Asia Japan Proof of proficiency in Japanese will be required to apply for a working visa for engineering, humanities or international services; policy will be revised tightening screening after workers entered Japan under a specialized job visa but do unskilled jobs
America Saint Lucia Saint Lucia Jazz & Arts Festival 2025 was characterized by a slow opening and a strong close, some logistic issues that authorities pledged to solve for next year, and the announcement of a broader, more inclusive and accessible 2026 edition
Africa Nigeria Weeks of intelligence and surveillance brought to the arrest of 120 individuals suspected of engaging in internet fraud and being linked to various forms of cybercrime; coordinated raids were conducted across multiple locations in Lagos State
America Saint Vincent and the Grenadines StVincent will join celebrations for Bee Day 2025 on 20 May under the theme “Bee Inspired by Nature to Nourish Us All”; this year’s theme highlights the critical role that bees and other pollinators play in agrifood chains and the health of our ecosystems
Asia Brunei Winners of Proudly Brunei Business Awards 2025 “Collaborate for Growth, Innovate for Success” have been announced, spanning from aquaculture to weddings; PBBA recognizes outstanding local enterprises for strong performance, creativity and resilience
Africa Zimbabwe The University of Zimbabwe, the country’s oldest university, has voiced plans to hire experts to replace lecturers on strike in a further attempt to bring back normalcy for students
Africa Botswana 54 smallholder farming businesses have been funded through the 'Green Energy Transition for Sustainable Agriculture' project of the National Development Bank since Oct 2022, officials revealed this week, thanks to an €850.000 grant from German government
Asia Turkmenistan Regular intercity buses between Ashgabat and the Avaza National tourist zone, one of the largest resort destinations along the Caspian Sea coast, have started regular service in view of the peak season
Africa Republic of the Congo Armel Silvère Dongou, responsible in the government for raising bond funds on the regional markets, fled the country last month; he is the focus of an investigation by the Brazzaville public prosecutor's office into embezzlement
Europe Portugal Centre-right Democratic Alliance won an early parliamentary election, third in three years, but again fell short of the full majority needed to end a long political turmoil; centre-left Socialists and far-right Chega were nearly tied for second place
Asia Iraq Arab leaders concluded 34th Arab League Summit in Baghdad with the “Baghdad Declaration" calling for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and presence of UN protection and peacekeeping forces in the Palestinian territories until a two-state solution is implemented
Oceania Tonga The development of the private sector is the primary focus of Tonga's new budget, the Prime Minister Hon. Dr 'Aisake Eke said as his Cabinet finalized the budget for 2025-2026, to be presented to the Legislative Assembly this week
Asia Palestine The “Baghdad Declaration" issued at the end of the 34th Arab League Summit calls for immediate ceasefire in Gaza and the deployment of UN protection and peacekeeping forces in the Palestinian territories until a two-state solution is implemented
Oceania Papua New Guinea PM Marane issued a nationwide call to government, communities and citizens to actively prepare for Papua New Guinea 50th anniversary of independence in September; he urged organizing meaningful celebrations to make it a day of reflection pride and unity