Japan is preparing for one of the most significant changes to its foreign labour policy in decades as the country struggles with a rapidly ageing population and a shrinking workforce. According to government plans currently under review, Japan is expected to accept more than 1.2 million foreign workers by March 2029 through a restructured visa and skill development framework. The move reflects a gro

Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has outlined the administration’s new approach to the H-1B visa programme, describing it as a targeted effort to bring in temporary foreign specialists who will train American workers rather than replace them. His remarks came during a televised interview in which he emphasised that the policy is intended to support the rebuilding of domestic manufacturing, shipbuilding capability, and semiconductor production after years of industrial decline. Bessent said the redesigned system is centred on the idea of “knowledge transfer,” where overseas experts are invited to the United States for a limited period to help restore technical capacity in critical sectors. According to him, the administration views this model as essential to equipping American workers with advanced skills that have diminished as supply chains and production moved abroad. He explained that the visa structure is meant to ensure that expertise flows into the country long enough for domestic workers to learn the required competencies before the foreign specialists return home. Addressing recurring concerns that increased reliance on foreign talent could displace American employees, Bessent maintained that the policy does not threaten domestic job opportunities. Instead, he argued that the United States currently lacks specialized talent in areas that have not been active on American soil for many years. He noted that industries such as shipbuilding and semiconductor fabrication require highly technical knowledge, which is more readily available in countries that have continued to develop those sectors. In his view, bringing in experts to train Americans is necessary for rebuilding industrial strength, not a means of outsourcing jobs. The comments followed President Donald Trump’s recent statements explaining that the country needs temporary foreign experts to accelerate the transfer of technical skills. The president said the United States does not currently have enough workers with the precision training required for advanced manufacturing, adding that it would be unrealistic to expect individuals without experience to instantly take on tasks such as missile production or microchip engineering. Both Trump and Bessent described the policy as a practical step toward reducing long-term dependence on imports by cultivating a stronger domestic workforce. Bessent also discussed broader elements of the administration’s economic agenda, including ongoing talks about a potential USD 2,000 tariff rebate for families earning less than USD 100,000 annually. He said the proposal is part of an effort to ensure that households directly benefit from trade policies designed to strengthen national competitiveness. The rebate, he added, is one component of the administration’s push to align the interests of Wall Street and Main Street, a vision he referred to as “Parallel Prosperity.” Looking ahead, the Treasury secretary predicted that 2026 could become a milestone year for the United States economy if the administration’s policy framework succeeds in restoring industrial capacity and stabilizing financial markets. He emphasized the importance of maintaining a deep and liquid Treasury market, suggesting that economic growth will depend on strong foundations that support both investment and employment. Throughout the interview, Bessent portrayed the H-1B reform as a crucial part of that broader plan, arguing that rebuilding the nation’s industrial base requires a temporary infusion of global expertise to ensure Americans can take full ownership of high-skilled jobs in the future.

The path to studying or working abroad, once viewed as a clear and achievable journey, is becoming increasingly complicated as major economies introduce tighter immigration and visa rules. Countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Sweden, Canada, and Australia have each rolled out new policies in the past two years that collectively raise costs, elevate salary requirements, and reduce the number of visas available for international students and skilled professionals. For many,

Washington: The United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has announced the end of automatic extensions for certain Employment Authorisation Documents (EADs), a policy change that will have significant consequences for thousands of foreign professionals, students, and asylum seekers working in the country. The change, effective October 30, removes the automatic renewal grace period that previously allowed eligible workers to continue employment while their EAD renewal applications w

The U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) issued long-awaited guidance on October 20, 2025 clarifying the applicability of the newly introduced USD 100,000 one-time fee on certain H‑1B visa petitions, bringing much-needed clarity for international students, employers and visa applicants. The fee, initially announced in a presidential proclamation on September 19, 2025, had triggered widespread uncertainty about whether it would apply across the board.  The origina

Saudi Arabia has officially abolished the long-standing Kafala system, a major labour reform hailed as a landmark shift for millions of migrant workers across the Gulf region. The decision marks a new chapter in the kingdom’s ongoing transformation under Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman’s Vision 2030, an ambitious roadmap to modernize the economy, attract foreign investment, and improve the country’s global image. The Kafala system, which governed the relationship between empl

The Federal Aviation Administration has successfully reached its air traffic controller hiring goals for 2025, according to U.S. Transportation Secretary Sean Duffy. The announcement comes at a time when airports around the country, including Newark Liberty International Airport, have faced multiple operational challenges linked to staffing shortages. Since April, Newark has experienced several ground stops due to a lack of available air traffic controllers, raising questions about

The Trump administration has moved to overhaul the H-1B visa program, proposing to eliminate the long-standing lottery system in favor of a wage-based selection model. The Department of Homeland Security announced that the new rules would prioritize higher-paid and higher-skilled workers, significantly altering how foreign talent enters the United States. Under the proposal, applicants would be weighted based on the

The United States has introduced a sweeping change to its immigration policy with the decision to impose a $100,000 annual fee on H-1B visa applications. Announced by President Donald Trump, the new rule has sent shockwaves across the technology sector, particularly among Indian professionals who make up the majority of recipients of these visas. However, reports suggest that the measure may not be applied uniformly, as certain exemptions could be granted in cases deemed to serve the national

Maryland bus riders are adjusting once again as Metrobus rolled out fresh changes to several routes in Prince George’s County. The latest adjustments, effective Sunday, follow the sweeping Better Bus program that was launched in June. Officials from the Washington Metropolitan Transit Authority (WMATA) say these changes are based on both customer and employee feedback and are designed to boost service reliability, expand coverage, and improve overall on-time performance. For m

Arlington, Texas is moving forward with extensive plans to host matches during the 2026 FIFA World Cup, and the city council has outlined how it intends to balance security, community engagement, and business opportunities during the tournament. With the event set to bring thousands of international visitors to North Texas, the city is bracing for what is expected to be one of its most significant sporting and cultural experiences in recent history. Officials estimate that most inte

Heart attacks, once primarily associated with older men, have become increasingly common among women across all age groups. While men still experience heart attacks at higher rates, the rise in heart attack incidents among women is alarming. Various lifestyle factors, including poor diet, physical inactivity, smoking, and high stress levels, contribute to this concerning trend. Understanding the symptoms and seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to minim

A new study reveals a surprising trend among Gen Z jobseekers 77% of them bring their parents to job interviews. This growing phenomenon shows that many Gen Z candidates are turning to their parents for help, allowing them to participate in negotiations, communicate with hiring managers, and even step in during workplace conflicts. The study, conducted by Resume Templates, sheds light on how deeply involved parents h

The Consulate General of India in Chicago has issued a strong condemnation following the vandalism of the BAPS Swaminarayan Temple in Greenwood, Indiana, after anti-India graffiti was discovered on the temple’s walls. The incident, reported on the night of August 10, 2025, has been described as deeply distressing and marks the fourth attack on a Hindu temple in the United States in less than a year. Authorities suspect the involvement of pro-Khalistan separ

Professional wrestling legend Hulk Hogan, widely considered one of the most iconic figures in the history of sports entertainment, has died at the age of 71 following a suspected cardiac arrest at his Florida residence. Emergency responders were reportedly dispatched after a 911 call was made, but despite efforts, Hogan could not be revived. His passing comes just weeks after his wife dismissed public rumors claiming the former wrestling star was in a coma. At that time, she had insisted he w

Labor Day Weekend in 2025 falls from Saturday, August 30, through Monday, September 1, marking the unofficial end of summer in the United States. The holiday is celebrated annually on the first Monday in September, offering a three-day weekend that provides a break before the regular routines of work and school resume. This weekend is not only a time for relaxation but also an opportunity to reflect on the importance of American workers and their contributions to

An Indian woman currently visiting the United States is under investigation after allegedly attempting to shoplift merchandise worth around $1,300, equivalent to approximately Rs 1.1 lakh, from a retail store in Illinois. The incident has gained attention after video footage emerged showing her being confronted by a store employee for trying to leave the premises with a cart full of unpaid goods. Reports suggest the woman spent over seven hours inside the store, during which her u

Andrea Gibson, the acclaimed poet, activist, and spoken word performer whose fearless exploration of gender identity, politics, and the raw experience of living with terminal illness captured the hearts of audiences across the country, has died at the age of 49. Their passing was confirmed by their wife, poet Mean Falley, who shared that Gibson died peacefully in their home in Boulder, Colorado, surrounded by family, close friends, and their beloved pets. Born and raised in Mai

Upasana Kamineni Konidela, wife of Global Star Ram Charan and a prominent entrepreneur and humanitarian, has shared an empowering message for Indian women on the importance of marrying from a position of strength rather than societal pressure or insecurity. Known for her vocal support of mental health and women’s empowerment, Upasana used her social media platform to spark a conversation on redefining marriage in today’s society.

Columbus City Council President Pro Tempore Rob Dorans is leading an initiative to extend fair wage protections to private construction projects that receive substantial public investment. Under existing laws, construction workers on city-funded public projects must be paid at least the prevailing wage, which includes established rates for both pay and benefits. Dorans has now introduced a new ordinance that would apply this wage standard to private projects that receive at least $500,000 in