Thailand will raise its international passenger service charge by more than 50% to 1,120 baht at six major airports from June 20. The government says the higher fee will help finance airport expansion and infrastructure upgrades, including terminal work and improved safety technology. Officials add the new rate is still competitive versus other regional hubs.
The Kailash Mansarovar Yatra will cost pilgrims Rs 2.09 lakh this year, up 20 percent from earlier rates. Officials attribute the increase to currency fluctuations and revised travel expenses. The pilgrimage through Lipulekh Pass begins July 4, with ten batches of 50 pilgrims each set to take part in the journey.
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SBI Card is revising its credit card late payment charges effective May 1, 2026. The update is set to affect customers with lower outstanding amounts, introducing a new penalty of Rs 100 for dues ranging from Rs 100 to Rs 500. The move clarifies how late fees will be applied going forward and could increase costs for small balances.
The US is rolling out new immigration fees and tighter asylum-related rules that take effect soon. Asylum applicants will face both filing and annual charges, and non-payment can trigger case rejection and a denial of work permits. Temporary Protected Status holders will also see their work permits limited to one year, as the government aims to push costs onto applicants and streamline processing.
A viral video from Sunbeam School in Hardoi, Uttar Pradesh, shows principal Mamta Mishra shouting “shut up, get lost” at parents during a fee dispute. Online backlash followed on X. Mishra later apologized for the language, saying she was provoked because parents kept pressuring for concessions even during a vaccination drive, fueling debate on fee pressure and accountability.
Vigo in Spain plans to introduce a tourist tax of up to €2 per night from October 2026, aiming to manage visitor numbers and raise revenue. The measure will be phased in, initially covering only the first two nights of a stay, with rates varying by accommodation type. Residents and certain visitor categories will be exempt.
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Japan is set to increase visa renewal and permanent residency fees through proposed amendments to the Immigration Control Act. A five-year visa renewal is expected to cost around 70,000 yen, while permanent residency permits could climb to 200,000 yen. The government says the changes reflect shifting administrative needs, with higher ceilings for fees.
OCI service fees change from April 1, 2026, with fresh applications now costing USD 275 for those applying abroad and Rs 15,000 for applications within India. Re-issuance and duplicate OCI cards also see revised charges, and payment options depend on where you apply. If you get a new passport, you must update OCI within three months or face a $25 penalty.
Uttar Pradesh RERA has capped processing fees builders can charge for flat transfers, aiming to shield homebuyers from hefty costs. Transfers to family members—including inheritance cases—now have a maximum fee of ₹1,000. For transfers to non-family parties, the cap is ₹25,000, bringing tighter limits to charges during property ownership changes.
Alberta will start charging a $135 fee for foreign worker profile submissions under its Alberta Advantage Immigration Program from April 7, 2026. The Worker Expression of Interest profiles, previously free, will now cost money to file. If candidates are selected, they must still pay a separate $1,500 fee for the full application.
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The US is facing criticism after reports that applicants have paid immigration fees while many cases remain unprocessed. With up to $1 billion potentially collected for unresolved applications affecting citizens from 92 countries, concerns are mounting over fairness and transparency. The situation comes amid expanded visa restrictions and paused benefits for many applicants, raising questions about accountability in the system.
Thailand’s Royal Thai Embassy in New Delhi has announced revised visa, legalisation, and consular service fees for Indian applicants effective April 27, 2026. The changes apply to tourist, non-immigrant, SMART, and long-term visas, plus passport and document services, with fees rising across categories from ₹2,500 for transit visas to up to ₹1,40,000 for long-term residency permits.
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