Category: Travel/Immigration

Latvia Becomes Key Investment Gateway for Malayalees in Europe

Staff ReporterTravel/Immigration, Global 0

A rising number of global Malayalees are turning to Europe, particularly Latvia, for long-term residency, investment, and family relocation.

An increasing trend has seen global Malayalees focusing their attention on Europe, not merely for educational or tourist endeavors, but for more lasting pursuits such as residency, investment, and family relocation. This shift is being prominently led by Latvia, a tranquil and cost-effective EU country, which offers one of the most accessible residency-by-investment schemes in Europe.

Latvia’s program allows Malayalee families to secure a residence permit for the entire family, including spouses and children, with a real estate investment starting at €250,000. This opportunity has become increasingly appealing amid rising global interest.

According to Imperio, a reputable Europe-based advisory firm that assists clients globally, interest from Malayalees in regions such as the Gulf, the United Kingdom, Canada, and Kerala has significantly increased over the last year. The rising inclination towards Latvia is seen as a desirable choice due to its enticing offerings.

Gulzar from Imperio highlights that, though often overlooked, Latvia provides a comprehensive package with EU residency, safety, education in English, and a lower cost of living than that found in Western Europe. This investment promises families long-term security, the ability to move freely within the Schengen area, and a promising future for their children, according to Gulzar.

The appeal of Latvia’s residency-by-investment program lies in its straightforward nature and the broad benefits it confers, making it an attractive prospect for those looking to establish long-term roots in Europe. This option is now on the radar for many Malayalees worldwide, seeking a reliable gateway into the EU.

Visitor Guard Offers WhatsApp Support for Indian Travelers in US

Staff ReporterCommunity/Education, Travel/Immigration 0

Visitor Guard has introduced a new WhatsApp support feature, offering real-time assistance to Indian travelers in the U.S. to address medical emergencies and insurance queries.

Visitor Guard, a prominent provider of travel insurance for international visitors to the United States, has rolled out a new feature aimed at enhancing support for Indian travelers. The company recognizes India as a major contributor to the annual influx of visitors to the U.S. and has introduced the WhatsApp support service to tackle a common issue faced by travelers: the lack of accessible assistance during medical emergencies in a foreign country.

The new service offers real-time aid directly via smartphones, allowing users to receive prompt insurance guidance, emergency directions, and help with claims processing. This development is particularly beneficial for Indian visitors due to the widespread use of WhatsApp in their daily lives.

“We know how critical it is for Indian visitors to get reliable help, especially when unexpected medical issues arise thousands of miles from home,” said Chiranth Nataraj, the founder of Visitor Guard. He noted that by providing real-time support on a familiar and trusted communication platform like WhatsApp, the company ensures travelers have a simple, secure way to reach out for help around the clock.

The WhatsApp service boasts 24/7 availability, with responses typically delivered in under 10 minutes during business hours. It supports communication in multiple Indian languages, including English, Hindi, Marathi, and Kannada. The service allows travelers to request essential documents such as ID cards, claim forms, and visa letters. Additionally, it assists users in finding in-network hospitals and understanding their policy benefits. Importantly, during emergencies, travelers can receive instant guidance on the necessary steps to take and where to seek medical care.

Visitor Guard offers a variety of renowned insurance plans, such as Venbrook Premier, Safe Travels USA Comprehensive, and Atlas America, which cover a range of needs like hospitalizations, accidental injuries, and even the acute onset of pre-existing conditions. With over 15 years of experience in the travel insurance industry, the launch of WhatsApp support aligns with the company’s mission to provide affordable, customer-focused care tailored to the specific needs of Indian travelers visiting the U.S.

According to New India Abroad, the introduction of this support feature is a testament to Visitor Guard’s commitment to improving the travel experience for its clients by leveraging popular and user-friendly technology.

Source: Original article

Printing Boarding Passes Offers Advantages for Travelers

Staff ReporterTechnology, Travel, Travel/Immigration 0

While smartphones have revolutionized the way travelers check in for flights, having a printed boarding pass can prevent unexpected hiccups that technology might not mitigate.

The evolution of boarding passes mirrors the advancement of technology over the decades. Initially, passengers received handwritten tickets without seat assignments, which served as boarding passes in the early days of commercial aviation. By the 1970s, airlines began utilizing computers to issue boarding pass cards, some of which allowed passengers to choose non-smoking sections. The 1990s witnessed the emergence of print-at-home paper boarding passes as personal computers and email became more common. Following the smartphone revolution, mobile boarding passes became the norm by 2010. However, seasoned travelers are now reverting to printed passes despite the convenience and environmental benefits of digital versions.

There are several compelling reasons to opt for a printed boarding pass over a digital one. A primary concern is the dreaded possibility of your phone dying at a crucial moment. Consider the scenario described by Karen Kapnik, a frequent flyer who almost missed a flight because her phone’s battery died just as she approached a TSA agent. Despite being an early adopter of mobile boarding passes, that unsettling experience led her to consistently print her passes henceforth.

Another issue can arise from losing service or Wi-Fi connectivity. Adam Scott, the founder of BermudAir, prioritizes providing mobile boarding passes that can be saved onto Apple Wallet. Yet, he advises travelers to carry a printed copy of their boarding passes, highlighting potential connectivity issues at some international airports. Although a screenshot can circumvent the need for live internet access, forgetting to do so or an unexpected device shutdown can still leave travelers scrambling.

App glitches present yet another risk. Even the highest-rated airline apps are not immune to errors, as travel advisor Rebekah Ingraham experienced in Italy. Her mobile boarding pass alternated between available and unavailable status during a tight connection in Paris. Similarly, former flight attendant and travel expert Bobby Laurie recounts an incident when a cancelled flight made his mobile boarding pass disappear, complicating the rebooking process significantly. Having a printed pass in such cases can save valuable time and reduce stress.

Furthermore, printed boarding passes often contain more detailed information than their mobile counterparts, such as the ticket number. This information can be crucial if passengers need to contact the airline to request a refund or resolve booking issues.

In conclusion, while digital boarding passes offer undeniable convenience, their reliability can falter at critical junctures. Thus, maintaining a printed copy of your boarding pass remains a wise precautionary measure to ensure a smooth and stress-free travel experience.

India Launches Fast Track Immigration – Trusted TravelerProgram (FTI-TTP)

Staff ReporterTravel/Immigration 0

Fast Track Immigration – Trusted TravellerProgramme’ (FTI-TTP) is being launched at 21 major airports in India, in the first phase, along with Delhi airport, it will be launched at 7 major airports – Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi and Ahmedabad

India’s Home minister Amit Shah Sunday inaugurated the ‘Fast Track Immigration – Trusted TravellerProgramme’ (FTI-TTP) at Terminal-3 of Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi last week.

The initiative marks India’s visionary step to enhance travel convenience and efficiency for Indian nationals and OCI (Overseas Citizen of India) passengers arriving from abroad.

Here are five key points about this new initiative and how it will ease the International travel:

  1. Vision: Spearheaded by PM Narendra Modi, the FTI-TTP is designed to streamline immigration processes for Indian citizens and OCI cardholders returning from abroad. It is part of the Viksit Bharat @2047 agenda, focusing on enhancing travel convenience and efficiency.
  2. Free Service: The initiative offers free-of-cost facilities to passengers to ensure faster, smoother, and safer immigration clearance. It features e-gates or automated border gates to minimize human intervention during the immigration process.
  3. Implementation Stages: FTI-TTP will roll out in two phases. Initially, it will cover Indian citizens and OCI cardholders. In the second phase, foreign travellers will also benefit from this accelerated immigration pathway
  4. Online Enrollment: Travelers interested in the scheme can register through an online portal managed by the Bureau of Immigration. After verification, approved applicants will be included in a White List of ‘Trusted Travelers’ eligible to use the e-gates for immigration clearance.
  5. Operational Scope: The facility will commence at 21 major airports across India. In the first phase, it starts at seven airports including Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad, Kochi, and Ahmedabad, enhancing international travel facilities nationwide.
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