UPDATE: U.S FINALIZES $20,000 VISA BOND POLICY AFFECTING NIGERIA AND 49 OTHER NATIONS. (PHOTO).

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 U.S Finalizes $20,000 Visa Bond Policy Affecting Nigeria and 49 Other Nations The United States government has officially formalized its visa bond policy, making it a permanent measure that could require travelers from 50 designated countries, including Nigeria, to pay a refundable bond of up to $20,000 before receiving certain visas. First introduced as a pilot scheme in 2025, the policy targets applicants seeking B1 and B2 visas, which are designated for business and tourism. According to the U.S. Department of State, the initiative is designed to bolster compliance with local immigration laws and drastically reduce visa overstay rates. How the Visa Bond Policy Works Under the permanent guidelines, U.S. consular officers have the discretion to instruct eligible applicants to post a bond as a prerequisite for visa issuance. However, U.S. authorities have clarified that the financial requirement will not be applied automatically to every traveler from the listed nations. Data anal...

UNESCO RAISES ALARM ON POSSIBLE LOOTING OF SUDAN'S ANCIENT TREASURES. (PHOTO).


 UNESCO raises alarm on possible looting of Sudan's ancient treasures


The UN cultural agency on Thursday raised the alarm over reports of armed groups looting several museums and heritage institutions in war-wracked Sudan, AFP reported.


"UNESCO is deeply concerned about the recent reports of possible looting and damage of several museums and heritage institutions in Sudan, including the National Museum, by armed groups," it said.


It said it had been monitoring the impact of fighting on Sudan's heritage, cultural institutions and artists since hostilities broke out in 2023.


"In recent weeks, this threat to culture appears to have reached an unprecedented level, with reports of looting of museums, heritage and archaeological sites and private collections."


Ancient pieces


It said it was particularly concerned by reports of looting at the National Museum of Sudan, as well as the Khalifa House Museum in Omdurman and Nyala Museum in South Darfur.


The National Museum, which opened in the 1970s, has been home to more than 2,700 objects including some important pieces from the ancient Egyptian Pharaonic dynasties and Nubian culture.


"UNESCO reiterates its call upon the public and the art market involved in the trade of cultural property in th e region and worldwide to refrain from acquiring or taking part in the import, export or transfer of ownership of cultural property from Sudan," it said.


The agency said it was planning training in Cairo for members of law enforcement and the judiciary of Sudan's neighbouring countries by the end of the year.


Safe havens


War has raged since April 2023 between the army, under the country's de facto ruler Abdel Fattah al-Burhan, and the Rapid Support Forces (RSF), which are commanded by Burhan's former deputy Mohamed Hamdan Daglo.


Since the start of fighting, UNESCO says it has supported emergency measures in five other Sudanese archaeological museums, including packing "endangered collections" and preparing "safe havens" for them.

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