Japan: Plan to Fingerprint, Photograph Arriving Foreigners to Begin Nov. 20

By Larry Habegger | October 31st, 2007 |

Japan’s plan to photograph and take digital fingerprints of all arriving foreigners will begin Nov. 20. Foreigners residing in Japan will have to go through the process every time they... [Read this entry]

Finland: Nurses to Strike; Traffic Accidents Increase in Helsinki

By Larry Habegger | October 18th, 2007 |

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Almost 13,000 nurses have threatened to resign Nov. 19 if the government doesn’t increase their wages 24 percent. Thousands of others have moved to Sweden and Norway since the 1990s... [Read this entry]

Netherlands: Three-Day Waiting Period to Buy Magic Mushrooms in Amsterdam

By Larry Habegger | October 18th, 2007 |

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A sharp increase in ambulance calls involving magic mushrooms prompted Amsterdam officials to implement a three-day waiting period for purchasing them. The ordinance is an attempt to stop tourists from... [Read this entry]

Fiji: Military Lifts State of Emergency

By Larry Habegger | October 11th, 2007 |

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The state of emergency imposed last month when deposed Prime Minister Laisenia Qarase returned to Suva was lifted Oct. 6 because, according to a military spokesman, there was no threat... [Read this entry]

China: Smoking Banned in Beijing Taxis

By Larry Habegger | October 3rd, 2007 |

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Smoking is now banned in Beijing’s taxis as officials try to clean up the city ahead of next year’s Olympics. The ban effects both drivers and passengers and is the... [Read this entry]

Hawaii: Superferry Awaits Judges’ Decisions on Sailing

By Larry Habegger | September 19th, 2007 |

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The Hawaii Superferry, which voluntarily shut down operations Aug. 28 in the face of demonstrations shortly after launching its service, needs to be able to operate while an environmental review... [Read this entry]

India: Disputed Siachen Glacier Now Open for Trekkers, Climbers

By Larry Habegger | September 19th, 2007 |

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The Siachen Glacier on the disputed border between India and Pakistan in Kashmir has one ignoble distinction: it is the world’s highest battlefield. At an altitude ranging from 16,400 to... [Read this entry]

Japan: Travelers To Be Fingerprinted, Photographed on Arrival

By Larry Habegger | September 19th, 2007 |

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Beginning in November, new immigration regulations will require all foreign visitors above the age of 16 except diplomats to be digitally fingerprinted and photographed upon arrival. The procedure should be... [Read this entry]

Nepal: Maoists Pull Out of Government, Troubles in Terai

By Larry Habegger | September 19th, 2007 |

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Maoists pulled out of the coalition government in a dispute over abolishing the monarchy, raising concerns that the fragile peace in Nepal could be in jeopardy. The former rebels have... [Read this entry]

Australia: Alcohol Ban on Aboriginal-Owned Land Lifted for Visitors on Organized Tours

By Larry Habegger | September 12th, 2007 |

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Travelers on organized tours will be spared a ban on alcohol on Aboriginal-owned land. The strict ban was scheduled to go into effect Sept. 14, and after protests from the... [Read this entry]

Articles tagged with "political updates"