Taiwan - Triple stimulus vouchers available to APRC holders starting Nov. 16

The triple stimulus voucher program was originally launched on July 15 to allow not only Taiwanese citizens but also their foreign or Chinese spouses with resident permits to purchase them, which effectively spurred consumption in Taiwan.

In expanding the program, around 11,600 Alien Permanent Resident Certificate (APRC) holders and 1,400 foreign diplomats in Taiwan will be able to collect triple stimulus vouchers starting Nov. 16, whereby eligible persons pay NT$1,000 and receive NT$3,000 worth of vouchers, which can be used for the upcoming year-end shopping season. 

The deadline to use the vouchers is Dec. 31, 2020.

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Philippines - Changes In Travel Restrictions Take Effect 20 November 2020

The Bureau of Immigration (BI) announced that they will be implementing changes in travel restrictions effective immediately. 

BI Commissioner Jaime Morente announced that following the latest resolution of the InterAgency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF), they have implemented the expanded coverage of foreign nationals allowed to enter the country amid the Covid-19 pandemic.

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UK - Europe-wide awareness campaign to help prepare European citizens for the implementation of the UK’s new Immigration System from 1 January 2021

The UK Government has launched a Europe-wide awareness campaign to help prepare European citizens for the implementation of the UK’s new Immigration System from 1 January 2021, and the launch of new routes on 1 December 2020. 

Free movement between the EU and the UK will end at 11pm on 31 December EEA and Swiss citizens will no longer have the automatic right to live in the UK.  

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Carrie Underwood & John Legend - Hallelujah (Official Music Video)

Our favourite country Queen + soul legend brings Christmas here early. <Hallelujah> debuts today!!

Singapore - Updated Border Measures For Travellers from Malaysia and Japan

The Multi-Ministry Taskforce has been closely monitoring the global COVID-19 situation and will be tightening border measures given the resurgence of cases in Malaysia and Japan. 

All travellers entering Singapore from 22 November 2020, 2359 hours, who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Malaysia will now be required to serve a 14-day Stay-Home Notice (SHN) at dedicated SHN facilities. 

All travellers [except Singapore Citizens (SCs) and Permanent Residents (PRs)] entering Singapore from 27 November 2020, 2359 hours, who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Malaysia will be required to take a COVID-19 polymerase chain reaction (PCR) test within 72 hours before departure.

All travellers entering Singapore from 22 November 2020, 2359 hours, who have a travel history in the past 14 days to Japan will be required to serve a 14-day SHN at dedicated SHN facilities, even if they have obtained approval to opt out earlier. 

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New Zealand - Emergency benefit to help temporary visa holders

From 1 December, people on temporary work, student or visitor visas who can’t return home and or support themselves may get an Emergency Benefit from the Ministry of Social Development, Social Development and Employment Minister Carmel Sepuloni announced 20 November. 

Previously, temporary visa holders in hardship because of COVID-19 have had support from a temporary programme delivered by Te Tari Taiwhenua, Department of Internal Affairs and the New Zealand Red Cross.

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BTS (방탄소년단) 'Life Goes On' Official MV

BTS (방탄소년단) 'Life Goes On' Official MV debuts today!

~ Maybe the most important lesson we can learn from this pandemic is to take a slower pace and be more appreciative towards life. ~

Thailand - Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) approves 45-day extension of emergency decree

The government’s Center for COVID-19 Situation Administration (CCSA) has approved the extension of the emergency decree for 45 days, covering the New Year’s holiday and an international badminton tournament. 

The center also approved in principle reduction of the 14-day quarantine period to 10 days.

READ THE NEWS HERE

Australia - Changes To Restrictions in South Australia

A new Direction has been issued in relation to the Stay at Home requirements for South Australia as a Circuit Breaker to the current COVID-19 outbreak.

The Emergency Management (COVID-19) (Stay at Home) Direction 2020 has been issued. This Direction comes into effect as of 12:01 am Thursday 19 November 2020 and is applied alongside all other Directions that are currently in place under the Emergency Management Act 2004 (SA) but prevails where any inconsistencies may arise.

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Ariana Grande - 34+35 (official video)

The most tongue in cheek (yet!) from Ari, you go do the maths :p <34+35> premiered today and already more than a million views racked up!

~ Can you stay up all night? F**k me till the daylight. ~