Skip to content
Search

Latest Stories

Kuwait suspends travel from more South Asian countries

Kuwait suspends travel from more South Asian countries

KUWAIT HAS imposed indefinite travel restrictions from more South Asian countries as the region is witnessing a rapid surge in the coronavirus pandemic.

In its fresh announcement, the Gulf nation said it would suspend all flights from Sri Lanka, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Nepal and bar the entry of travellers from the countries until further notice.


However, cargo flights are not included in the suspension, a Daily Mirror report said on Monday (10). Those who seek to enter Kuwait will have to take detours via other countries where they should stay for at least 14 days.

Last month, the country had announced the suspension of all flights from India where the pandemic assumed grim proportions. It also said last week that it would ban its citizens who have not been vaccinated against Covid-19 from travelling abroad from May 22.

Meanwhile, Sri Lanka is staring at enforcement of inter-provincial travel restrictions to contain the spread of the virus.

Although no decision has been taken on clamping a nationwide lockdown, army commander general Shavendra Silva said movement of people between provinces will be restricted and only essential services will be allowed, the Daily Mirror report said.

More For You

London tourist levy

The capital recorded 89 m overnight stays in 2024

iStock

London to introduce tourist levy that could raise £240 million a year

Kumail Jaffer

Highlights

  • Government expected to give London powers to bring in a tourist levy on overnight stays.
  • GLA study says a £1 fee could raise £91m, a 5 per cent charge could generate £240m annually.
  • Research suggests London would not see a major fall in visitor numbers if levy introduced.
The mayor of London has welcomed reports that he will soon be allowed to introduce a tourist levy on overnight visitors, with new analysis outlining how a charge could work in the capital.
Early estimates suggest a London levy could raise as much as £240 m every year. The capital recorded 89 m overnight stays in 2024.

Chancellor Rachel Reeves is expected to give Sadiq Khan and other English city leaders the power to impose such a levy through the upcoming English Devolution and Community Empowerment Bill. London currently cannot set its own tourist tax, making England the only G7 nation where national government blocks local authorities from doing so.

A spokesperson for the mayor said City Hall supported the idea in principle, adding “The Mayor has been clear that a modest tourist levy, similar to other international cities, would boost our economy, deliver growth and help cement London’s reputation as a global tourism and business destination.”

Keep ReadingShow less