Afghan refugees in their new home in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Reuters
Afghan refugees in their new home in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Reuters
Afghan refugees in their new home in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Reuters
Afghan refugees in their new home in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Reuters

Americans can sponsor refugees directly under programme launching this week


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Groups of Americans will be able to directly sponsor refugees for resettlement in the US under a new programme launching on Thursday, three people familiar with the matter told Reuters, a step that could bolster admissions and reduce government costs.

Under the pilot programme, which will be called the Welcome Corps, groups of at least five people will be expected to raise a minimum of $2,275 per refugee assigned to them by the government, one of the people said.

The sponsor groups will also be required to pass background checks and create a support plan.

The programme will aim to find US sponsors for 5,000 refugees in fiscal year 2023, which ends on September 30, another of the sources said.

The individual sponsorship programme for refugees — similar to a model used in Canada — is part of a broader effort by US President Joe Biden to provide opportunities for Americans to support foreigners seeking protection.

Earlier this month, Mr Biden rolled out a humanitarian entry programme that allows up to 30,000 migrants per month from Cuba, Haiti, Nicaragua and Venezuela to enter via “parole” if they have US sponsors and travel by air.

The administration also used parole to admit Afghans and Ukrainians and piloted sponsor programmes to support them in the US.

  • The US border fence in Tijuana, Mexico. All photos: Willy Lowry / The National
    The US border fence in Tijuana, Mexico. All photos: Willy Lowry / The National
  • The entrance to Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez, where hundreds of Ukrainian refugees are staying.
    The entrance to Unidad Deportiva Benito Juarez, where hundreds of Ukrainian refugees are staying.
  • Georg Bondarenko with his uncle in Tijuana, having fled Ukraine.
    Georg Bondarenko with his uncle in Tijuana, having fled Ukraine.
  • Ukrainians are sleeping beside luggage in Tijuana.
    Ukrainians are sleeping beside luggage in Tijuana.
  • Children pick out toys from a donation box at the sports complex where Ukrainian refugees are staying in Tijuana.
    Children pick out toys from a donation box at the sports complex where Ukrainian refugees are staying in Tijuana.
  • A young girl plays with a toy.
    A young girl plays with a toy.
  • Hundreds of Ukrainian refugees are sleeping in the gymnasium in Tijuana.
    Hundreds of Ukrainian refugees are sleeping in the gymnasium in Tijuana.
  • Victoria and her partner fled Kyiv for the US. Here they pose inside a refugee camp in Tijuana, Mexico.
    Victoria and her partner fled Kyiv for the US. Here they pose inside a refugee camp in Tijuana, Mexico.
  • Sandra, a 21-year-old university student, waits to enter the US.
    Sandra, a 21-year-old university student, waits to enter the US.
  • Karina Konotopets fled Chernihiv at the start of the war.
    Karina Konotopets fled Chernihiv at the start of the war.
  • Ukrainians huddle around a makeshift charging station in Tijuana.
    Ukrainians huddle around a makeshift charging station in Tijuana.
  • Anastasiya Polo is one of the lead volunteers helping to organise the makeshift refugee camp in Tijuana.
    Anastasiya Polo is one of the lead volunteers helping to organise the makeshift refugee camp in Tijuana.
  • A woman carries a child on to a bus in Tijuana.
    A woman carries a child on to a bus in Tijuana.
  • A bus carrying refugees is parked in front of the sports complex where Ukrainians are staying in Tijuana.
    A bus carrying refugees is parked in front of the sports complex where Ukrainians are staying in Tijuana.
  • A young girl sits on a bus in Tijuana, waiting to enter the US.
    A young girl sits on a bus in Tijuana, waiting to enter the US.
  • Ukrainian refugees walk up the pedestrian ramp to the PedWest point of entry into the United States.
    Ukrainian refugees walk up the pedestrian ramp to the PedWest point of entry into the United States.
  • Ukrainian refugees wait to enter the US.
    Ukrainian refugees wait to enter the US.
  • The San Ysidro Port of Entry from Tijuana.
    The San Ysidro Port of Entry from Tijuana.
  • A man wearing a sombrero and draped in Ukrainian flag welcomes refugees on the US side of the border.
    A man wearing a sombrero and draped in Ukrainian flag welcomes refugees on the US side of the border.
  • Victoria and her partner pose with a young child on the US side of the border.
    Victoria and her partner pose with a young child on the US side of the border.
  • The controversial US border fence stretches for kilometres near Tijuana.
    The controversial US border fence stretches for kilometres near Tijuana.
  • The US border fence stretches towards the Pacific Ocean.
    The US border fence stretches towards the Pacific Ocean.

The Welcome Corps programme will bring in refugees through the US Refugee Resettlement Programme, which takes referrals from the UN and US embassies.

Mr Biden set a cap of 125,000 refugee admissions this fiscal year, which began on October 1, 2022, but only 6,750 arrived from October-December, according to programme data.

The US greatly curtailed refugee entries under former Republican president Donald Trump, who portrayed them as a security threat. Admissions have yet to rebound to pre-Trump levels.

Sasha Chanoff, founder of RefugePoint, which identifies people in need of resettlement, said the sponsorships could be one of the most significant developments for the US refugee programme since it began in 1980.

“It invites Americans to get involved in new ways,” he said.

Giant refugee puppet joins 'huddled masses' in New York — in pictures

  • Little Amal, a giant puppet depicting a Syrian refugee girl, walks outside St Patrick's Cathedral in New York. AFP
    Little Amal, a giant puppet depicting a Syrian refugee girl, walks outside St Patrick's Cathedral in New York. AFP
  • The puppet was built to raise awareness of the plight of displaced children seeking safety across borders. AFP
    The puppet was built to raise awareness of the plight of displaced children seeking safety across borders. AFP
  • She started her journey at the Syrian-Turkish border in July 2021. AFP
    She started her journey at the Syrian-Turkish border in July 2021. AFP
  • Little Amal walks through Times Square in New York City. AFP
    Little Amal walks through Times Square in New York City. AFP
  • On a 17-day tour of New York City, Little Amal will visit a variety of neighbourhoods while raising awareness about immigration and refugees. AFP
    On a 17-day tour of New York City, Little Amal will visit a variety of neighbourhoods while raising awareness about immigration and refugees. AFP
  • Little Amal, who has been touring around the world, symbolises a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl. AFP
    Little Amal, who has been touring around the world, symbolises a 10-year-old Syrian refugee girl. AFP
  • She met Ukrainian refugees in Europe. AFP
    She met Ukrainian refugees in Europe. AFP
  • The puppet performs with members of New Victory LabWorks at the New York Public Library. AFP
    The puppet performs with members of New Victory LabWorks at the New York Public Library. AFP
  • The tour, organised by The Walk Productions and St Ann's Warehouse, will cover all five boroughs at 55 events. AFP
    The tour, organised by The Walk Productions and St Ann's Warehouse, will cover all five boroughs at 55 events. AFP
  • Little Amal at the New York Public Library. AFP
    Little Amal at the New York Public Library. AFP
  • Her producers chose New York because America and Europe are where the 'huddled masses' are welcome. AFP
    Her producers chose New York because America and Europe are where the 'huddled masses' are welcome. AFP
  • She was designed by the Handspring Puppet Company based in South Africa. AFP
    She was designed by the Handspring Puppet Company based in South Africa. AFP
  • Little Amal walks around Grand Central Station. AP
    Little Amal walks around Grand Central Station. AP
  • Newlyweds meet Little Amal. AFP
    Newlyweds meet Little Amal. AFP
  • Little Amal is trying to reach every corner of the Big Apple. AP
    Little Amal is trying to reach every corner of the Big Apple. AP
How to book

Call DHA on 800342

Once you are registered, you will receive a confirmation text message

Present the SMS and your Emirates ID at the centre
DHA medical personnel will take a nasal swab

Check results within 48 hours on the DHA app under ‘Lab Results’ and then ‘Patient Services’

Key facilities
  • Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
  • Premier League-standard football pitch
  • 400m Olympic running track
  • NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
  • 600-seat auditorium
  • Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
  • An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
  • Specialist robotics and science laboratories
  • AR and VR-enabled learning centres
  • Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Moral education needed in a 'rapidly changing world'

Moral education lessons for young people is needed in a rapidly changing world, the head of the programme said.

Alanood Al Kaabi, head of programmes at the Education Affairs Office of the Crown Price Court - Abu Dhabi, said: "The Crown Price Court is fully behind this initiative and have already seen the curriculum succeed in empowering young people and providing them with the necessary tools to succeed in building the future of the nation at all levels.

"Moral education touches on every aspect and subject that children engage in.

"It is not just limited to science or maths but it is involved in all subjects and it is helping children to adapt to integral moral practises.

"The moral education programme has been designed to develop children holistically in a world being rapidly transformed by technology and globalisation."

Silent Hill f

Publisher: Konami

Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC

Rating: 4.5/5

WORLD CUP FINAL

England v South Africa

Yokohama International Stadium, Tokyo

Saturday, kick-off 1pm (UAE)

Who was Alfred Nobel?

The Nobel Prize was created by wealthy Swedish chemist and entrepreneur Alfred Nobel.

  • In his will he dictated that the bulk of his estate should be used to fund "prizes to those who, during the preceding year, have conferred the greatest benefit to humankind".
  • Nobel is best known as the inventor of dynamite, but also wrote poetry and drama and could speak Russian, French, English and German by the age of 17. The five original prize categories reflect the interests closest to his heart.
  • Nobel died in 1896 but it took until 1901, following a legal battle over his will, before the first prizes were awarded.
Temple numbers

Expected completion: 2022

Height: 24 meters

Ground floor banquet hall: 370 square metres to accommodate about 750 people

Ground floor multipurpose hall: 92 square metres for up to 200 people

First floor main Prayer Hall: 465 square metres to hold 1,500 people at a time

First floor terrace areas: 2,30 square metres  

Temple will be spread over 6,900 square metres

Structure includes two basements, ground and first floor 

LUKA CHUPPI

Director: Laxman Utekar

Producer: Maddock Films, Jio Cinema

Cast: Kartik Aaryan, Kriti Sanon​​​​​​​, Pankaj Tripathi, Vinay Pathak, Aparshakti Khurana

Rating: 3/5

Emergency

Director: Kangana Ranaut

Stars: Kangana Ranaut, Anupam Kher, Shreyas Talpade, Milind Soman, Mahima Chaudhry 

Rating: 2/5

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Ten tax points to be aware of in 2026

1. Domestic VAT refund amendments: request your refund within five years

If a business does not apply for the refund on time, they lose their credit.

2. E-invoicing in the UAE

Businesses should continue preparing for the implementation of e-invoicing in the UAE, with 2026 a preparation and transition period ahead of phased mandatory adoption. 

3. More tax audits

Tax authorities are increasingly using data already available across multiple filings to identify audit risks. 

4. More beneficial VAT and excise tax penalty regime

Tax disputes are expected to become more frequent and more structured, with clearer administrative objection and appeal processes. The UAE has adopted a new penalty regime for VAT and excise disputes, which now mirrors the penalty regime for corporate tax.

5. Greater emphasis on statutory audit

There is a greater need for the accuracy of financial statements. The International Financial Reporting Standards standards need to be strictly adhered to and, as a result, the quality of the audits will need to increase.

6. Further transfer pricing enforcement

Transfer pricing enforcement, which refers to the practice of establishing prices for internal transactions between related entities, is expected to broaden in scope. The UAE will shortly open the possibility to negotiate advance pricing agreements, or essentially rulings for transfer pricing purposes. 

7. Limited time periods for audits

Recent amendments also introduce a default five-year limitation period for tax audits and assessments, subject to specific statutory exceptions. While the standard audit and assessment period is five years, this may be extended to up to 15 years in cases involving fraud or tax evasion. 

8. Pillar 2 implementation 

Many multinational groups will begin to feel the practical effect of the Domestic Minimum Top-Up Tax (DMTT), the UAE's implementation of the OECD’s global minimum tax under Pillar 2. While the rules apply for financial years starting on or after January 1, 2025, it is 2026 that marks the transition to an operational phase.

9. Reduced compliance obligations for imported goods and services

Businesses that apply the reverse-charge mechanism for VAT purposes in the UAE may benefit from reduced compliance obligations. 

10. Substance and CbC reporting focus

Tax authorities are expected to continue strengthening the enforcement of economic substance and Country-by-Country (CbC) reporting frameworks. In the UAE, these regimes are increasingly being used as risk-assessment tools, providing tax authorities with a comprehensive view of multinational groups’ global footprints and enabling them to assess whether profits are aligned with real economic activity. 

Contributed by Thomas Vanhee and Hend Rashwan, Aurifer

Full Party in the Park line-up

2pm – Andreah

3pm – Supernovas

4.30pm – The Boxtones

5.30pm – Lighthouse Family

7pm – Step On DJs

8pm – Richard Ashcroft

9.30pm – Chris Wright

10pm – Fatboy Slim

11pm – Hollaphonic

 

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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%20name%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHayvn%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E2018%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounders%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EChristopher%20Flinos%2C%20Ahmed%20Ismail%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbu%20Dhabi%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESector%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Efinancial%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInitial%20investment%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eundisclosed%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ESize%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%2044%20employees%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3Eseries%20B%20in%20the%20second%20half%20of%202023%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EInvestors%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EHilbert%20Capital%2C%20Red%20Acre%20Ventures%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
BMW%20M4%20Competition
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What is 'Soft Power'?

Soft power was first mentioned in 1990 by former US Defence Secretary Joseph Nye. 
He believed that there were alternative ways of cultivating support from other countries, instead of achieving goals using military strength. 
Soft power is, at its root, the ability to convince other states to do what you want without force. 
This is traditionally achieved by proving that you share morals and values.

The Outsider

Stephen King, Penguin

Living in...

This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.

Gulf Under 19s final

Dubai College A 50-12 Dubai College B

THE BIO

Ms Davison came to Dubai from Kerala after her marriage in 1996 when she was 21-years-old

Since 2001, Ms Davison has worked at many affordable schools such as Our Own English High School in Sharjah, and The Apple International School and Amled School in Dubai

Favourite Book: The Alchemist

Favourite quote: Failing to prepare is preparing to fail

Favourite place to Travel to: Vienna

Favourite cuisine: Italian food

Favourite Movie : Scent of a Woman

 

 

THE SPECS

Engine: 3.5-litre V6
Transmission: six-speed manual
Power: 325bhp
Torque: 370Nm
Speed: 0-100km/h 3.9 seconds
Price: Dh230,000
On sale: now

The biog

Hobby: Playing piano and drawing patterns

Best book: Awaken the Giant Within by Tony Robbins

Food of choice: Sushi  

Favourite colour: Orange

Updated: January 18, 2023, 11:25 PM