Qatar’s civil aviation authorities have reaffirmed that the country’s air transport system remains stable and under full control, despite escalating regional tensions and increased threats to aviation safety.

In remarks to Qatar News Agency, Mohammed bin Faleh Al Hajri, Acting President of the Qatar Civil Aviation Authority, said flight operations are continuing in line with strict safety and efficiency standards, even as security challenges intensify across the region.

Authorities adopted a phased crisis response based on ongoing risk evaluations. This strategy allowed for a partial reopening of airspace on March 7, following an earlier precautionary shutdown. Since then, flights have resumed on a limited scale through designated corridors, under tight supervision and in coordination with military authorities.

Al Hajri noted that recent Iranian strikes have had a direct impact on aviation conditions, increasing risks linked to drones, missile activity and falling debris. He also highlighted operational concerns such as aircraft misidentification and navigation through restricted or high-risk zones.

In response, Qatar has treated its airspace as a highly sensitive environment. Flight operations have been confined to approved routes with controlled capacity. Initial efforts focused on evacuation and cargo missions, before gradually expanding to include essential passenger services to maintain supply chains and connectivity.

Close coordination between QCAA and Qatar Airways has helped support stranded travelers and ensure the steady movement of critical goods into the country.

A series of contingency measures have also been introduced. These include updates to emergency protocols, stricter air traffic procedures and expanded reliance on international maintenance providers. Qatar Airways was authorized to operate maintenance facilities abroad to assist a total of 188 aircraft affected by the situation.

At Hamad International Airport, precautionary steps included relocating aircraft to safer zones, redeploying firefighting teams and temporarily halting construction on one runway. Emergency guidance has also been issued to direct passengers and staff in case of incidents.

Security measures have been intensified, with continuous communication channels, increased patrols and enhanced inspection protocols. Authorities are also monitoring potential risks such as debris and sharing regulatory guidance with the International Civil Aviation Organization and regional partners on managing airport safety during conflict situations.

Al Hajri said risk management is being handled through a structured, institution-wide approach, involving constant monitoring and mitigation steps. These include the use of designated air corridors, prior approvals for each flight, coordination between civil and military bodies, strengthened fuel planning and the identification of alternative airports.

He added that Qatar’s airspace security relies on a multi-layered system, including advanced radar coverage, real-time flight tracking and strict aircraft separation standards, supported by direct coordination with military operations centers.

Emergency plans have been activated across all aviation sectors. Measures include reducing access points at airport facilities, limiting on-site staff to essential personnel and implementing evacuation procedures where necessary. Air navigation systems have also been adapted to manage traffic efficiently during disruptions, including rerouting flights and operating within controlled time windows.

The QCAA continues to conduct regular emergency drills and simulations, covering scenarios such as airspace closures and communication failures, to maintain preparedness and improve response capabilities.

Concluding his remarks, Al Hajri stressed that aviation safety remains the country’s top priority. He said all operational decisions are guided by detailed risk assessments and close coordination with national authorities, underscoring Qatar’s ability to manage complex and high-risk situations effectively.

Source: The Peninsula

Oman has approved citizenship for 226 individuals following the issuance of Royal Decree No. 46/2026 by Sultan Haitham bin Tariq. The decree was officially published in the Official Gazette on April 19, confirming the names of those granted nationality.

The decision aligns with the country’s nationality law, which outlines strict eligibility criteria for foreign nationals seeking Omani citizenship. Applicants are required to have legally resided in Oman for a minimum of 15 consecutive years, with annual absences not exceeding 90 days.

In addition, candidates must demonstrate proficiency in Arabic, maintain a clean legal record, and have no history of crimes involving dishonesty or breach of trust. They must also be in good health, free from communicable diseases, and able to prove a stable and lawful source of income sufficient to support themselves and their dependents. A formal pledge to renounce their original nationality is also mandatory.

The legislation includes specific provisions for spouses of Omani citizens. Foreign men married to Omani women may apply for citizenship after 10 years of continuous marriage and residence, provided they have children and meet all legal, linguistic, and financial requirements. Foreign women married to Omani men are eligible after eight years, while widows may apply after six years of residence following their husband’s death. Divorced women may also qualify under defined conditions, including prior marriage duration, residency, and the presence of children.

Citizenship can also be acquired by children through their Omani father, and in certain circumstances through their Omani mother, particularly if the father is absent, deceased, or unknown, subject to legal approval and residency requirements.

The law further outlines conditions under which citizenship may be revoked or withdrawn. These include obtaining another nationality in violation of regulations, submitting false information during the application process, or being convicted of crimes that threaten state security. Citizenship may also be rescinded if a naturalised individual resides abroad for extended periods without valid justification.

Strict penalties are imposed for fraudulent applications. Individuals found guilty of providing false information or forged documents to obtain or deny citizenship may face imprisonment ranging from one to three years, fines between 5,000 and 10,000 Omani riyals, or both, in addition to any harsher penalties stipulated under other applicable laws.

Source: gulfnews

Canada has introduced a broad set of immigration policy changes effective April 1, 2026, bringing updates to visa fees, work permit regulations, and settlement programs as part of efforts to modernise its immigration system and better align it with economic priorities.

The latest measures affect a wide range of applicants, including temporary workers, permanent residents, and families seeking to reunite in the country, while also placing greater emphasis on regional labour needs and administrative efficiency.

One of the most noticeable changes is the increase in government service fees. The cost of passports, including the widely used 10-year adult passport, has been raised, alongside higher charges for citizenship applications. Authorities say the adjustments are intended to reflect rising operational costs and to support improved processing services.

Canada has also introduced more flexible provisions under its super visa programme, allowing parents and grandparents of Canadian citizens and permanent residents to stay for longer durations with simplified requirements. The update is expected to strengthen family reunification and make long-term visits more accessible.

In a significant policy shift, provincial governments have been granted expanded authority over immigration selection. This move allows provinces to better address local workforce shortages by tailoring immigration streams to meet specific economic demands, particularly in sectors experiencing labour gaps.

Changes to work permit rules are another key highlight. The government has introduced measures aimed at encouraging foreign workers to take up employment in rural and less populated regions, where labour shortages remain persistent. Employers hiring through the Temporary Foreign Worker Program will now be subject to stricter requirements to prioritise domestic recruitment, including youth employment, before seeking foreign labour.

Additionally, authorities have extended access to settlement services for newcomers, enabling immigrants to benefit from employment support, language training, and community integration programmes for longer periods. This is expected to improve long-term integration outcomes and workforce participation.

Further adjustments have also been introduced at the provincial level. Some provinces, such as Saskatchewan, have expanded the scope of immigration-related fees to include additional categories of applicants, particularly foreign workers, reflecting increased demand for regional immigration pathways.

The reforms also include administrative improvements designed to streamline application processing, reduce delays, and enhance digital services. Immigration authorities have indicated that these changes will help manage growing application volumes while maintaining service standards.

Overall, the new rules signal Canada’s continued effort to balance economic growth with sustainable immigration. While applicants may face higher costs and stricter compliance requirements in certain areas, the updated framework offers greater flexibility, improved services, and increased opportunities—especially for those willing to work and settle outside major urban centres.

Source: timesofindia

The Kuwait Interior Ministry announced on Wednesday that it will extend visit visas for an additional month, as well as leave of absence permits for three months, in light of the ongoing circumstances.

Starting from February 28, 2026, all visit visas that have expired or are nearing expiration will be automatically extended for one month. During this period, individuals will be exempt from any fees or penalties associated with the extensions, given the current situation.

Additionally, expatriates currently outside Kuwait will benefit from a three-month automatic extension for their leave of absence permits. This extension will be processed without requiring in-person visits or payment of fees.

The ministry also indicated that the exemption period could be further extended, depending on the evolving circumstances.

Source: Kuwaittimes

China confirmed that citizens of the United Kingdom and Canada will be able to visit the country without a visa beginning February 17, in a move intended to boost travel and cultural exchanges. The new arrangement will remain in place until the end of the year, the Foreign Ministry announced on Sunday.

The decision follows separate visits to Beijing in January by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer and Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney, both of whom sought to reset relations with China and explore areas of cooperation. During their meetings with President Xi Jinping and other senior officials, both sides agreed to advance initiatives, including visa-free travel.

Under the policy, holders of ordinary British and Canadian passports can stay in China for up to 30 days without applying for a visa. The exemption applies to trips for tourism, business, family visits, cultural exchanges, or transit.

Beijing described the measure as part of broader efforts to make cross-border travel easier and promote closer people-to-people ties with other countries.

The Republic of Armenia has unveiled a temporary visa‑exemption policy that allows residents of the United Arab Emirates from 113 eligible countries to enter Armenia without a visa until 1 July 2026, officials confirmed. The initiative is designed to make travel simpler, boost tourism, and strengthen Armenia’s ties with global visitors and expatriates.

Under the new policy, foreign nationals who hold a valid UAE residence permit — in addition to those issued by Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman, the United States, European Union member states, or Schengen Area countries — can travel to Armenia without a prior visa.

To qualify, the residence permit must be valid for at least six months from the date of entry and presented either as a physical card or as a passport sticker. Once admitted, travellers can stay in Armenia for up to 180 days within a one‑year period, offering flexibility for extended visits for tourism, business or family purposes.

This temporary exemption scheme is part of Armenia’s broader effort to enhance accessibility and attract international visitors throughout the first half of 2026. The policy applies to a wide range of nationalities across Africa, Asia, Latin America and other regions, including major countries such as India, Pakistan, Egypt, the Philippines, Malaysia, South Africa and Sri Lanka, among many others.

Armenian officials have emphasised that the measure is intended to streamline entry procedures, support the tourism sector, and encourage cultural and economic engagement with travellers from diverse markets. The Armenian Tourism Committee highlighted the move as a clear signal that the country is open and welcoming to global visitors in 2026.

How It Works in Practice

Eligible travellers planning to take advantage of the visa‑exemption should:

• Ensure their residence permit is valid for at least six months from the intended date of arrival.

• Carry the original physical permit or passport sticker when entering Armenia.

• Plan their trip within the exemption timeframe (1 January – 1 July 2026).

Border authorities may require that the permit display key personal details — such as name, nationality, date of birth and validity dates — in Latin script to facilitate verification.

Armenia has gradually expanded its visa‑free arrangements in recent years. It introduced visa‑free travel for citizens of the UAE in 2017, followed by similar measures for Qatar in 2019 and Kuwait in 2022. Direct flights between Armenian cities and the UAE, operated by carriers such as flydubai, Air Arabia and Wizz Air, have further strengthened travel connections.

Located at the cultural crossroads of Europe and Asia, Armenia has become an attractive destination for residents of the Gulf region. With scenic landscapes, centuries‑old UNESCO‑listed monasteries, burgeoning culinary offerings and a lively arts scene, the country offers diverse experiences for both short breaks and longer stays.