Ariana Grande - positions (official video)

Watch by the world with the results reveal next week, so our Queen Ari of course has to jump onto the bandwagon too!

Commission steps up action to reinforce preparedness and response measures across the EU

The European Commission is launching an additional set of actions to help limit the spread of the coronavirus, save lives and strengthen the internal market's resilience. 

Concretely, the measures aim to better understand the virus' spread and the effectiveness of the response, ramp up well-targeted testing, bolster contact tracing, improve preparations for vaccination campaigns, and maintain access to essential supplies such as vaccination equipment, while keeping all goods moving in the single market and facilitating safe travel.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Use Of Iris And Facial Biometrics As The Primary Biometric Identifiers For Immigration Clearance At All Checkpoints

The Immigration & Checkpoints Authority (ICA) has been progressively implementing more secure and efficient immigration clearance, in collaboration with the Home Team Science and Technology Agency (HTX). 

Since July 2020, all automated and manual immigration lanes and counters at the passenger halls of Singapore’s land, sea and air checkpoints have been equipped with iris and facial scanners. 

Iris patterns and facial features will replace fingerprints as the primary biometric identifiers for immigration clearance. Fingerprints will be used as a secondary biometric identifier for travellers who are unsuccessful in their iris and facial scans. 

READ MORE HERE 

Singapore Welcomes Visitors From Mainland China And Victoria State (Australia) From 6 November 2020

From 6 November 2020, 0000 hours, Singapore will lift our border restrictions for visitors from Mainland China and Victoria State (Australia).

Both Mainland China and Victoria State (Australia) have comprehensive public health surveillance systems and displayed successful control over the spread of the COVID-19 virus. 

Over the past 28 days, Mainland China and Victoria State (Australia) has a virus local incidence rate of 0.00009 and 0.099 per 100,000 respectively. The risk of importation from these places is low.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Updates To Stay Home Notice And Charging Policy For Travellers

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce regularly reviews our border measures to manage the risk of importation and onward local transmission from travellers. 

Given the surveillance regime that we have put in place for travellers serving Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at their own residence, we will also adopt a risk-based approach and allow more travellers to serve their 14-day SHN at a suitable place of residence. 

From 1 January 2021, all incoming travellers will also be required to pay for their stay at dedicated SHN facilities, and will be responsible for their inpatient medical bills if they have onset of symptoms of COVID-19 within 14 days of their entry to Singapore.

READ THE NEWS HIGHLIGHT HERE

แฟนผมหาย (Missing Baby) - GULF X WAR [Official MV]

Happy to see Gulf raps! Cute.

Vietnam and Japan agree to lift mandatory quarantine for short-term entrants next month

Viet Nam and Japan have agreed to implement an expedited arrival procedure for short-term entrants from November 1, according to a press release of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. 

The move aims to realize the high-level agreement reached during Japanese Prime Minister Suga Yoshihide’s official visit to Viet Nam last week.

READ MORE HERE

China - Greater role of financial opening-up highlighted

Chinese policymakers are attaching greater importance to broadening all-around financial opening-up as a key driving force of China's new growth paradigm, while stressing continued financial stability amid global economic uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic.

READ MORE HERE

The Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Singapore have agreed on the establishment of a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) between Singapore and Germany

The Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of Singapore have agreed on the establishment of a Reciprocal Green Lane (RGL) between Singapore and Germany.
 
The RGL will enable essential travel for business or official purposes via direct flights between both countries. 

Eligible applicants, who are resident in Germany or Singapore, will have to abide by the COVID-19 prevention and public health measures mutually agreed by both countries. 

Both countries agreed that the RGL could serve as a model for future similar arrangements between Singapore and other European countries.

READ THE JOINT PRESS STATEMENT HERE

China is taking more steps to open up its economy to foreign investors

China is taking more steps to open up its economy to foreign investors, as it aims to further facilitate investment and spur growth despite disruptions from the COVID-19 pandemic and mounting international uncertainties, officials and experts said on Oct 20.

READ MORE HERE

UK - Financial Services Bill introduced

A new Bill designed to ensure the UK’s world-leading financial services sector continues to thrive and grasp new opportunities on the global stage will be introduced to Parliament 21 October 2020.

• Financial Services Bill to maintain UK’s world-leading regulatory standards and openness to international markets introduced today
• this Bill is the first step in shaping a regulatory framework for the UK’s financial services sector outside of the EU
• it will enhance the competitiveness of the sector and ensure it continues to deliver for UK consumers and businesses

READ MORE HERE

UK - Local COVID alert level update for South Yorkshire

Following close discussions with local leaders, South Yorkshire will move from local COVID alert level high to very high from 00.01 on Saturday 24 October. This means that new measures will come into place including:

• people must not socialise with anybody they do not live with, or have formed a support bubble with, in any indoor setting or in any private garden or at most outdoor hospitality venues and ticketed events
• people must not socialise in a group of more than 6 in an outdoor public space such as a park or beach, the countryside, a public garden or a sports venue
• all pubs and bars must close, unless they are serving substantial meals
• people should try to avoid travelling outside the very high alert level or entering a very high alert level area, other than for work, education or for caring responsibilities or to travel through as part of a longer journey
• residents should avoid staying overnight in another part of the UK, and others should avoid staying overnight in the very high alert area

READ MORE HERE

Ireland is moving to Level 5

At Level 5, the public health risk means that residents will be asked to stay at home, with certain exceptions. There will be no gatherings other than small numbers at funerals and weddings.

READ MORE HERE 

HKSAR - Social distancing measures relaxed

The Government today announced that several social distancing measures will be relaxed on October 23, including lifting the restrictions on the number of people allowed at wedding ceremonies.
 
It made the decision after taking into account the latest public health risk assessment of the COVID-19 epidemic and having struck a balance with economic needs and society's level of acceptance.

READ MORE HERE

UK - Greater Manchester will move from local COVID alert level high to very high from 00.01 on Friday 23 October

Following discussions between local leaders and the government which today concluded without an agreement, Greater Manchester will move from local COVID alert level high to very high from 00.01 on Friday 23 October.

READ MORE HERE

Belgium - COVID-19 Alert Level 4 Comes Into Force; Stricter Rules As Of 19 October

The Consultative Committee was made aware of the increasingly alarming epidemiological situation which has caused the entire country to move into alert level 4 (very high alert) as from today, based on the COVID-19 barometer.

The pressure on hospitals and on the continuity of non-COVID-19 care is increasing. Some hospitals are confronted with a reduced number of employees. There is also increased pressure on primary care, in particular on general practitioners.

READ MORE HERE

Philippines - The Bureau of Immigration (BI) to implement eased departure travel restrictions, arrival restrictions still in place

Following the resolution of the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) on Emerging Infectious Diseases, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that it will be implementing eased departure restrictions for Filipino citizens.

"Starting October 21, the BI will be allowing the departure of Filipinos with non-essential travel," said BI Commissioner Jaime Morente.

READ MORE HERE

China - Thailand, China to open 'fast lane' for personnel exchange amid COVID-19

Thailand and China have agreed to open the "fast lane" for personnel exchange and the "green channel" for goods exchange between the two countries amid the COVID-19 pandemic.

The two sides reached the agreement on Oct 15 in the meeting between Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha and visiting State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi.

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - France, Russia listed as high-risk

The Government will gazette the latest specifications to impose conditions on travellers who visited France and Russia within 14 days before arriving in Hong Kong to reduce the health risk they may bring to the city.
 
The Food & Health Bureau said the global epidemic situation is becoming increasingly severe, noting that the daily number of new cases increased from 70,000 to 100,000 between late March and mid-May, to 160,000 to 180,000 in late June.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

Thailand - Procedures for Non-Thai Nationals Travel to Thailand under COVID-19 Situation

INFORMATION FOR NON-THAI NATIONALS IN SINGAPORE WHO WISH TO TRAVEL TO BANGKOK, THAILAND WITH A SEMI-COMMERCIAL FLIGHT OPERATED BY SINGAPORE AIRLINES FROM 16 OCTOBER 2020 ONWARDS

READ MORE HERE

UK - The government urges business leaders to step up preparations for Australia-style arrangements from 1 January and launches 'time is running out' campaign

• Government to urge business leaders to step up preparations for an Australia-style exit
• ‘Time is running out’ campaign will encourage businesses to ‘act now’ for guaranteed changes at the end of the year
• EU Exit Operations (XO) Cabinet committee moves to daily rhythm

Business leaders will be urged not to get caught out by new rules at the end of the transition period by the Prime Minister and Chancellor of the Duchy of Lancaster (CDL) Michael Gove this week.

READ MORE HERE

USA - Premium Processing Fee Increase Effective Oct. 19, 2020

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) today announced it will increase fees for premium processing, effective Oct. 19, as required by the Continuing Appropriations Act, 2021 and Other Extensions Act, Pub. L. No. 116-159, signed into law on Oct. 1. 

The USCIS premium processing service allows petitioners to pay an additional filing fee to expedite the adjudication of certain forms, generally within 15 days. 

The Act included the Emergency Stopgap USCIS Stabilization Act, which requires USCIS to establish and collect additional premium processing fees, and to use those additional funds for expanded purposes.

READ MORE HERE

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「五堅情」與Samsung Galaxy S20 FE 5G合作共同推出第二支單曲《#反正我好看》

Singapore and Hong Kong reach in-principle agreement to establish bilateral Air Travel Bubble

Singapore and Hong Kong have reached an in-principle agreement to establish a bilateral Air Travel Bubble (ATB). This milestone arrangement will help revive cross-border air travel between the two aviation hubs, in a safe and progressive way.

Singapore and Hong Kong enjoy strong trade, investment, finance, tourism and people-to-people ties. Both cities are major aviation hubs, and the international air route between the two cities was among the busiest in the Asia-Pacific region pre-COVID-19. Travel links between Singapore and Hong Kong are important for both cities.

READ THE NEWS RELEASE HERE

Thailand - Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) confirms gov’t investment stimuli update

Following criticism of the government’s economic policies that resulted in the relocation of manufacturing bases by international companies from Thailand to neighboring countries, the Board of Investment of Thailand (BOI) has confirmed the government has updated its economic policies to improve the countries’ competitiveness.

The BOI’s Secretary General Duangjai Asawachintachit said the government has made changes to the country’s economic policies to meet the changing global competitive landscape, with more emphasis on high value products, and services using advanced technology, to maintain the export sector’s competitiveness.

READ THE NEWS HERE

China - Beijing requires 3 nucleic acid tests for overseas travelers

Beijing is requiring that travelers from overseas take three nucleic acid tests when heading to the capital city, which recently resumed direct international flights, the city's COVID-19 epidemic prevention and control authorities said on Oct 14.

Travelers from overseas arriving in Beijing must take a first test and present their certificate with a negative result within five days of boarding their flight; they must then conduct a health declaration and take a second test at customs; finally, they must take a third test after completing quarantine in China, said Tian Tao, a member of the city's epidemic prevention and control work team, at a news conference on Oct 14.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Fair Hiring and Fair Consideration: What Employers Need to Know

Employers are expected to hire fairly and give fair consideration to Singaporeans based on merit.

To ensure that employers make greater efforts to do so, the Ministry of Manpower (MOM) has made changes to the Fair Consideration Framework and will be imposing new licence conditions on all employment agencies when they hire on behalf of organisations. 

These changes will take effect from 1 October 2020.

READ MORE HERE

HKSAR - Social distancing measures extended

The Government today announced the social distancing measures currently in place will be maintained until October 22.
 
The Food & Health Bureau said it is worrying that the average number of locally confirmed COVID-19 cases continued to increase over the past week, with a number of cases with unknown sources of infection reported, indicating the existence of silent transmission chains in the community and highly probable rebound in the epidemic situation.

READ MORE HERE

South Korea - Masks required for public transit, rallies, medical-nursing facilities

To prevent the spread of COVID-19, the government on Oct. 13 required everyone to wear masks when using public transportation such as buses and the subway, visiting a hospital or participating in a rally or gathering.

Under a new administrative order for preventing and managing infectious diseases, violators of this rule will face a fine. 

READ MORE HERE

UK - Prime Minister announces new local COVID Alert Levels

The Prime Minister has 12 October set out how the government will further simplify and standardise local rules by introducing a three tiered system of local COVID Alert Levels in England.

Addressing MPs before hosting a Downing Street press conference, he confirmed the levels will be set at medium, high, and very high.

READ MORE HERE

Singapore - Travellers with recent travel history to Sabah, Malaysia will now be required to serve a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities and COVID-19 testing for certain travellers

Given the recent increase in cases, travellers with recent travel history to Sabah, Malaysia will now be required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities. 

Multi-Ministry Taskforce will also require travellers who have recent travel history to Indonesia or the Philippines, and who are not Singapore Citizens or Permanent Residents, to present a valid negative COVID-19 test result to enter or transfer through Singapore. 

As the situation in Hong Kong has improved, we will reduce the SHN period from 14 days at dedicated SHN facilities, to 7 days at their place of residence, for travellers from Hong Kong. 

READ MORE HERE

Singapore / Indonesia - Reciprocal Green Lane/Travel Corridor Arrangement for Essential Business and Official Travel Between Indonesia and Singapore

Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Indonesia, Her Excellency Retno L.P. Marsudi spoke with Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Singapore, His Excellency Dr Vivian Balakrishnan via telephone. 

The Ministers reaffirmed the excellent and longstanding relations between Singapore and Indonesia. 

They recalled their discussion in August 2020 on the importance of strengthening mutually-beneficial cooperation in overcoming common challenges brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic, including the resumption of essential travel while safeguarding public health and safety in both countries.

READ THE JOINT PRESS STATEMENT HERE

China - New rules to help lenders reduce risks

China has issued new rules that seek to improve the ability of the country's global systemically important banks (G-SIBs) to absorb losses and adhere to the global regulatory standards on capital adequacy and liquidity by Jan 1, 2025, as part of the ongoing efforts to prevent systemic financial risks.

The People's Bank of China, the central bank, and the China Banking and Insurance Regulatory Commission, the banking regulator, said that banks which have been designated as G-SIBs by the Financial Stability Board, an arm of the G20, would have to comply with the Basel Committee requirements on "total loss-absorbing capacity", or TLAC, to ensure that they have enough equity and bail-in debt.

READ MORE HERE

Australia - Tax Cuts for 11 million Australians and Australian Businesses

Tax cuts for 11 million Australians will flow in the coming weeks after the Morrison Government secured the passage of the legislation through the Federal Parliament 9 October.

The tax relief package, for both individuals and business, is part of our COVID-19 Economic Recovery Plan for Australia to create jobs, rebuild our economy and secure Australia’s future.

READ MORE HERE

Thailand - Public Health Ministry ready to address COVID-19 after reopening to foreign tourists

The Permanent Secretary for Public Health, Dr. Kiattiphum Wongrajit, has commented on measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19, as the government is making preparations to reopen the country to long-stay visitors. 

The Ministry of Public Health will submit a proposal to reduce the quarantine period to the Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) in the next two weeks.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

US - Department of Homeland Security and Department of Labor Rule Restores Integrity to H-1B Visa Program

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced an interim final rule (IFR) that strengthens the H-1B nonimmigrant visa program to protect U.S. workers, restores integrity to the H-1B program and better guarantees that H-1B petitions are approved only for qualified beneficiaries and petitioners.

READ MORE HERE

Canada - Government announces details for opening of 2020 Parents and Grandparents Program

The Honourable Marco E. L. Mendicino, Minister of Immigration, Refugees and Citizenship, today announced details for the opening of the 2020 Parents and Grandparents (PGP) Program, building further on the government’s commitment to reuniting families.

Over a 3-week period, from 12 p.m. EDT on October 13, 2020, to 12 p.m. EST on November 3, 2020, Canadians and permanent residents who wish to sponsor their parents and grandparents to come to Canada will have an opportunity to submit an interest to sponsor form online.

READ MORE HERE

China - Shanghai relaxes its household registration permit system, or hukou system

Shanghai has relaxed its household registration permit system, or hukou system, by granting domestic students from designated universities the permits when they graduate and work in the city, according to a policy released on Sept 23.

READ MORE HERE

India - MHA DO Lr. Dt. 30.9.2020 to Chief Secretaries on guidelines for re-opening

In the guidelines, which will come into effect from 1 October 2020, the process of re-opening of activities has been extended further.

READ THE MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS ORDER HERE

Australia - Safe Travel Zone with New Zealand

The Australian Government is establishing a Safe Travel Zone with New Zealand.

This is the next step for a COVID-safe Australia that will reunite families and friends, offer opportunities for businesses looking for workers, and back the communities that depend on tourism.

Australia and New Zealand have worked closely together since the COVID-19 pandemic began.

READ THE MEDIA RELEASE HERE

UK - Turkey, Poland, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba removed from England travel corridor exempt list

• Turkey, Poland, Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba removed from list of travel corridors for England following data showing a significant increase in confirmed cases

• up to £10,000 fixed penalty introduced for passengers who breach self-isolation following return from non-exempt countries or regions

• travellers urged to check the latest advice from the FCDO before travelling and all passengers are required to fill in a passenger locator form before returning home

People arriving into the UK from Turkey, Poland or Bonaire, St Eustatius and Saba from 4am Saturday 3 October will need to self-isolate for 2 weeks as the countries are removed from the travel exemptions list.

READ MORE HERE

UK - Further restrictions confirmed in parts of the North East and North West in response to rising infection rates

New measures will be brought into law in the Liverpool City Region, Halton, Warrington, Hartlepool and Middlesbrough as incidence rates rise.

• Residents will be restricted by law from mixing with people outside their household in any indoor setting
• Bolton will be brought in line with measures in Greater Manchester

In close discussions with local leaders, the Health and Social Care Secretary, NHS Test and Trace, the Joint Biosecurity Centre (JBC), Public Health England (PHE) and the Chief Medical Officer for England have agreed to strengthen local measures in parts of the North East and North West.

READ MORE HERE

Vietnam - New policies take effect from October

A string of fresh policies on fighting spam messages, duty free businesses, illegal tobacco selling, and administrative violations in national border management shall come into effect from October.

READ MORE HERE

US - The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Proposes Rule to Strengthen Affidavit of Support Process

The Department of Homeland Security today announced it will publish a notice of proposed rulemaking (PDF) that would increase the integrity of the nation’s lawful immigration system, make it easier to hold immigrant sponsors accountable for failing to meet the obligations of contracts they sign with the federal government, and align agency policy in accordance with the May 2019 Presidential Memorandum on Enforcing the Legal Responsibilities of Sponsors of Aliens.

READ MORE HERE

BLACKPINK – ‘Lovesick Girls’ M/V

Premiered today! How could BLACKPINK ever be lovesick?!

HKSAR - Relaxation of the boundary controls between Hong Kong and the Mainland may proceed in a gradual manner with due consideration given to the public health risks posed by COVID-19

Relaxation of the boundary controls between Hong Kong and the Mainland may proceed in a gradual manner with due consideration given to the public health risks posed by COVID-19, Chief Executive Carrie Lam said 29 September.
 
Mrs Lam made the statement ahead of the Executive Council meeting.

READ THE PRESS RELEASE HERE

India - MHA issues new guidelines for opening up of more activities in areas outside containment zones

Home Ministry has issued new guidelines today, for opening up of more activities in areas outside the Containment Zones. 

In these guidelines, which will come into effect from tomorrow, the process of re-opening of activities has been extended further.

Cinemas, theatres and multiplexes will be permitted to open with upto 50 per cent of their seating capacity from 15th October, in areas outside the Containment Zones.

READ MORE HERE

UK - Campaign launched to ready businesses for points-based immigration system

The nationwide marketing campaign will ensure businesses are ready for the introduction of the system as free movement ends.

The Home Office has 30 September launched a new campaign to ensure businesses are ready for the introduction of the UK’s new points-based immigration system as free movement ends.

The nationwide marketing campaign will run throughout the Autumn, using a wide range of channels to reach employers, including radio, social media, digital, and outdoor advertising.

READ MORE HERE