Friday, April 30, 2021

Thailand - Updates on the Quarantine Period for Travelers Entering Thailand from 1 May 2021

On 29 April 2021, the Royal Thai government has announced the new regulation elevating
the quarantine period to 14 days for all travelers entering Thailand, regardless of nationality
and vaccination as follows:

1. Travelers who obtain the Certificate of Entry (COE) after 1 May 2021 must be quarantined for no less than 14 days.

2. Travelers who receive a COE before 1 May 2021 will be quarantined as follows:

             2.1 Those arriving in Thailand between 1 - 5 May 2021 will be quarantined as indicated in the COE (7, 10, or 14 days depending on vaccination record).

             2.2 Those arriving in Thailand from 6 May 2021 onwards must be quarantined for no less than 14 days (a new COE may be downloaded at https://coethailand.mfa.go.th/ before departure).

Thursday, April 29, 2021

EU - Parliament formally approves EU-UK trade and cooperation agreement

Parliament voted with a large majority in favour of granting its consent to the agreement setting the rules of the future EU-UK relationship. 

The consent decision was adopted by 660 votes for, five against and 32 abstentions, while the accompanying resolution, setting out Parliament’s evaluation of and expectations from the deal, passed by 578 votes, with 51 against and 68 abstentions. 

The vote took place on Tuesday, with results announced on Wednesday.

Wednesday, April 28, 2021

India - Restrictions on International Flights from India

Due to surge of Covid-19 in India, here's the list of countries with banned flights/issued guidelines for passengers travelling from India. 

Australia - Temporary pause on direct passenger flights between India and Australia for two weeks, with consideration of further flights to be made by 15 May 2021

The Morrison Government has agreed a number of new measures to protect Australians from the increased risk of the COVID-19 outbreak in India, while also providing significant new support to assist the Indian Government in their humanitarian response.

We recognise the challenging COVID-19 crisis that India is currently battling and we stand ready to provide more support to our friends in India and Indian Australians during this difficult time.
On advice from the Chief Medical Officer, India has been determined to be a high-risk country for the purposes of travel arrangements.

Australia will implement a temporary pause on direct passenger flights between India and Australia for two weeks, with consideration of further flights to be made by 15 May 2021.

Tuesday, April 27, 2021

India - Implementation of containment framework as per MoHFW letter dt 25.04.21

In the recent past, a sharp increase in COVID-19 cases has been observed along with high positivity rate. 

Considering this unprecedented surge, there is an urgent need for States/UTs to consider strict COVID management and control measures, in the surge areas to bring the situation under control. 

Accordingly, Ministry of Health 8s Family Welfare (MoHFW), vide their DO no. Z.28015/85/2021-DM Cell dated 25th April 2021, has advised all States and UT Governments to implement an intensive, local and focused containment framework, focused on specific districts/ cities/ areas, and identified based on a prescribed criterion. 

The containment framework has been outlined in detail in the Annexure to the said MoHFW letter (copy enclosed). 

All States/UTs have also been advised to consider a further graded response in accordance with local situation, requirements and resources.

New Zealand - Travel pause with Western Australia will lift from 12 noon, 28 April 2021

New Zealand will lift the travel pause with Western Australia, effective from midday tomorrow, COVID-19 Response Minister Chris Hipkins said on 27 April 2021.
“Quarantine Free Travel will be recommenced from Western Australia at 12 noon, 28 April 2021 for travellers who have not been identified as contacts,” Chris Hipkins said.

Monday, April 26, 2021

Singapore and Hong Kong set 26 May 2021 as Target Launch Date for Air Travel Bubble

Singapore and Hong Kong have agreed to set 26 May 2021 as the launch date of the Singapore-Hong Kong Air Travel Bubble (ATB).
 
The Singapore-Hong Kong ATB, originally planned to start in November 2020, was deferred by both parties due to the worsening COVID-19 situation in Hong Kong. 

In the meantime, both Parties have reviewed the arrangements and made several improvements to the agreement. 

This includes stricter conditions for resumption of the ATB, should it be suspended due to new COVID-19 community clusters in either cities.

Friday, April 23, 2021

R3HAB & 蔡依林 Jolin Tsai《Stars Align》Official Music Video

R3HAB & 蔡依林 Jolin Tsai《Stars Align》MV debuts today! 强推!激推!太棒了!



Can I go back to the days that I had you
Back to one more night like we're used to
I miss every minute we've been through
From the hardest part to the best you
Make the stars align
Words cannot describe
Don't need no more goodbyes
You leave me hypnotized
Make the stars align
I need you here tonight
Don't need no more goodbyes
You leave me hypnotized
One last time like
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
When our hands are holding each other
I can't see myself with another
I will go through fire and water
Turn our whole life back into color
Make the stars align
Words cannot describe
Don't need no more goodbyes
You leave me hypnotized
Make the stars align
I need you here tonight
Don't need no more goodbyes
You leave me hypnotized
One last time like
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Make the stars align
Words cannot describe
Don't no need no more goodbyes
You leave me hypnotized
Make the stars align
I need you here tonight
Don't need no more goodbyes
You leave me hypnotized
One last time like
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da
Da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da-da

Singapore - Updates On Border Measures For Travellers From India

Singapore will therefore further tighten our border measures with India:
a.    All travellers with recent travel history to India who have yet to complete their 14-day SHN by 22 April 2021, 2359 hours, will need to complete their additional 7-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities, instead of their place of residence. They will undergo COVID-19 Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) tests on-arrival, on Day 14 of their SHN, and another test before the end of their 21-day SHN period.
b.    From 23 April 2021, 2359 hours, until further notice, all long-term pass holders and short-term visitors with recent travel history (including transit) to India within the last 14 days will not be allowed entry into Singaporeor transit through Singapore. This will also apply to all those who had obtained prior approval for entry into Singapore.

Thursday, April 22, 2021

US - Department of Homeland Security (DHS) to Make Additional 22,000 Temporary, Non-Agricultural Worker Visas Available

As the nation’s economy continues to reopen safely, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is taking action to ensure that American businesses are equipped with the resources needed to recover successfully and contribute to the economic health of local communities. 

In light of increased labor demands, DHS is announcing a supplemental increase of 22,000 visas for the H-2B Temporary Non-Agricultural Worker program. 

The additional visas will be made available in the coming months via a temporary final rule in the Federal Register.

South Korea - Korea to officially launch Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in September 2021 following pilot project from 03 May to 31 August 2021

■ Summary
 - Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) is a travel permission granted to foreign nationals eligible for visa-free entry when they provide personal and travel related information through the relevant website in advance.

■ Eligibility
-  Due to COVID-19, only nationals of 21 countries can currently enter the Republic of Korea without visa.
-  21 countries: United States, United Kingdom, Mexico, Nicaragua, Dominican Federation, Barbados, Venezuela, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Malta, Ireland, Guyana, Monaco, Vatican City, San Marino, Andorra, Albania, Slovenia, Guam, New Caledonia, Palau

Wednesday, April 21, 2021

Singapore - Updates On Border Measures For Travellers From India, Hong Kong, United Kingdom and South Africa

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce regularly reviews Singapore’s border measures to manage the risk of importation from travellers and onward local transmission, taking into account the current situation in their source countries/ regions.

Given the worsening situation in India, and emergence of new virus variants, we will tighten border measures for travellers from India by reducing entry approvals for non-Singapore Citizens/ Permanent Residents, and subjecting all travellers arriving from India to an additional 7-day Stay Home Notice (SHN) at their place of residence, following their 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities from 22 April 2021, 2359 hours.

Tuesday, April 20, 2021

UK - India to be added to England’s red list at 4am on Friday 23 April 2021

  • travel ban implemented for visitors from India from 4am on Friday 23 April
  • British, Irish and third-country nationals with residence rights (including long-term visa holders) arriving from India will be required to self-isolate in a government-approved hotel quarantine facility for 10 days
  • move follows new data showing an increased risk of importation of new variant
India has been added to England’s red list to protect the country against a new variant of coronavirus (COVID-19) and against other existing variants.

India - Modi Government Simplifies Process For Re-Issue Of OCI Cards

In a decision which is expected to significantly ease the process for re-issue of Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) cards, the Modi Government has decided to simplify the process. 

This decision has been taken on the directions of the Union Home Minister Shri Amit Shah.

Monday, April 19, 2021

HKSAR - Government invokes place-specific flight suspension mechanism

The Government announced April 18 the invocation of the place-specific flight suspension mechanism for India, Pakistan, and the Philippines.  

From 00:00 on April 20, all passenger flights from these places will be prohibited from landing in Hong Kong for 14 days.  

These places will also at the same time be specified as extremely high-risk Group A specified places under the Prevention and Control of Disease (Regulation of Cross-boundary Conveyances and Travellers) Regulation (Cap. 599H), so as to restrict persons who have stayed in these places from boarding for Hong Kong.  

The suspension will be effective for 14 days.

New Zealand - Border exceptions to further benefit offshore visa applications for the families of health care workers in New Zealand, highly-skilled workers in other sectors and partners and dependent children of temporary visa holders in New Zealand, who hold visas, but had not yet arrived here when the border closed

Hundreds more families who were separated by the border closure will be reunited under new border exceptions announced, Immigration Minister Kris Faafoi said.
“The Government closed the border to everyone but New Zealand citizens and residents, in order to keep COVID-19 out, keep our economy open and keep New Zealand safe.

Australia - Commencement of Two-Way Quarantine-Free Travel Between Australia and New Zealand

Australia and New Zealand have fulfilled their commitment to establish two-way quarantine free travel, with New Zealand removing the quarantine requirement for eligible travellers from Australia.

Trans-Tasman quarantine free travel is a world-leading arrangement that opens up travel while aiming to keep COVID out of the community.

Friday, April 16, 2021

강다니엘(KANGDANIEL) - Antidote M/V



차가운 적막 속에 갇힌 밤
방을 뒤 덮은 그림자
숨쉴 틈 없이
나를 조여오는 덫
Oh-oh, oh, oh

I try to run
I tried to run away
소리도 없이 날 괴롭힐 때
숨쉬기 조차 두려워
Can’t take no more

초점을 잃어버린
눈빛이 허공을 바라볼 때, Yeah
걷잡을 수도 없이
온 몸에 퍼져 더 지독하게

I’m looking for the Antidote
이 밤을 끝내줘
I’m begging for the Antidote
깨끗이 지워줘

Please let me go
긴 어둠 속 날 꺼내줘
Just let me go
I’m looking for the Antidote

내 주윌 날카롭게 둘러싸
숨이 거칠어져가
그 안에 갇힌 채로
완전히 날 Close

Oh, 익숙한 외로움은 더 짙게
끝없이 흘러 in my veins
잠깐의 꿈조차 짙은 어둠 속

외면해버린 상처는
갈수록 깊어지기만 해, Yeah
움직일 수도 없이
더 잔인하고 또 지독하게

I’m looking for the Antidote
이 밤을 끝내줘
I’m begging for the Antidote
깨끗이 지워줘

Please let me go
긴 어둠 속 날 꺼내줘
Just let me go
I’m looking for the Antidote

Yeah, Yeah
어두운 밤에 나 홀로
한계치를 넘어선 독
끝이 없는 어둠 And that’s real talk

몸 부림 치는 것도
무의미해지는 곳
지독한 밤들을 어서 지워줘 Antidote

I’m looking for the Antidote
이 밤을 끝내줘
I’m begging for the Antidote
깨끗이 지워줘

Please let me go
긴 어둠 속 날 꺼내줘
Just let me go
I’m looking for the Antidote

UAE - Mohammed bin Rashid approves UAE Strategy for Talent Attraction and Retention

The Cabinet, chaired by His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai, congratulated His Highness Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the UAE, Their Highnesses the Supreme Council Members and Rulers of the Emirates, Emirati People and Muslims all over the world on the occasion of the holy month of Ramadan.

HKSAR - Boarding, quarantine rules adjusted

The Government announced that it will adjust boarding and quarantine arrangements for people arriving from overseas places.
 
The Food & Health Bureau explained that starting April 14, the Government began implementing the tightened commercial flight suspension mechanism to address the risk of importation of mutant strains of COVID-19 from very high-risk places.

Belgium - Consultative Committee decides on end of 'Easter pause'

The federal government and the federated entities convened the Consultative Committee to discuss the current coronavirus situation.
The Consultative Committee has established that the pressure on healthcare remains relatively high, especially in the intensive care units. 
Over a third of all hospitalised coronavirus patients are in intensive care which is considerably more than a year ago or last autumn. 
With the emergence of new virus variants, the pandemic has become more contagious and aggressive. 

Thursday, April 15, 2021

SHINee 샤이니 'Atlantis' MV



미지의 그 영역을 찾게 한 순간
묻혔던 감각들을
깨워낸 듯한 그곳은
중력보다 강하게 또 아주 깊숙하게
헤어나지 못할 끝까지 끌어당겨 날

It’s like we’re underwater (We’re under the water)
점점 깊어져 가

밀려오는 널 품에 안을게
내 숨을 가져가 (가져가)

My love goes deep deep deep
깊어진 Your ocean
짙어진 Emotion
My love goes deep deep
파란 속에 내 온몸을 맡긴 채
너를 향해 Yeah yeah yeah

좀 더 숨겨 놔 은밀히 다
어디든 가 I’m coming for you
[/] 파도치는 맘 버티지만
[/] 거칠수록 I’m falling for you
[/] 아찔하고 아득한 Falling
I’ll dive into you (Woo yeah)

난 그대가 저기 빛나는 별이라며
고개를 들고 있었지만 그대 위치는 바닷속
늘 예상 밖의 Her 그대와 나 I miss
믿을 수 없어도 나는 향해 Atlantis

We’re under the water
가늠할 수 없는 심해와의 Kiss
나를 휩쓸어 가
Uh huh uh huh

My love goes deep deep deep
깊어진 Your ocean
짙어진 Emotion (Emotion)
My love goes deep deep
파란 속에 내 온몸을 맡긴 채
너를 향해 Yeah yeah yeah

눈 앞에 널 만나 드디어 발견한
실재할지 몰랐던 그 감정
We’re under the water 난 니 안에 잠겨
내 숨을 가져가

My love goes deep deep deep (Deep deep oh)
깊어진 Your ocean
짙어진 Emotion (Oh yeah)
My love goes deep deep (Go deep for you)
파란 속에 내 온몸을 맡긴 채 (Woo)
너를 향해 Yeah yeah yeah

It’s like we are under water (Yeah yeah)
Like we’re under water
It’s like we are under water (Under water)
너를 향해 Yeah yeah yeah

HKSAR - Egypt listed as high risk

The Government announced today it will tighten the measures for travellers who have stayed in Egypt within 21 days before they board for Hong Kong.
 
The Food & Health Bureau noted that the global pandemic situation remains severe. During the two-week period from late March to early April, there were over 7.9 million new cases and more than 138,000 new deaths reported globally.

Wednesday, April 14, 2021

สองใจ [เพลงจากละครวันทอง] - ดา เอ็นโดรฟิน【OFFICIAL MV】



ถ้าฉันมีเธอเป็นเพียงรักเดียว และเธอมีฉันคนเดียวทั้งใจ

มันก็คงจะเป็นความรักที่ใฝ่ฝัน

ยอมให้ใครอีกคนเข้ามา คนที่มองว่าฉันสำคัญ

คนที่รักฉัน อย่างไม่เคยรักใคร

(*) แปลกที่คนหนึ่งคนรักฉันจนหมดใจ

แต่ใจฉันไม่เคยมีเขา

คนอีกคนที่เอาแต่ทำให้ปวดร้าว

แต่ใจเจ้ากรรมไม่เคยลืม

(**) ใครจะอยากเป็นคนไม่ดี

ผิดที่ใจไม่จำว่ามันไม่ควรรักใคร

เจ็บที่ใครๆ เขาก็มองว่าเราหลายใจ

เกลียดตัวเองจริงๆ ที่ฝืนหัวใจไม่ได้

ฉันยอมสองใจพราะรักเธอ

แม้ว่าฉันจะต้องเลือกใคร มีแต่ทางที่ต้องเสียใจ

ไม่เป็นไรหากตอนสุดท้ายเหลือเพียงฉัน

Scotland - Accelerated easing of restrictions

Travel within Scotland for outdoor socialising, recreation and exercise will be allowed from Friday 16 April.
People must continue to Stay Local for other purposes such as non-essential shopping, and public transport capacity will continue to be limited.  

Indonesia - Health Protocol Information for Travelers to Indonesia (New Circular No. 8 Year 2021)

For Indonesian citizens who wish to return to their homeland / repatriation are advised to postpone their return to Indonesia  during  Prohibition of returning home for Eid al-Fitr 1442 H on the period 6-17 May 2021.


Malaysia concludes bilateral work arrangement with Ghana and Zimbabwe

Malaysia marked a new milestone in bilateral exchanges with Ghana and Zimbabwe as the three countries concluded the Bilateral Work Arrangement (BWA) to allow spouses of serving diplomatic workers to seek employment opportunities in the host nation.

Tuesday, April 13, 2021

HKSAR - Visitor quarantine to be eased

The Government is preparing to relax the compulsory quarantine requirement for people arriving in Hong Kong from overseas and the Mainland.

Monday, April 12, 2021

UK - Global Travel Taskforce sets out framework to safely reopen international travel

Recommendations include the launch of a new traffic light system and 'green watchlist', and the introduction of travel certification.

  • Global Travel Taskforce sets out approach to safely restarting international travel
  • recommendations include launch of a new traffic light system and ‘green watchlist’, and the introduction of travel certification
  • government’s priority remains to protect the public and the vaccine rollout from international coronavirus (COVID-19) variants of concern
framework to chart the safe return of international travel has been set out 9 April 2021 by Transport Secretary Grant Shapps.

UK - Visas extended for thousands of frontline health and care workers

Thousands of crucial frontline health workers and their dependents will be granted free visa extensions, Home Secretary Priti Patel has announced.
Free one-year visa extensions will be automatically granted to eligible overseas health and care workers whose visas were due to expire before 1 October 2021.

第四次公演舞台纯享:《别找我麻烦》刘维 | 追光吧!哥哥 Shine! Super Brothers | 2020偶像竞技节目 | 优酷 YOUKU

This arrangement would made Tanya proud. @刘维,哥被圈粉了.


New Zealand - Travel from India suspended temporarily

From 16:00 NZST on Sunday 11 April 2021, travellers who have been in India in the previous 14 days cannot enter New Zealand.

Friday, April 09, 2021

SuperM 슈퍼엠 'We DO' MV

SuperM 슈퍼엠 'We DO' MV premiered today!



Hey! What? Here we go

New school eight track flow, In digital
(Take a bite of the future,
21st century now, c’mon)
Shining bright like gold
That’s how we roll
(Can you feel it now?)
Oh yeah
(Can you feel it now?)

And when we start it up we can’t stop
Gonna move til we lose it
When the beat drops uh huh
(Makin’ everybody dance now)
Uh huh
(Makin’, makin’ everybody dance now)
If it feels good, we do it
(We do it)
Come on move like we move it
(We do it)
If it feels good, If it feels good
If it feels good, we do it (Hey!)

Come on now everyone
(Let’s all)
Run around in the sun
(Let’s all)
Ride the vibe side to side
Now we’re havin’ fun
Come on now everyone
(Let’s all)
Do it right live it up
(Let’s all)
Ride the vibe side to side
Now we are having fun hey

That’s how we do
(Feel that)
How we do
(Can you feel it for that)
That’s how we do
(Feel that)
How we do
(Feel that)
That’s how we do
(Feel that)
How we do
(Feel that)
Hey! Ha, ha, we gon’ ride

All together now
There’s nothing we can’t do
(Work it out now)
Ya Work it out right now
(Real tight, c’mon)
Cuz we all came to run this
Didn’t come this far for nothing
We all here for just one thing
And now we bout’ to live it up

And when we start it up we can’t stop
Gonna move til we lose it
When the beat drops uh huh
(Makin’ everybody dance now)
Uh huh
(Makin’, makin’ everybody dance now)
If it feels good, we do it
(We do it)
Come on move like we move it
(We do it)
If it feels good, If it feels good
If it feels good, we do it

Come on now everyone
(Let’s all)
Run around in the sun
(Let’s all)
Ride the vibe side to side
Now we’re having fun
(Let’s have some fun)
Come on now everyone
(Let’s all)
Do it right live it up
(Let’s all)
Ride the vibe side to side
Now we’re having fun
C’mon now everyone

That’s how we do
(Now can you feel it for that)
How we do
(Now can you feel it for that)
That’s how we do
(Now can you feel it for that)
How we do
(See, can you feel it for that)
That’s how we do
(Now can you feel it for that)
How we do
(Now can you feel it for that)
Come on now everyone
Now we’re having fun
Do it like we do

Speakers out the window
Bass go where the wind blow
Move your body
That’s what we do
Get up live your best life
Show them what it looks like
Yeah, that’s right
That’s what we do
Hey, we gon’ ride

Come on now everyone
(Let’s all)
Run around in the sun
(Let’s all)
Ride the vibe side to side
Now we’re having fun
Come on now everyone
(Let’s all)
Do it right live it up
(Let’s all)
Ride the vibe side to side
Now we’re having fun

That’s how we do
(Now can you feel it for that)
How we do
(Now can you feel it for that)
That’s how we do
(Now can you feel it for that)
How we do
(See, can you feel it for that)
That’s how we do
(Now can you feel it for that)
How we do
(Now can you feel it for that)

Everyone come on now
Now let’s have fun
Do it like we do

China - A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates launched in the WeChat mini program of the State Council app

State Council  jointly with the Ministry of Commerce, have launched A Guide to Working and Living in China as Business Expatriates (2024 Edi...