The US has launched a crackdown on travel agencies that secure visitor visas for supposed tourists who then overstay and fail to return to India. Pawan Singh / The National
The US has launched a crackdown on travel agencies that secure visitor visas for supposed tourists who then overstay and fail to return to India. Pawan Singh / The National
The US has launched a crackdown on travel agencies that secure visitor visas for supposed tourists who then overstay and fail to return to India. Pawan Singh / The National
The US has launched a crackdown on travel agencies that secure visitor visas for supposed tourists who then overstay and fail to return to India. Pawan Singh / The National

Indian travel agencies targeted by US visa bans


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The US State Department on Monday announced it would impose visa restrictions on owners and officials at travel agencies based in India who knowingly enable illegal immigration to the US.

State Department spokeswoman Tammy Bruce said US diplomatic staff in India are working to “actively identify and target those engaged in facilitating illegal immigration and human smuggling and trafficking operations”.

The crackdown targets travel agencies that secure visitor visas for supposed tourists who then overstay and fail to return to India.

“We will continue to take steps to impose visa restrictions against owners, executives and senior officials of travel agencies to cut off alien smuggling networks,” Ms Bruce said in a statement.

Anyone who overstays a visa is at risk of being deported or faces a permanent ban from securing future visas.

Since taking office in January, President Donald Trump has moved to halt illegal immigration to the US and has sought to increase deportations.

Who's who in Yemen conflict

Houthis: Iran-backed rebels who occupy Sanaa and run unrecognised government

Yemeni government: Exiled government in Aden led by eight-member Presidential Leadership Council

Southern Transitional Council: Faction in Yemeni government that seeks autonomy for the south

Habrish 'rebels': Tribal-backed forces feuding with STC over control of oil in government territory

PSG's line up

GK: Alphonse Areola (youth academy)

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Midfield - Angel di Maria (€47m); Adrien Rabiot (youth academy); Marco Verratti (€12m)

Forwards - Neymar (€222m); Edinson Cavani (€63m); Kylian Mbappe (initial: loan; to buy: €180m)

Total cost: €440.4m (€620.4m if Mbappe makes permanent move)

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Day 1 results:

Open Men (bonus points in brackets)
New Zealand 125 (1) beat UAE 111 (3)
India 111 (4) beat Singapore 75 (0)
South Africa 66 (2) beat Sri Lanka 57 (2)
Australia 126 (4) beat Malaysia -16 (0)

Open Women
New Zealand 64 (2) beat South Africa 57 (2)
England 69 (3) beat UAE 63 (1)
Australia 124 (4) beat UAE 23 (0)
New Zealand 74 (2) beat England 55 (2)

Seven tips from Emirates NBD

1. Never respond to e-mails, calls or messages asking for account, card or internet banking details

2. Never store a card PIN (personal identification number) in your mobile or in your wallet

3. Ensure online shopping websites are secure and verified before providing card details

4. Change passwords periodically as a precautionary measure

5. Never share authentication data such as passwords, card PINs and OTPs  (one-time passwords) with third parties

6. Track bank notifications regarding transaction discrepancies

7. Report lost or stolen debit and credit cards immediately

Brief scores:

Everton 2

Walcott 21', Sigurdsson 51'

Tottenham 6

Son 27', 61', Alli 35', Kane 42', 74', Eriksen 48'​​​​​​​

Man of the Match: Son Heung-min (Tottenham Hotspur)

Bio

Born in Dibba, Sharjah in 1972.
He is the eldest among 11 brothers and sisters.
He was educated in Sharjah schools and is a graduate of UAE University in Al Ain.
He has written poetry for 30 years and has had work published in local newspapers.
He likes all kinds of adventure movies that relate to his work.
His dream is a safe and preserved environment for all humankind. 
His favourite book is The Quran, and 'Maze of Innovation and Creativity', written by his brother.

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