分类： world

Oman has issued a final call for visa overstayers to regularise their status under an amnesty scheme, with the extended grace period set to expire on December 31, 2025. The Royal Oman Police, in a recent social media announcement, emphasised that this extension is the last opportunity for individuals to rectify their legal standing without incurring penalties. The initiative, initially introduced to address visa violations, allows foreign nationals to either renew their residence permits, transfer employment within Oman, or leave the country permanently without facing fines. The Ministry of Labour has been tasked with verifying the status corrections for those seeking to renew or transfer their permits. For individuals opting to depart Oman permanently, all fines related to the termination of non-work-related visas will be waived. This move underscores Oman’s commitment to resolving visa irregularities while providing a structured pathway for compliance. The Royal Oman Police has urged all affected individuals to act promptly to avoid legal repercussions.

A tragic maritime incident has unfolded near the border between Thailand and Malaysia, leaving dozens of migrants missing and one confirmed dead. The Malaysian Coast Guard reported that a boat carrying migrants capsized on Thursday near Ko Tarutao, a southern Thai island. So far, ten individuals have been rescued, and the body of a Rohingya woman was discovered floating in the waters. Authorities suspect the victims were part of a larger group of approximately 300 migrants who had traveled on a bigger vessel before transferring to smaller boats as they neared Malaysia. Among those rescued near Langkawi, a Malaysian resort, were three Myanmar nationals, two Rohingya men, and one Bangladeshi man, according to Malaysia’s state-run agency Bernama, citing a police chief. The search for additional survivors continues as maritime officials work tirelessly in the area. The Rohingya community, predominantly Muslim, has been fleeing Myanmar in large numbers in recent years to escape persecution. Additionally, the dire conditions in refugee camps in Bangladesh have forced many to embark on perilous journeys aboard overcrowded vessels, hoping for a better life in Malaysia. Reports indicate that many of these migrants paid upwards of $3,000 for their passage, highlighting the desperation and risks involved in their quest for safety and stability.

Super Typhoon Fung-wong, a formidable storm with a radius nearly encompassing the entire Philippines, intensified to super typhoon status on Sunday, poised for a late-night landfall. The storm, packing sustained winds of 185 kilometers per hour and gusts reaching 230 kph, is expected to unleash over 200 millimeters of rainfall, triggering widespread flooding and potential river basin overflows, according to government meteorologist Benison Estareja. Catanduanes, a small island likely to bear the brunt of the typhoon, has already experienced fierce winds and storm surges, with waves crashing over coastal streets. Residents, bracing for the storm’s impact, have resorted to traditional methods of securing their homes, such as strapping down roofs with ropes. In Sorsogon, southern Luzon, some sought refuge in churches, while rescuers in Aurora province urged coastal residents to evacuate to higher ground. The arrival of Fung-wong comes just days after Typhoon Kalmaegi wreaked havoc across the Philippines, claiming 204 lives and leaving 109 missing. Search and rescue operations for Kalmaegi’s victims were suspended due to the impending threat of Fung-wong. Scientists attribute the increasing intensity of such storms to human-driven climate change, which warms oceans and amplifies rainfall potential. The back-to-back typhoons underscore the growing vulnerability of the Philippines to extreme weather events.

A devastating maritime incident unfolded last week in the Indian Ocean near the border between Thailand and Malaysia, as a boat carrying approximately 300 migrants from Myanmar capsized. According to officials, at least one body has been recovered, 10 individuals have been rescued, and dozens remain missing. The exact timing and location of the tragedy remain unclear, though preliminary investigations suggest the vessel sank three days ago after departing from Buthidaung in Myanmar’s Rakhine state. Malaysian authorities have launched a search and rescue operation after survivors were discovered drifting near Langkawi, a northern resort island in Malaysia. Among the rescued were Rohingya Muslims, a persecuted minority group from Myanmar, as well as a man from Bangladesh. Malaysian officials have raised concerns about the increasing activity of cross-border syndicates exploiting migrants through dangerous sea routes. This incident highlights the ongoing humanitarian crisis faced by Rohingya refugees, many of whom seek refuge in Malaysia due to its predominantly Muslim population. However, Malaysia has recently tightened its stance on accepting refugees, fearing a mass influx. Currently, around 117,670 Rohingya refugees are registered with the U.N. High Commissioner for Refugees in Malaysia, representing 59% of the country’s total refugee population.

As Super Typhoon Fung Wong approaches the Philippines, Luzon Island braces for severe weather conditions expected to hit on Sunday. The typhoon is forecasted to unleash sustained winds of up to 185 km/h (115 mph) and torrential rainfall across multiple regions. Authorities are urging residents to take immediate precautions, as the storm poses significant risks to infrastructure, agriculture, and public safety. Emergency response teams have been mobilized, and evacuation plans are being implemented in vulnerable areas. The Philippines, no stranger to typhoons, faces yet another test of its disaster preparedness and resilience. The impact of Fung Wong could disrupt daily life, damage property, and potentially lead to loss of life, underscoring the urgent need for vigilance and proactive measures.