Oliver Mercer
UK Skilled Worker English Standard B2 from January 8, 2026
From January 8, 2026, new applicants for Skilled Worker, Scale‑up, and High Potential Individual visas must meet CEFR…
US Falls Off World’s Top 10 Most Powerful Passports for First Time
The Henley Passport Index ranks the U.S. 12th in October 2025 with visa-free access to 180 destinations. Brazil…
US Chamber Sues Trump Administration Over $100,000 H-1B Fee
The Chamber sued on October 16, 2025 to block a $100,000 H-1B fee, arguing it violates federal law…
Shutdown Pressures U.S. Air Travel; Oregon Flights Remain Stable
The October 1, 2025 government shutdown is straining U.S. aviation as unpaid controllers and TSA staff create staffing…
Report: Highly Educated Immigrants Do Better in U.S. than Canada
Research shows highly educated immigrants fare better in the U.S. for employment and wages. Canada admits more degree-holders…
ICE agent’s sneaky defense fails; flight crew interference convicted
The 11th Circuit affirmed ICE agent Billy Olvera’s conviction for taking 43 covert photos and videos of a…
Missouri Catholic Bishops Call for Merciful, Just Immigration Reform
Missouri bishops in 2025 urged comprehensive immigration reform balancing border security with compassionate pathways for long-settled residents, family…
Polls Show More Than Half of Canadians Say Immigration is Too High
Late-2024 and early-2025 polls show majorities view immigration as too high; Environics reports 58%. Ottawa cut the 2025…
Canadian refugee applicant in ICE custody says crossing was accidental
On May 12, 2025, Bangladeshi refugee applicant Mahin Shahriar was detained by ICE after crossing at Buffalo; Canada…
Russian Airspace Ban on Chinese Airlines Reshapes Transpacific Flights
The DOT proposes banning six mainland Chinese airlines from overflying Russia on U.S. routes to restore competitive parity…
Europe’s Airports Face Noise Scrutiny: Balancing Regulation and Growth
EU law mandates the Balanced Approach before restrictions; industry warns some states bypass steps and notifications, risking capacity…
Wizz Air to Train 1,200 Pilots by 2028, 240 UK Roles
Wizz Air will train 1,200 pilots by 2028 (240 in the UK) via its Pilot Academy, offering an…
Emirates Cancels All Flights to Antananarivo Amid Madagascar Unrest
After protests and a military mutiny, Emirates indefinitely suspended the Dubai–Seychelles–Antananarivo route (EK707/708) in early October 2025, confirmed…
Etihad Expands with Used and Leased A321LRs Amid Global Shortage
To navigate a global aircraft shortage, Etihad is adding new and leased Airbus A321LRs in 2025—first delivered July…
Saudia and Etihad Cancellations Stranded Passengers in Jeddah Abu Dhabi
On October 15, 2025, Saudia and Etihad faced disruptions causing at least 12 cancellations and 307 delays across…