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Indians leaving Sweden in Record Numbers August 24, 2024 07:46

Many Indians migrate abroad in search of a better future. Traditionally, countries like the US, UK and Canada have been popular choices for Indian students and professionals looking for better opportunities. But in a surprising development, the European nation of Sweden has reversed this trend with more Indians emigrating abroad. Between January and June 2024, Sweden recorded a significant increase in the number of immigrants of Indian origin. With 2,837 departures compared to 1,046 departures in the same period last year, there was a significant increase of 171%. According to Swedish statistics, Indians are the largest immigrant group from Sweden, surpassing immigrants from Iraq, China and Syria. This decline could be influenced by current challenges such as layoffs in the technology sector and stricter work permit regulations. According to Swedish statistics, the population of Indians in Sweden was 58,094 in 2023. The change marks the first time since at least 1998 that Sweden recorded negative net migration of residents of Indian origin in the first half of this year. From 1998 to 2010, a total of 24,034 residence permits were issued to Indian nationals. Of these, 61.2% (14,705 people) were used for work, 25.8% (6,200 people) for school, 9.6% (2,307 people) for family renewal, 3.1% (747 people) for adoption and 0.3% (75 people). ) was done for humanitarian reasons. According to the European University Institute report. Robin Sukia, secretary general and CEO of the Sweden-India Business Council, cautioned against jumping to conclusions. We do not believe there is a single reason for this change as it is likely due to a variety of factors including the high cost of living, lack of serviced apartments and general accommodation issues. Sukia told Local Sweden. According to a local Swedish newspaper, despite this increase in immigration, Indians will still be one of the largest groups of new immigrants to Sweden in 2024, just behind Ukrainians. From January to June 2024, a total of 2,461 people born in India immigrated to Sweden, compared to 3,681 in the same period last year. Excluding the pandemic years 2020 and 2021, this is India's lowest immigration rate since 2017. The decline follows years of steady growth, fueled by strengthening diplomatic ties and Sweden's efforts to attract skilled workers to fill gaps in areas such as technology. However, recent challenges such as layoffs and stricter work permit regulations in the tech sector are affecting this trend. The number of work permits issued for highly skilled immigrants fell 20 percent in the first half of 2024 compared to the previous year, while the number of first-time work permits for Indian nationals fell by 30 percent. These trends reflect the changing challenges faced by Indians in Sweden and indicate possible changes in the country's migration dynamics.

UK anti-immigrant protests ringing bells for Indian Students August 09, 2024 08:18

Indian students in the UK and those arriving in Japan this year are concerned about escalating anti-immigration protests in the island nation, which is embroiled in one of the worst unrest in 13 years. The UK is currently home to over 180,000 Indian students, making it one of the top five international destinations. The rest are Canada, the United States, Australia and Germany. India on Tuesday issued a caution warning for its citizens traveling to Britain as violent protests continued in several British cities. Study abroad platforms such as Leverage.biz, Collegify, iSchoolConnect and AECC Global have been answering panicked calls and questions about developments in the UK since last week. This includes both existing Indian students in the UK and new students looking to start their studies this year. Students typically enroll in college in August and September. “We hear about people being placed under house arrest. Students who are on the verge of expulsion are thinking about it,” said Collegify promoter Adarsh Kahandelwal. “Many students are asking their respective universities for a postponement. The situation is likely to calm down soon but parents do not want to compromise on safety,” he said. In recent days, leaders have said parents fear their wards could inadvertently become involved in protests and offered advice on the current situation in England. “Like local police, we are currently in the UK to avoid travel to conflict areas.” The student, originally from New Delhi and currently studying at King's College London, said his parents were worried about returning home. “I’m trying to reassure them,” he said on condition of anonymity. People with children already studying in the UK make numerous phone calls to inquire about their child's safety. “This is scary news. You feel helpless when you are so far away,” said a parent of a child studying abroad in Manchester. Several students who use the Collegify platform to realize their dreams of studying abroad told ET that they were nervous about going to England. Khandelwal said some were looking for alternative countries, such as staying in India. Popular courses among Indian students include Engineering and Technology, Business and Management, Computer Science and Information Technology, Medicine and Healthcare, Law and Social Sciences. The best British universities for Indian students are Oxford University, Cambridge University, Imperial College, London School of Economics and Political Science, University College London and University of Edinburgh. Vaibhav Gupta, chief marketing officer at iSchoolConnect, an AI-powered study abroad program, said his company expects the number of British students to fall by 20 percent this year. Mr Gupta said: “The current situation has expedited their decision. Macroeconomic conditions and strict visa requirements are now causing students to reconsider the UK." Mr Agarwal, Director of South Asia and Africa, said: "AECC recognizes that the confidence of students wanting to study in the UK has declined significantly. We understand the concerns caused by anti-immigrant sentiment and protests.”

Newly-wed Indian-origin man shot dead in front of wife in USA July 22, 2024 15:04

In the US state of Indiana, a 29-year-old Indian man was shot dead in front of his wife in a traffic accident. The victim was armed with a handgun in his van when he confronted the other driver, and the suspect, who was initially arrested at the scene, was later released, suggesting the two may have acted in "self-defense." According to police and media reports, the incident occurred last week, on July 16, at an intersection in Indianapolis. Police said the victim, Gavin Dasaur, was on his way home with his Mexican wife, Viviana Zamora. According to local news reports from WTHR, the man, who was from Agra, Uttar Pradesh, married on June 29, just two weeks before Zamora's death. The video shows Dasaur approaching the driver of the van, holding a gun in his right hand and banging on the door. He then moved his right hand to the window of the truck and transferred the gun to his left hand. In response, the pickup driver fired three shots and Dasaur immediately fell to the ground. During the brief seven-second encounter, the suspect never got out of the car. USA - An Indianapolis road rage incident has claimed the life of 29-year-old Gavin Dasaur. He approached another car and can be heard screaming "You want to play with me?" as he banged his gun against the door of the pickup truck of the man he was arguing with. Dasaur was… pic.twitter.com/GzT8z7ZKbX — The Many Faces of Death (@ManyFaces_Death) July 18, 2024 Officer Amanda Hibshman of the Indianapolis Police Department (IMPD) reported that just after 8 p.m. on July 16, authorities received a report of a gunshot victim at an intersection on the city's southeast side. Arriving officers reported seeing a man lying on the ground in the middle of the street with at least one gunshot wound. The shooting victim was identified by the man's wife. “I held him while he bled and waited for an ambulance,” the victim’s widow told the Indianapolis Star. According to IMPD, the shooting and the alleged road rage incident remain under investigation. While mourning her husband's death, Dasaur's wife condemned the shooting. “He was a hard-working man who wanted to give me and my family the world and always tried to help others,” she told local media.

All about Jay Chaudhry whose net worth is 11 Billion USD July 20, 2024 10:58

Jay Chaudhry, the 65-year-old founder and CEO of the cloud security giant Zscaler, is estimated to have a net worth of more than $11 billion. Surprisingly, he claims to have never truly cared about accumulating wealth. This mindset, ironically, is what helped him become a billionaire. Chaudhry, who grew up in a small village in rural India, explains that he never had money during his early years, so the idea of amassing wealth was never a priority. This perspective, he believes, was instrumental in his decision to become an entrepreneur. In 1997, Chaudhry and his wife Jyoti quit their jobs and invested their life savings, approximately $500,000, into a cybersecurity startup called SecureIT. They recognized an opportunity to establish a foothold in the burgeoning internet industry. Undeterred by the possibility of losing their savings, the couple's "pretty simple" lifestyle, which involved minimal spending, gave them the confidence to take the risk. They were also convinced that they could find new jobs if their startup venture failed, a mindset Chaudhry attributes to his family upbringing, which "never changed." Some individuals who acquire substantial wealth often feel compelled to indulge in extravagant purchases, such as multiple homes, boats, and planes. However, the 65-year-old entrepreneur finds this type of behavior to be a burdensome distraction. The couple worked collaboratively to establish their companies, with Mr. Chaudhry serving as the chief executive officer while his wife oversaw the financial, operational, and human resources aspects in the initial stages. Less than two years after launching SecureIT, they sold the company for approximately $70 million in stock. Using a portion of those proceeds, the couple founded several additional businesses, eventually investing around $50 million to establish Zscaler in 2007. The company went public in 2018 and is currently valued at approximately $29 billion. The billionaire attributes his prudent approach to wealth management as a key factor in his ability to make strategic, long-term business decisions. He has observed that individuals who raise significant capital often invest in lavish office spaces and unnecessary luxuries, whereas using one's own funds instills a more responsible and thoughtful approach to business operations. "Mr. Chaudhry proposed that we take a chance and commit to this project together," he said conclusively.

Indian-American Man's Rs 8,300 Crore Fraud shakes USA July 02, 2024 07:59

An Indian-American entrepreneur, Rishi Shah, the former multimillionaire co-founder of Outcome Health, has been sentenced to seven and a half years in prison by a US court. The case involves a massive ₹ 8,300 crore ($1 billion) fraud scheme that shook prominent investors like Goldman Sachs Group Inc., Google's parent Alphabet Inc., and Illinois Governor JB Pritzker's venture capital firm. The verdict, delivered by US District Judge Thomas Durkin, closed the chapter on one of the largest corporate deception cases in recent times. According to a Bloomberg report, Outcome Health was Mr. Shah's brainchild during his university days. Originally named Context Media Health, the company was established in 2006 with the goal of revolutionizing medical advertising by installing televisions at doctors' offices to stream health-related ads aimed at patients. Mr. Shah teamed up with his co-founder Shradha Agrawal, and the company's valuation grew exponentially as it sought to bridge the communication gap between patients and healthcare providers through innovative ad placements. By the mid-2010s, Outcome Health had become a major player in the tech and healthcare investment communities. The promise of integrating cutting-edge technology into traditional healthcare marketing attracted high-profile investors. Outcome Health, the company co-founded by Mr. Shah, was experiencing a meteoric rise, amassing substantial funds and clientele, making him a prominent figure in Chicago's corporate circles. However, the shiny exterior concealed a crumbling foundation. Prosecutors alleged that Mr. Shah, along with Ms. Agarwal and another defendant, the chief financial officer Brad Purdy, orchestrated a massive fraud scheme against investors, clients, and lenders. They misrepresented the operational and financial health of the company, selling more advertising inventory than they could actually deliver and fabricating data to cover up the shortfall. This deception extended to pharmaceutical giant Novo Nordisk A/S and other clients, as they misled them about the company's network size and ad reach. The misleading information, combined with fraudulent data, painted a picture of exponential revenue growth, luring further investment and financial backing. Meanwhile, Mr. Shah lived an extravagant lifestyle, indulging in exotic trips with private jets and yachts, even purchasing a $10 million home, all funded by the inflated ad sales and investments. The company had been engaging in deceptive financial reporting methods, concealing the true state of its finances from the public. The illusion crumbled in 2017 when a media investigation by the Wall Street Journal exposed the fraudulent activities. Later, a group of investors, including Goldman Sachs, Alphabet, and Governor Pritzker's firm, filed lawsuits against Outcome Health, accusing the company of fraud in its $487.5 million fundraising earlier that year. The fundraiser had provided a $225 million dividend for Mr. Shah and Ms. Agarwal, but left investors with a significantly overvalued stake in a company on the verge of collapse. Mr. Shah was charged with over a dozen counts of fraud and money laundering, and was convicted on these charges in April 2023. He was joined by Ms. Agarwal and Mr. Purdy. While the prosecutors sought 15 years for Mr. Shah and 10 years for his co-conspirators, the final rulings by District Judge Durkin were inconsistent, including a three-year sentence for Ms. Agarwal in a halfway house and a two-year and three-month sentence in prison for Mr. Purdy. Alongside the criminal case, the US Securities and Exchange Commission has also filed a civil action against Mr. Shah, Ms. Agarwal, Mr. Purdy, and the former chief growth officer, Ashik Desai. Employees had acknowledged their guilt even before the trial commenced. Mr. Shah, facing health issues, expressed remorse and took accountability during the sentencing. In a pre-written statement, he admitted to failing in properly overseeing the rapid expansion of Outcome Health and fostering a corporate environment that enabled deceptive methods. He conveyed feelings of "shame and embarrassment" over the misconduct that ultimately led to the company's demise. "The culture I cultivated allowed my team to believe falsifying data in response to client inquiries was acceptable," he acknowledged.

Australia doubles student visa fees to curb Migration July 01, 2024 10:51

The Australian government has introduced a significant increase in the fees for international students, more than doubling the cost from AUD 710 ($473) to AUD 1,600 ($1,068). This new measure, implemented by the Anthony Albanese government, effective July 1, aims to curb the high influx of migrants that has put pressure on the housing market. The move is likely to affect Indian students, who make up the second-largest group of international students in Australia. Additionally, temporary visa holders, such as those on Temporary Graduate, Visitor, and Maritime Crew visas, will no longer be eligible to apply for a student visa while they are in the country. This change will impact thousands of Indian students currently residing in Australia. The Minister for Home Affairs and Cyber Security, Clare O'Neil, stated that "The changes coming into force today will help restore integrity to our international education system, and create a migration system which is fairer, smaller and better able to deliver for Australia." The Australian government's crackdown is intended to ensure that only genuine students are granted visas, thereby supporting the country's economic growth. The recent government data reveals a substantial influx of Indian students into Australian educational institutions. In 2022, over 100,000 Indian students were enrolled, and this number grew to 1.22 lakh during the January-September 2023 period. However, the increasing costs associated with obtaining an Australian student visa have made it significantly more expensive compared to options in the United States and Canada, where the fees are around $185 and CAD 150 ($110), respectively, as reported by Reuters. In response, the Australian government has announced measures to close loopholes in visa regulations that allowed foreign students to extend their stay repeatedly. This decision comes after observing a surge of over 30% in the number of students holding a second or subsequent student visa, reaching more than 150,000 in the 2022–23 academic year. Additionally, the government has raised the minimum savings requirement for student visas from AUD 24,505 ($16,146) to AUD 29,710 ($19,576).

US proposes plan to scrap additional security checks for Indians June 28, 2024 07:17

As part of an effort to streamline international air travel, the US Transportation Security Administration (TSA) has proposed a "one-stop agreement" with India that would eliminate the need to re-screen passengers and luggage at transit points. At the India-US Aviation Summit in Washington, TSA Director David Pekoske highlighted the feasibility and benefits of the concept. The one-stop security concept simplifies the travel process as connecting flights in different countries do not require additional security checks for passengers and their checked baggage. “This concept facilitates the flow of passengers and luggage to their destination by eliminating double security checks at transit points,” explained Pekoske. Mr. Pekosuke highlighted the security benefits, noting that such an agreement would increase the safety of incoming flights to both countries. He said: “The continuation of this agreement requires regular exchange of information and improvement of security processes”. A memorandum of understanding is required for the exchange of sensitive security information between the two countries. “We have categories of information that are not truly classified, but are so sensitive that they require additional protection,” Pekoske said. Pekoske examined the origins of the TSA and India's road safety measures and found that both measures resulted from tragic events. For India, it was the bombing of Air India Flight 182 in 1985 and for TSA, the terrorist attacks of September 11, 2001. “These tragic events marked a paradigm shift in the way we both think about road safety, and that continues until today,” he said. At the summit, US Aviation Secretary Michael Whittaker said: “Safety is a team sport. That is.” Mr. Whittaker emphasized the interconnectedness of the US and Indian aviation systems, which are part of a single global network. “We need to work together on security issues and share ideas and innovations, particularly on how we can safely bring some of these new technologies into our airspace,” he said. The cooperation between the two countries aims to improve the overall safety of the global aviation system by sharing best practices and learning from each other. Whittaker emphasized the importance of proactive data analysis in accident prevention. "Our goal is to raise safety to a new level. This means we need to proactively analyze data to identify risks of disruption and mitigate those risks before they happen,” he added.

Indian Man Shot Dead During Texas Robbery June 24, 2024 08:00

A 32-year-old Indian man was shot in a robbery incident that took place in USA in the state of Texas and the tragic indicent took place in a grocery store. Dasari Gopikrishna, a native of Andhra Pradesh's Bapatla district, arrived in America just eight months ago. The incident happened on June 21 at a gas station in Pleasant Grove, Dallas. The DC Consul General was in Dallas on Sunday for Yoga Day. Manjunath confirmed to PTI that the incident was not related to the Arkansas shooting. As various sources have already reported. Condolences to the Gopikrishna family, Mr. Manjunath said, “We are contacting the local family members after learning of the tragic death of Gopi Krishna Dasari of Indian origin at Pleasant Grove, Dallas, Texas.” A resident of #AndhraPradesh died in #America. Gopikrishna native of Bapatla district is residing in America. Gopikrishna was injured in a shooting at a store in Dallas. He died while undergoing treatment at the hospital. Gopikrishna went to America 11 months ago. pic.twitter.com/s9yY2eVP6b — Sowmith Yakkati (@YakkatiSowmith) June 23, 2024 The Consulate General of India, with the support of Indian associations, will provide all assistance in repatriating Mr. Gopikrishna's body to India, with local formalities including autopsy and issuance of death certificates. Mr Gopikrishna sustained serious injuries during the robbery and was taken to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries on Sunday morning. The incident deeply affected the Indian community in and around Dallas. Mr. Gopikrishna is survived by his wife and son.

Shocking: 40 Indians killed in Kuwait Fire Accident June 13, 2024 06:52

Tragedy struck in Mangaf city, Kuwait, as a fire broke out in a building housing 195 Indian workers, claiming the lives of 40 individuals and injuring 50 more. The blaze, which started in the kitchen of the six-story structure, occurred at 6 AM local time (9 AM IST). Sadly, the majority of the casualties were caused by smoke inhalation while the residents slept. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has responded swiftly, holding a high-level review and announcing a compensation of ₹ 2 lakh for each of the families who lost a loved one. Additionally, the Minister of State, Shri Kirti Vardhan Singh, is immediately traveling to Kuwait to facilitate the repatriation of the deceased and provide medical assistance to the injured. The victims are currently receiving treatment in five government hospitals across Kuwait, as the nation grapples with this devastating incident. The Kuwaiti authorities have assured the Indian government that they will thoroughly investigate the incident and hold those responsible accountable. The Indian embassy in Kuwait has established a helpline for family members to get in touch, and the Indian ambassador has visited the affected areas. The Emir of Kuwait has ordered an investigation, and the First Deputy Prime Minister has directed the arrest of the building's owner, janitor, and the owner of the company responsible for the workers, pending the completion of the investigation. The majority of the admitted patients are stable, and the Indian government is closely monitoring the situation and pushing for the early repatriation of the bodies of those who lost their lives. The migrant workers who perished in the recent tragedy in Kuwait made up a significant portion of the country's population and workforce. Tragically, the victims included individuals from Pakistan, the Philippines, Egypt, and Nepal, in addition to Kuwaiti nationals. This devastating incident has highlighted the precarious situation faced by many migrant laborers in the region.

Schengen Visa: Europe Trip Gets Costlier from Today June 11, 2024 11:00

Starting today, June 11, 2024, travelers to Europe will face higher visa application fees. The European Commission has implemented a 12% increase in Schengen Visa fees, affecting applicants worldwide. This move aligns with the bloc's efforts to boost tourism in the region. Under the new fee structure, adult applicants will now pay €90, up from €80, and children aged 6-12 will pay €45, increased from €40. Countries deemed uncooperative with the EU's repatriation efforts will experience steeper hikes, with fees reaching €135 or €180. The Slovenian government has confirmed the European Commission's decision to raise short-stay Schengen visa (visa type C) fees globally by 12%, effective from June 11, 2024. The Commission cites inflation and rising civil servant salaries as justifications for this increase, which follows a scheduled review of EU visa fees that took place in December 2023, as required by the Schengen Visa Code every three years. The Schengen visa system encompasses a group of European nations, including Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway (though not officially a member, it adheres to the regulations), Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. This development has brought disappointment, particularly for Turkish citizens who have long awaited a visa-free travel agreement with the EU. In 2023, the Schengen region experienced a significant increase in short-stay visa applications, reaching over 10.3 million, representing a 37% year-on-year rise. However, this figure still falls short of the pre-pandemic peak of 17 million applications received in 2019. India secured the third position in terms of visa applications for Europe, with a total of 966,687 submissions. The recent visa fee hike coincides with Europe's efforts to attract tourists from around the globe. Notably, on April 18, 2024, the European Commission introduced a new visa regime specifically for Indian citizens residing in India, referred to as a "visa cascade", which includes easier access to multi-entry visas, rewarding positive visa history, and the potential for a five-year visa.

India plans to simplify immigration checks for international trips June 08, 2024 12:50

Officials say India is considering simplifying immigration rules and increasing staff at major Indian airports to speed up the immigration process. The government wants to develop India's airports as a transport hub for South Asia,…

Telugu girl Nitheesha Kandula goes missing in Los Angeles June 03, 2024 11:06

A mysterious disappearance has left authorities in California searching for a young Indian student. Nitheesha Kandula, a 23-year-old enrolled at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB), was last seen in Los Angeles on May 28th. Her family reported her missing two days later. CSUSB Police Chief John Guttierez has appealed to the public for any information regarding Kandula's whereabouts, sharing her physical description and the details of the car she may have been driving, a 2021 Toyota Corolla with a California license plate. Law enforcement agencies, including the CSUSB Police and the Los Angeles Police Department, are working together to locate the missing student. The circumstances surrounding her disappearance remain unclear. This incident comes just a month after another Indian student, Rupesh Chandra Chintakindi, 26, went missing in Chicago. Authorities are urging anyone with relevant information to contact the CSUSB Police Department or the LAPD's Southwest Division, in the hopes of bringing Nitheesha Kandula home safely. In April, a young man from Hyderabad named Mohammed Abdul Arfath, aged 25, was tragically found deceased in Cleveland after disappearing in March. Additionally, in December 2023, the FBI escalated its search efforts for 29-year-old Mayushi Bhagat, an Indian student who vanished in the US after leaving her New Jersey apartment on April 29, 2019. She was reported missing on May 1 of the same year. The FBI is now offering a substantial $10,000 reward for any information that could lead to the discovery of Mayushi Bhagat's whereabouts. The FBI's website states, "We are offering a reward of up to $10,000 for details that could assist in locating or recovering the missing person, Mayushi Bhagat, and for the identification, arrest, and conviction of the individual(s) responsible."