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.
标签： Asia
亚洲
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Documentary sheds light on Chinese helping Japanese ‘war orphans’
A groundbreaking Japan-China co-produced documentary, *The Nameless Child*, directed by acclaimed Japanese filmmaker Ryo Takeuchi, premiered in Japan on November 7, 2025, as part of the 2025 China Documentary Festival. The film, which runs until November 20, delves into the poignant stories of Japanese ‘war orphans’ left in China after World War II and their profound gratitude toward their Chinese adoptive parents. During the tumultuous final years of the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression (1931-45), thousands of Japanese children were abandoned as their families fled. These children were taken in and raised by compassionate locals in northeastern China. After diplomatic relations were established between China and Japan in the 1970s, many of these orphans returned to Japan, only to face significant challenges in reintegrating into society. Struggling with language barriers and cultural differences, many relied on government subsidies for survival. Takeuchi, inspired by childhood memories of news reports about these orphans, embarked on a two-year journey to document their lives. The film features interviews with over 100 surviving orphans and their families, though most of the Chinese adoptive parents have since passed away. ‘Raising enemy children under such extreme circumstances is truly remarkable,’ Takeuchi remarked, expressing his hope to convey the kindness and spirit of the Chinese people to Japanese audiences. The documentary’s main subject, Mariko Kamijo, whose mother was one of the orphans, now runs a nursing institution for elderly orphans. She emphasized the generational impact of war and the importance of peace. Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao highlighted the documentary’s role in fostering mutual understanding and shaping a positive future for China-Japan relations. Zhao Jie, president of the China Federation of Radio and Television Associations, praised the film as a testament to the ‘community of shared human destiny.’ The festival, held in Tokyo, showcases 10 documentaries on themes ranging from urban governance to cultural exchange, aiming to present contemporary China from diverse perspectives. Takeuchi, who has lived in Nanjing since 2013, has produced several acclaimed documentaries on China, including *The Yangtze River*, which won the Best Documentary Award at the 21st China Movie Channel Media Focus Unit. He hopes his work will dispel outdated stereotypes about China and foster greater appreciation for its modern reality.
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Emirates Tamil Theatre Festival showcases sachet-size plays, big-hearted stories
The 10th annual Emirates Tamil Theatre Festival, titled ‘Ameeraga Kurunadaga Vizha,’ took place on November 2, 2025, in Dubai, showcasing the power of storytelling through 12-minute Tamil plays. Inspired by the globally renowned Short+Sweet Theatre Sydney, the festival brought together non-professional talents from across the UAE to present poignant narratives that reflect real-life social issues. Among the standout performances was the prize-winning play ‘Magallir Kaaval Nilayam’ (Women’s Police Station), which tackled the sensitive topic of child abuse and emotional neglect, leaving the audience in deep contemplation. The festival, founded by banker Anand Subramanian and event organiser Lion Rama Malar, has grown into a significant cultural event, celebrating themes ranging from domestic struggles to technological challenges. Despite its non-commercial nature and funding challenges, the festival thrives on the passion and dedication of its participants, including working professionals and students. The 2025 edition saw siblings Mukundhan, 12, and Mirudhala, 10, win the second prize for best script with their humorous portrayal of adult world anomalies in ‘Kannadi Kuzhandhaigal’ (Mirror Children). The event’s authenticity stems from its real-life-inspired narratives, performed by individuals who have experienced or closely observed the issues depicted. The festival’s success lies in its ability to personify life’s complexities on stage, offering a platform for artistic expression and community engagement in a world often dominated by commercial interests.
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China’s commercial rocket maker puts two satellites into orbit
In a significant advancement for China’s commercial space sector, CAS Space, a prominent commercial rocket manufacturer, successfully launched its 10th Kinetica 1 rocket on November 9, 2025. The rocket, which took off at 11:32 am from the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in the Gobi Desert, carried two experimental satellites, Chutian 2A and 2B, into their designated orbits. These satellites, developed by CASIC Space Engineering Development, a subsidiary of the China Aerospace Science and Industry Corp Second Academy, are designed to test Earth observation and hyper-resolution processing capabilities. This launch marks another milestone in China’s growing expertise in space technology and its commitment to expanding its presence in the global space industry.
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People in Taiwan commemorate victims of White Terror period
On Saturday, November 8, 2025, residents of Taiwan gathered at the Taipei Machangding Memorial Park to honor the victims of the White Terror period, a dark chapter in the island’s history marked by political repression during the 1950s. The annual remembrance ceremony, attended by survivors, families of the victims, and representatives from various sectors of Taiwanese society, served as a poignant reminder of the era’s injustices and a call for peace and unity across the Taiwan Strait. The White Terror era saw the arrest and execution of numerous individuals perceived as threats to the ruling Kuomintang regime, many of whom were buried in unmarked graves. It wasn’t until 1993 that four such burial sites were discovered in Taipei, leading to the establishment of the annual autumn commemoration. This year’s ceremony featured a heartfelt eulogy by Taiwan youth representative Chen Chu-yin, who expressed hope that the martyrs’ ideals of national reunification would be realized through the efforts of the younger generation. The event underscored the enduring impact of the White Terror period on Taiwan’s collective memory and its ongoing relevance in contemporary discussions about cross-Strait relations.
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Gold’s next leap? Analysts see $5,000 horizon, explain current calm market
The gold market, currently hovering around the $4,000-per-ounce mark, is experiencing a period of apparent calm. However, analysts suggest this tranquility may be deceptive, with the precious metal potentially poised for a historic surge to $5,000 per ounce by 2026. Despite its recent inability to sustain gains above the symbolic $4,000 threshold, the underlying sentiment remains strikingly optimistic. Ewa Manthey, a commodities strategist at ING, views the current pause as a healthy reset rather than a sign of exhaustion. She predicts gold prices will average $4,000 in Q4 2025 and rise to $4,100 in Q1 2026, supported by central bank purchases, physical demand, and expectations of lower interest rates. Central banks bought an estimated 220 tonnes of gold in Q3 2025, a 28% increase from the previous quarter. Investment flows have also turned favorable, with global gold-backed ETFs seeing holdings increase by 222 tonnes between July and September. Major financial institutions, including HSBC, Bank of America, and Société Générale, forecast gold could reach $5,000 in 2026, driven by geopolitical tensions, rising government debt, and strong demand from central banks and private investors. However, some analysts, like Alex Kuptsikevich of FxPro, caution that gold’s uptrend has technically broken down, citing strong Treasury yields and a hesitant Federal Reserve. Despite short-term uncertainties, the structural appeal of gold remains intact, with lower real interest rates and fiscal pressures likely to fuel renewed safe-haven demand. Analysts believe the groundwork for a fresh surge is firmly in place, positioning gold as a hedge against modern economic uncertainties.
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What does UAE law say about car insurance costs, conditions?
In the United Arab Emirates, car insurance premiums and policy conditions are strictly regulated under national law to ensure fairness and transparency for vehicle owners. According to the Unified Motor Vehicle Insurance Policy Against Loss and Damage, insurers are permitted to charge a maximum premium of five percent for saloon vehicles and seven percent for four-wheel drive vehicles for a 13-month policy. These regulations are established under Insurance Authority Board of Directors’ Decision No. 25 of 2016 and Decision No. 30 of 2016, which govern motor vehicle insurance tariffs and policy frameworks. The law mandates specific clauses in every insurance policy, including the obligations of both the insurance company and the insured. Insurers are required to compensate for damages, repair or replace vehicles, and cover other stipulated losses. Meanwhile, policyholders must pay premiums, adhere to safety precautions, and ensure compliance with ownership and licensing requirements. Exclusions such as indirect losses, damages from overloading, or accidents occurring outside the policy’s geographical territory are also clearly defined. Additionally, the law allows for optional riders, enabling insurers and policyholders to agree on additional coverage for specific risks, such as damages to personal property or incidents occurring off-road. These provisions ensure that motor vehicle insurance in the UAE is comprehensive, standardized, and aligned with legal requirements. Ashish Mehta, founder of Ashish Mehta & Associates, emphasizes the importance of understanding these regulations to make informed decisions when renewing or purchasing car insurance.
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China launches Lijian 1 Y9 carrier rocket
On November 9, 2025, China achieved another milestone in its space exploration endeavors with the successful launch of the Lijian 1 Y9 carrier rocket. The rocket, which carried two technical experiment satellites, took off at 11:32 am Beijing Time from the Dongfeng commercial space innovation pilot zone, located near the Jiuquan Satellite Launch Center in Northwest China. The mission was executed flawlessly, with the satellites being deployed into their designated orbits as planned. This launch underscores China’s growing capabilities in space technology and its commitment to advancing scientific research and innovation. The Lijian 1 Y9 rocket is part of China’s broader strategy to enhance its presence in the global space industry, leveraging cutting-edge technology and fostering international collaboration. The successful mission also highlights the country’s ability to conduct complex space operations with precision and efficiency, further solidifying its position as a key player in the global space race.
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Dozens missing after migrant boat sinks near Malaysia-Thailand border
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.
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UAE weather: 9.8°C lowest temperature recorded in Al Ain on Nov 9, says NCM
The United Arab Emirates (UAE) has officially entered its winter season, marked by a significant drop in temperatures. On November 9, 2025, the National Centre of Meteorology (NCM) reported that the mercury plummeted to 9.8°C in Al Ain’s Raknah area at 6:30 AM, marking the lowest temperature recorded in the country so far this year. This reading underscores the transition from the scorching summer months to the cooler winter period, which typically spans from November to March. During this season, daytime temperatures in most regions range between 15°C and 25°C, offering a refreshing change from the intense heat. Historically, the UAE has experienced even colder conditions, with the lowest temperature ever recorded being -5.7°C on February 3, 2017, at Jebel Jais, the nation’s highest peak in Ras Al Khaimah. Earlier this year, on January 4, 2025, Jebel Jais recorded a low of 1.9°C, just a day after hitting 2.2°C. As winter progresses, residents and visitors alike can expect milder weather, providing a welcome respite and opportunities to enjoy outdoor activities.