The Pakistan People's Party has officially announced its decision to oppose the government's policies, signaling a shift in political dynamics and raising concerns about the future direction of the country's governance.

Pakistan People's Party decides to openly oppose government policies

Syria urges the United States to remove sanctions imposed on Damascus, amid calls for diplomatic engagement and relief.

Syria calls on US to lift sanctions on Damascus

Syria's newly appointed leadership has vowed to bring all weapons under state control, aiming to consolidate power and end militia influence. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and governance amid ongoing instability.



Syria's New Leaders Say All Weapons To Come Under "State Control'

Syria's newly appointed leadership has vowed to bring all weapons under state control, aiming to consolidate power and end militia influence. The move is part of broader efforts to strengthen national security and governance amid ongoing instability.

The US Senate has approved a spending bill to prevent a government shutdown, sending it to President Biden for final approval.

US Senate Passes Spending Bill to Avoid Government Shutdown, Sends to Biden

The US Senate has approved a spending bill to prevent a government shutdown, sending it to President Biden for final approval.



In a bold move, Democrats have labeled Elon Musk, the CEO of Tesla and SpaceX, "President Musk" after he was seen joining former President Donald Trump and Amazon's Jeff Bezos at Mar-a-Lago. The gathering has sparked heated debates about Musk's political influence and ties with influential figures.

USA: Democrats Call Richest Man "President Musk", Joins Trump and Bezos At Marg-A-Lago |

Washington DC, United States 
The United States' outgoing Biden administration relaxed H-1B visas' rules which will ease the process of hiring foreign workers for companies and will ensure a smoother transition of people from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas.
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rules which are aimed at providing more flexibility to employers and workers by changing the definition for special positions and exempting governmental research organisations from the annual statutory limit on H-1B visas.
As per the official release, the change will help US employers hire according to their needs of business and remain competitive on a global scale. 
The new rules will come into effect on January 17, 2025.
Speaking about the new rules, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said, “American businesses rely on the H-1B visa programme for the recruitment of highly-skilled talent, benefiting communities across the country."
Also Read: <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-introduces-visa-free-travel-of-10-days-for-international-travellers-from-54-countries-784618">China introduces visa-free travel of 10 days for international travellers from 54 countries</a>
“These improvements to the programme provide employers with greater flexibility to hire global talent, boost our economic competitiveness, and allow highly skilled workers to continue to advance American innovation,” he added.
Meanwhile, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director said, “The H-1B programme was created by Congress in 1990, and there's no question it needed to be modernised to support our nation's growing economy."
<h2>Here's how it will benefit Indians</h2>
The new rule has made it flexible for F-1 visa students to transition to H-1B status. The USCIS will now be able to expedite the application processing of individuals who have received approval for H-1B visa. 
The rule is also applicable for beneficiaries who have an interest in petitioning an organisation and permits them to qualify for an H-1B visa under some conditions.
The USCIS has been granted more authority to impose penalties and conduct inspections in case of non-compliance.
Watch: Russia Plans To Grant Visa-free Entry To Indian Travellers From 2025
<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://cdn.thepublive.com/wion/static/kaltura_player/wion_video_player_iframe.html?thumbnail=wion/media/post_attachments/files/2024/12/17/1712_RUSSIA_GV_pkwo-1734457226-00000003.jpg&videourl=https://vodakm.zeenews.com/vod/WION/1712_RUSSIA_GV_pkwo_.mp4/index.m3u8&duration=127&tags=russia,india,Visa,World News,WION" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>
As per the new rule, the employers need to show that they have a legitimate job for the employee from their start date and submit the supporting documentation which aligns with their Labour Condition Application.
H-1B visa petitioners are required to be legally present in the country and comply with all the legal processes. 
A new Form I-129, which is a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, has been introduced, which is mandatory with all petitions filed from January 17, 2025. 
The employers will use Form I-129 to bring foreign workers for temporary employment in the country.
The new rule will be modernising the definition of speciality occupations and eligibility criteria will be clarified, especially for non-profit and governmental research organisations that have been exempted from the annual visa cap. 
(With inputs from agencies)

The new rules for modernising the H-1B visa programme were announced by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and they are set to come into effect on January 17, 2025

 



Washington DC, United States The United States' outgoing Biden administration relaxed H-1B visas' rules which will ease the process of hiring foreign workers for companies and will ensure a smoother transition of people from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rules which are aimed at providing more flexibility to employers and workers by changing the definition for special positions and exempting governmental research organisations from the annual statutory limit on H-1B visas. As per the official release, the change will help US employers hire according to their needs of business and remain competitive on a global scale. The new rules will come into effect on January 17, 2025. Speaking about the new rules, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said, “American businesses rely on the H-1B visa programme for the recruitment of highly-skilled talent, benefiting communities across the country." Also Read: China introduces visa-free travel of 10 days for international travellers from 54 countries “These improvements to the programme provide employers with greater flexibility to hire global talent, boost our economic competitiveness, and allow highly skilled workers to continue to advance American innovation,” he added. Meanwhile, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director said, “The H-1B programme was created by Congress in 1990, and there's no question it needed to be modernised to support our nation's growing economy." Here's how it will benefit Indians The new rule has made it flexible for F-1 visa students to transition to H-1B status. The USCIS will now be able to expedite the application processing of individuals who have received approval for H-1B visa. The rule is also applicable for beneficiaries who have an interest in petitioning an organisation and permits them to qualify for an H-1B visa under some conditions. The USCIS has been granted more authority to impose penalties and conduct inspections in case of non-compliance. Watch: Russia Plans To Grant Visa-free Entry To Indian Travellers From 2025 As per the new rule, the employers need to show that they have a legitimate job for the employee from their start date and submit the supporting documentation which aligns with their Labour Condition Application. H-1B visa petitioners are required to be legally present in the country and comply with all the legal processes. A new Form I-129, which is a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, has been introduced, which is mandatory with all petitions filed from January 17, 2025. The employers will use Form I-129 to bring foreign workers for temporary employment in the country. The new rule will be modernising the definition of speciality occupations and eligibility criteria will be clarified, especially for non-profit and governmental research organisations that have been exempted from the annual visa cap. (With inputs from agencies)

US outgoing government relaxes H1-B visa rules. Here's how it will benefit Indians

The United States' outgoing Biden administration relaxed H-1B visas' rules which will ease the process of hiring foreign workers for companies and will ensure a smoother transition of people from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas.

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rules which are aimed at providing more flexibility to employers and workers by changing the definition for special positions and exempting governmental research organisations from the annual statutory limit on H-1B visas.

As per the official release, the change will help US employers hire according to their needs of business and remain competitive on a global scale.&nbsp;

The new rules will come into effect on January 17, 2025.

Speaking about the new rules, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said, “American businesses rely on the H-1B visa programme for the recruitment of highly-skilled talent, benefiting communities across the country."

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-introduces-visa-free-travel-of-10-days-for-international-travellers-from-54-countries-784618">China introduces visa-free travel of 10 days for international travellers from 54 countries</a>

“These improvements to the programme provide employers with greater flexibility to hire global talent, boost our economic competitiveness, and allow highly skilled workers to continue to advance American innovation,” he added.

Meanwhile, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS)&nbsp;Director said, “The H-1B programme was created by Congress in 1990, and there's no question it needed to be modernised to support our nation's growing economy."

<h2>Here's how it will benefit Indians</h2>

The new rule has made it flexible for F-1 visa students to transition to H-1B status. The USCIS will now be able to expedite the application processing of individuals who have received approval for H-1B visa.&nbsp;

The rule is also applicable for beneficiaries who have an interest in petitioning an organisation and permits them to qualify for an H-1B visa under some conditions.

The USCIS has been granted more authority to impose penalties and conduct inspections in case of non-compliance.

Watch:&nbsp;Russia Plans To Grant Visa-free Entry To Indian Travellers From 2025

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/russia-plans-to-grant-visa-free-entry-to-indian-travellers-from-2025-784790/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

As per the new rule, the employers need to show that they have a legitimate job for the employee from their start date and submit the supporting documentation which aligns with their Labour Condition Application.

H-1B visa petitioners are required to be legally present in the country and comply with all the legal processes.&nbsp;

A new Form I-129, which is a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, has been introduced, which is mandatory with all petitions filed from January 17, 2025.&nbsp;

The employers will use Form I-129 to bring foreign workers for temporary employment in the country.

The new rule will be modernising the definition of speciality occupations and eligibility criteria will be clarified, especially for non-profit and governmental research organisations that have been exempted from the annual visa cap.&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)

The United States' outgoing Biden administration relaxed H-1B visas' rules which will ease the process of hiring foreign workers for companies and will ensure a smoother transition of people from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas.

The United States' outgoing Biden administration relaxed H-1B visas' rules which will ease the process of hiring foreign workers for companies and will ensure a smoother transition of people from F-1 student visas to H-1B visas. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced the rules which are aimed at providing more flexibility to employers and workers by changing the definition for special positions and exempting governmental research organisations from the annual statutory limit on H-1B visas. As per the official release, the change will help US employers hire according to their needs of business and remain competitive on a global scale. The new rules will come into effect on January 17, 2025. Speaking about the new rules, Secretary of Homeland Security Alejandro N. Mayorkas said, “American businesses rely on the H-1B visa programme for the recruitment of highly-skilled talent, benefiting communities across the country." Also Read: China introduces visa-free travel of 10 days for international travellers from 54 countries “These improvements to the programme provide employers with greater flexibility to hire global talent, boost our economic competitiveness, and allow highly skilled workers to continue to advance American innovation,” he added. Meanwhile, US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) Director said, “The H-1B programme was created by Congress in 1990, and there's no question it needed to be modernised to support our nation's growing economy." Here's how it will benefit Indians The new rule has made it flexible for F-1 visa students to transition to H-1B status. The USCIS will now be able to expedite the application processing of individuals who have received approval for H-1B visa. The rule is also applicable for beneficiaries who have an interest in petitioning an organisation and permits them to qualify for an H-1B visa under some conditions. The USCIS has been granted more authority to impose penalties and conduct inspections in case of non-compliance. Watch: Russia Plans To Grant Visa-free Entry To Indian Travellers From 2025 As per the new rule, the employers need to show that they have a legitimate job for the employee from their start date and submit the supporting documentation which aligns with their Labour Condition Application. H-1B visa petitioners are required to be legally present in the country and comply with all the legal processes. A new Form I-129, which is a Petition for a Nonimmigrant Worker, has been introduced, which is mandatory with all petitions filed from January 17, 2025. The employers will use Form I-129 to bring foreign workers for temporary employment in the country. The new rule will be modernising the definition of speciality occupations and eligibility criteria will be clarified, especially for non-profit and governmental research organisations that have been exempted from the annual visa cap. (With inputs from agencies)

As Syria continues to grapple with the aftermath of a brutal civil war, the question arises whether the newly appointed leaders can pave the way for lasting peace. With decades of conflict, millions displaced, and a fragmented political landscape, Syria’s future remains uncertain. The new leadership faces the immense challenge of rebuilding the country, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and negotiating peace with various factions. 



Israel-Syria: Rebel Leader Says Syria Too Exhausted For Conflict With Israel

Syria: USA, Regional Diplomats Urge Respect For Minorities In Syria

As Syria continues to grapple with the aftermath of a brutal civil war, the question arises whether the newly appointed leaders can pave the way for lasting peace. With decades of conflict, millions displaced, and a fragmented political landscape, Syria’s future remains uncertain. The new leadership faces the immense challenge of rebuilding the country, addressing the humanitarian crisis, and negotiating peace with various factions.

Syria: Will The New Syrian Leaders Help Bring Peace In War-Torn Country?

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that the United States has made direct contact with Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group linked to al-Qaeda, amid the ongoing conflict in Syria. Blinken's statement comes as the U.S. seeks to address security concerns and ensure stability in the region. The move signals a shift in U.S. strategy as it navigates complex alliances and aims to counter the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups operating in Syria.

Syria War: Blinken Confirms US Has Made Direct Contact with Syria's HTS

U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken has confirmed that the United States has made direct contact with Syria’s Hayat Tahrir al-Sham (HTS), a group linked to al-Qaeda, amid the ongoing conflict in Syria. Blinken's statement comes as the U.S. seeks to address security concerns and ensure stability in the region. The move signals a shift in U.S. strategy as it navigates complex alliances and aims to counter the ongoing threat posed by extremist groups operating in Syria.



Israeli troops have been ordered to prepare to remain in the buffer zone throughout the winter amid the ongoing Syria conflict. The move reflects heightened tensions in the region and Israel’s strategic response to the evolving situation along its northern border.

Syria War: Israeli Troops Asked To 'Prepare To Remain' In Buffer Zone All Winter

The stunning fall of dictator Bashar al-Assad in Syria thrust several rebel groups and foreign powers into the spotlight as they vie for control and influence. Watch for more details!

Syria: Foreign Powers and Rebels Contend To Shape Syria's Future

French President Emmanuel Macron is looking to name a new prime minister in the next 48 hours, he said at a gathering with leaders from across the political spectrum on Tuesday.

French President Emmanuel Macron Vows To Name New PM Within Hours | World DNA | WION

French President Emmanuel Macron will hold discussions with leaders from various political parties on Monday as he works to appoint a new prime minister. This comes after Michel Barnier's minority government collapsed last week following a no-confidence vote. Parliamentary speaker Yaël Braun-Pivet indicated that a replacement will be announced "within the next few hours." Watch to know more!

France: Emmanuel Macron Faces Mounting Pressure To Name New Prime Minister | WION

Syrian rebels seized the city of Hama on Thursday, marking a significant triumph in their week-long rapid offensive across northern Syria. This victory deals a severe setback to President Bashar al-Assad and his allies, Russia and Iran.

Armed Syrian Rebels Pledge To Advance Towards Damascus

Rebels Celebrate After Capturing Key Syrian City Hama

France Political Crisis: President Emmanuel Macron Vows To Name New PM Within Days | Race To Power

Syrian rebels captured the city of Hama on Thursday, a major victory in a week-old lightning advance across northern Syria and a devastating new blow to President Bashar al-Assad and his Russian and Iranian allies.

Syrian Rebels Capture Key City Of Hama In Fresh Blow To Assad

Elon Musk's star power and political clout were on display at Capitol Hill on Thursday. The world's richest man, and fellow entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy, met with legislators behind closed doors to discuss President-elect Donald Trump's plans to cut government spending. Watch in for more details!

USA News: Musk And Ramaswamy Tasked With Cutting Government Spending

French President Emmanuel Macron has pledged to appoint a new Prime Minister in the near future, following recent political developments. The decision comes amid ongoing discussions about reshaping France's leadership and governance. Macron's move aims to address current challenges and strengthen his administration's focus on key issues.

France Political Crisis: Macron Blames Alliance Of Hard Right & Hard Left For Fall Of Govt

France is facing a major political crisis as the government collapses following a no-confidence vote. This development marks a significant shift in the country's political landscape and raises questions about the future of its leadership.

France In Political Crisis After No-confidence Vote Topples Government | Race To Power | WION

Syrian opposition forces seize control of large parts of Aleppo in a surprise attack. The rebel advance challenges President Bashar al-Assad’s regime, leading to heavy casualties

Syria Rebels Take Control Of Aleppo After 8 Years, Government Forces Counterattack

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