch mines in the Strait of Hormuz.