Thursday, 26 June 2025

Another European Nation Prepares to Roll Out Digital Nomad Visas for Foreigners

Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Another European Nation Prepares to Roll Out Digital Nomad Visas for Foreigners

Slovenia is set to join a growing list of European Union countries offering digital nomad visas, with its official program launching on November 21, 2025. This new one-year permit will enable non-EU and non-EEA nationals who work remotely for foreign employers or clients to live and work legally in Slovenia, marking the country's first official pathway for remote workers.

Following in the footsteps of nations like Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Estonia, and Germany, Slovenia aims to attract global digital nomads by offering a unique blend of natural beauty, affordable living, and vibrant urban hubs. The country is renowned for its Alpine landscapes, picturesque towns, and a lower cost of living compared to neighboring Italy and Austria.

 Ljubljana, the capital, is gaining popularity among remote workers thanks to its expanding network of coworking spaces, with other attractive locations including Maribor, Celje, Kranj, and Koper. Slovenia’s diverse scenery from the majestic Triglav National Park to its scenic Adriatic coastline makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil yet inspiring environment to live and work.

The visa targets remote workers employed by companies outside Slovenia, freelancers, contractors, or self-employed individuals providing services to foreign clients. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income to support themselves during their stay, verified through payslips, bank statements, or contracts.

The permit is valid for 12 months and cannot be renewed immediately; however, applicants can reapply after a six-month hiatus. Family members may accompany the visa holder under the same conditions but are also prohibited from working for Slovenian employers.

Applications can be submitted online, at Slovenian consulates or embassies abroad, or at local administrative units for those already in Slovenia. While the visa allows remote work exclusively for foreign-based employers or clients, working for or providing services to Slovenian businesses is strictly forbidden and may lead to visa cancellation and future entry bans.

By introducing this digital nomad visa, Slovenia not only opens its doors to a new wave of international talent but also seeks to boost long-term tourism and position itself as a safe, affordable, and scenic base for remote workers exploring Europe.

Another European Nation Prepares to Roll Out Digital Nomad Visas for Foreigners

Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Another European Nation Prepares to Roll Out Digital Nomad Visas for Foreigners

Slovenia is set to join a growing list of European Union countries offering digital nomad visas, with its official program launching on November 21, 2025. This new one-year permit will enable non-EU and non-EEA nationals who work remotely for foreign employers or clients to live and work legally in Slovenia, marking the country's first official pathway for remote workers.

Following in the footsteps of nations like Portugal, Spain, Croatia, Greece, Estonia, and Germany, Slovenia aims to attract global digital nomads by offering a unique blend of natural beauty, affordable living, and vibrant urban hubs. The country is renowned for its Alpine landscapes, picturesque towns, and a lower cost of living compared to neighboring Italy and Austria.

 Ljubljana, the capital, is gaining popularity among remote workers thanks to its expanding network of coworking spaces, with other attractive locations including Maribor, Celje, Kranj, and Koper. Slovenia’s diverse scenery from the majestic Triglav National Park to its scenic Adriatic coastline makes it an ideal destination for those seeking a tranquil yet inspiring environment to live and work.

The visa targets remote workers employed by companies outside Slovenia, freelancers, contractors, or self-employed individuals providing services to foreign clients. Applicants must demonstrate sufficient income to support themselves during their stay, verified through payslips, bank statements, or contracts.

The permit is valid for 12 months and cannot be renewed immediately; however, applicants can reapply after a six-month hiatus. Family members may accompany the visa holder under the same conditions but are also prohibited from working for Slovenian employers.

Applications can be submitted online, at Slovenian consulates or embassies abroad, or at local administrative units for those already in Slovenia. While the visa allows remote work exclusively for foreign-based employers or clients, working for or providing services to Slovenian businesses is strictly forbidden and may lead to visa cancellation and future entry bans.

By introducing this digital nomad visa, Slovenia not only opens its doors to a new wave of international talent but also seeks to boost long-term tourism and position itself as a safe, affordable, and scenic base for remote workers exploring Europe.

Israel Reopens Airspace, Restores Full Operations at International Airport

Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Israel Reopens Airspace, Restores Full Operations at International Airport

After nearly two weeks of tense conflict and grounded flights, Israel reopened its skies for air travel late Tuesday night, signaling a cautious return to normalcy amid a fragile ceasefire with Iran. The Home Front Command lifted all restrictions on gatherings, clearing the way for Israel’s main international gateway, Ben Gurion Airport, and other airports to resume full operations following a 12-day closure of the country’s airspace.

The reopening marks a critical phase in a government-led operation to repatriate between 100,000 and 150,000 Israelis stranded abroad while also facilitating departures for those wishing to leave. Israeli airlines have already begun restricted flights in recent days, and now all limits on incoming and outgoing flights, as well as passenger numbers, have been lifted, according to the Israel Airports Authority.

Transportation Minister Miri Regev outlined ambitious plans to ramp up flight capacity, extend airport operating hours, and enable Ben Gurion Airport to function at full capacity around the clock. She reported that since the start of the safe return operation last week, over 100,000 Israelis have returned home, with about 70,000 having departed. On Tuesday alone, 24 flights landed at Ben Gurion, nine at Haifa, and a cruise ship brought nearly 2,000 Israelis back.

Flagship carrier El Al announced it would operate all flights at full seat capacity and waive fees for passengers whose flights were canceled during the conflict. The airline is expanding its schedule and adding destinations, focusing on cities where many passengers remain stranded, including Athens, Rome, Paris, London, New York, Los Angeles, and Bangkok. Additional flights to Budapest, Bucharest, Amsterdam, Prague, Madrid, Milan, Warsaw, and Sofia will also begin shortly.

Other Israeli carriers are following suit: Arkia plans to resume its regular summer schedule starting July 1, covering popular destinations such as Rhodes, Crete, Paris, Milan, and New York. Israir is preparing to increase flights to Athens, Larnaca, Varna, Tbilisi, Rome, London, Budapest, and Batumi, contingent on the ceasefire holding.

Despite the reopening, many foreign airlines remain cautious. Several carriers have applied to resume flights, including flydubai, Etihad Airways, Blue Bird, TUS Airways, Red Wings, and Ethiopian Airlines, but most foreign airlines have postponed their return until after the summer or even later, having rerouted aircraft to other markets amid security concerns. The gradual return of international carriers is expected to be slow, as airlines seek more stability before fully restoring routes to Israel.

The ceasefire, announced by US President Donald Trump on Monday night and effective Tuesday morning, has been tenuous, with Iran launching ballistic missiles hours later, prompting Israeli retaliatory strikes. Nevertheless, the lifting of airspace restrictions and the resumption of flights offer a hopeful sign for Israelis eager to resume travel and normal life after days of uncertainty and disruption.

As summer approaches, Israelis are encouraged to plan their vacations with renewed confidence, even as the aviation sector cautiously rebuilds. The reopening of Israel’s skies stands as a testament to resilience amid conflict and a tentative step toward peace and connectivity.

Sharjah Airport Restores Full Operations as UAE Airspace Reopens

Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Sharjah Airport Restores Full Operations as UAE Airspace Reopens

Sharjah Airport has fully resumed its operations following temporary disruptions caused by the closure of airspaces across several GCC countries.

In an official statement, the airport confirmed, “We are continuing to provide services at full capacity in ongoing coordination with airlines and relevant entities.” The airport emphasized that these efforts “ensure smooth traveler movement and seamless flight operations to and from the airport, in line with the highest standards of operational efficiency and quality.”

Earlier today, Dubai International Airport (DXB) and Al Maktoum International (DWC) warned passengers of potential delays and cancellations due to the regional airspace closures. The disruptions were a result of temporary airspace restrictions over Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain, and Dubai following Iran’s strikes on a US base in Qatar.

Dubai Airports noted that flights to India could be particularly affected, urging travelers to check with their airlines for the latest updates. “While Dubai Airports works with airlines to ensure flights operate according to approved schedules, some flights may experience delays or cancellations,” the Dubai Media Office stated.

Several airlines have responded to the situation:

  • mirates Airline rerouted several flights en route to Dubai, though no diversions occurred.
  • Etihad Airways rerouted a number of flights on June 23 and 24 as a precaution.
  • Air Arabia, based in Sharjah, issued an advisory confirming some disruptions due to the airspace restrictions.

Both Sharjah Airport and Abu Dhabi's Zayed International Airport have advised travelers to verify their flight details with airlines before heading to the airport, citing the possibility of ongoing delays and cancellations.
In related developments, Pakistan has extended its closure of airspace to Indian-registered aircraft and those operated, owned, or leased by Indian airlines including military flights until July 23, 2025, amid ongoing tensions between the two neighbors.

 The Pakistan Airports Authority issued a fresh Notice to Airmen (NOTAM), prolonging the restriction that was initially set to expire on June 24.

Travelers are strongly advised to stay in touch with their airlines for the latest flight information and advisories as the situation continues to evolve.

American Airlines 787 Flight from Tokyo to New York Makes Emergency Landing

Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
American Airlines 787 Flight from Tokyo to New York Makes Emergency Landing

On June 24, 2025, an American Airlines flight operating from Tokyo Haneda Airport (HND) to New York John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK) was forced to declare an emergency while en route and returned safely to Tokyo. The flight, designated AA168, departed Haneda at 10:55 UTC and was operated by a Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, registration N831AA, which is just over 7.7 years old.

According to flight tracking data from FlightRadar24, the aircraft had been airborne for just over two hours when a medical issue was reported by a flight attendant. The nature of the medical emergency has not yet been disclosed, but the crew acted promptly, declaring an emergency and executing a U-turn to return to Haneda. The aircraft landed safely at 15:23 UTC.

Emergency medical teams were reportedly on standby at Haneda to assist upon arrival, and the affected passenger received immediate attention.

American Airlines maintains a strong presence on the Japan–U.S. route, operating one daily direct flight between JFK and Haneda. In addition, the airline has a codeshare agreement with Japan Airlines (JL), which operates two more daily flights on the same route. This partnership allows for greater flexibility and connectivity for passengers traveling between the United States and Japan.

Passengers on AA168 were accommodated in the terminal while the airline coordinated with local authorities and medical personnel. American Airlines issued a statement expressing gratitude for the professionalism of the crew and the swift response of Tokyo Haneda’s emergency services. The airline also confirmed that it was working to rebook affected passengers on the next available flights to New York.

This event comes just weeks after another American Airlines Boeing 787-9, operating a long-haul service from New Delhi (DEL) to New York (JFK), was diverted to Baku’s Heydar Aliyev International Airport (GYD) due to a separate medical emergency onboard. In that incident, the aircraft landed safely at 02:30 local time, and local paramedics provided urgent care to the passenger involved.

The flight was held on the ground for several hours before resuming its journey, with a routing adjustment via London Heathrow (LHR) likely due to crew duty limitations.

Aviation experts note that while in-flight medical emergencies are rare, airlines are well-equipped and trained to handle such situations. Aircraft like the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner are equipped with advanced medical kits and defibrillators, and flight crews receive specialized training to manage emergencies until the aircraft can reach the nearest suitable airport.

Authorities have not released further details about the medical conditions in either incident, citing passenger privacy. Both events underscore the importance of robust emergency protocols and international cooperation in ensuring passenger safety on long-haul flights. Passengers affected by the Tokyo incident were offered support and assistance by American Airlines staff, and the airline is conducting a review of the event in coordination with Japanese aviation authorities.

Iran’s Pezeshkian Apologizes to Qatar, Confirms No Intent to Hit Qatar in Attack

Published: Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Iran’s Pezeshkian Apologizes to Qatar, Confirms No Intent to Hit Qatar in Attack

Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian has conveyed his regret to the Emir of Qatar following Iran’s missile assault on the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base, emphasizing that neither Qatar nor its citizens were the intended targets of the strike. The attack, which took place on June 23, 2025, was carried out by Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a direct retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities the previous day.

The Iranian operation, codenamed "Operation Annunciation of Victory," involved the launch of at least 14 short- and medium-range ballistic missiles at the U.S. base, which is the largest American military installation in the Middle East and serves as the regional headquarters for U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM).

Iran’s Supreme National Security Council underscored that the action was not meant to threaten Qatar, highlighting the country’s commitment to maintaining its longstanding, friendly relations with the Gulf state.

Qatari authorities, having received advance warning from Iran, closed their airspace before the missiles arrived and coordinated with U.S. forces to intercept the majority of the projectiles using Patriot missile defense systems.

According to both Qatari and U.S. officials, no casualties or significant damage were reported, as the base had been largely evacuated in anticipation of the strike. Eyewitnesses in Doha reported seeing explosions in the sky as air defenses engaged the incoming missiles.

The attack prompted several neighboring Gulf countries, including the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Iraq, to close their airspaces as a precaution. Qatar’s Foreign Ministry condemned the Iranian strike as a violation of its sovereignty and international law, while affirming its right to respond in accordance with international norms.

President Pezeshkian’s outreach to the Qatari leadership is widely viewed as an effort to reassure Doha of Iran’s respect for Qatari sovereignty and to prevent further escalation amid heightened regional tensions.

The incident marks the most significant direct Iranian attack on a U.S. facility in the Gulf since the assassination of General Qasem Soleimani in 2020, and comes as U.S. military sites across the Middle East remain on high alert