CIS countries count 10 million illegal migrants
According to some estimates, the number of illegal migrants in CIS countries reaches 10 million people. This was reported in an interview by Oleg Putintsev, head of the security department of the CIS Executive Committee.
“The problem of illegal migration is very relevant for the Commonwealth countries, since the number of illegals, according to various estimates, ranges from four to ten million people,” he said. According to RIA Novosti, the expert noted that of the total number of illegal migrants, up to six million people are in Russia alone. “This is an acute problem because they are outside the legal framework, aggravate the criminogenic situation, and are used for drug trafficking,” said the head of the security department of the CIS Executive Committee.
He reported on the routes of illegal migrants - through Central Asia (Tajikistan, Kazakhstan) to Russia, as well as through Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine to European Union countries. Putintsev noted that Belarus, Moldova, and Ukraine are “accumulator countries” for illegals. “There is now the problem of returning migrants. The program for cooperation of CIS member states in countering illegal migration for 2006-2008, signed at the summit in Kazan, contains recommendations on concluding a readmission agreement,” the expert said.
He noted that this program is comprehensive, designed for three years, and provides for a number of measures that should help counter illegal migration in the territories of the Commonwealth states. In particular, it provides for the development of the international legal framework through the accession of CIS countries to a number of international documents in the field of combating illegal migration, as well as the harmonization of national legislation in this area, the implementation of practical and preventive measures, including operational-search activities.
In addition, the CIS countries agreed on the exchange of information, in particular about cases of migrants obtaining illegal visas. “This is a big problem when CIS countries conclude agreements on visa-free travel with third countries, for example, Kyrgyzstan with China or Ukraine with the European Union, since by crossing the border of one of the Commonwealth states, migrants from third countries can move freely almost throughout the entire CIS territory,” Putintsev noted.
Population growth in the Czech Republic is a consequence of foreign migration and increased birth rate
According to the Czech Statistical Office, the population of the Czech Republic increased by almost 15 thousand people in the first half of this year, while in the same period of 2004 a reduction in the number of residents by 4.5 thousand people was registered in the Czech Republic.
According to Radio Prague, in the opinion of experts, the population increase is a consequence of foreign migration and increased birth rate. As of June 30, 2005, the country had a population of 10 million 235 thousand people. In the first six months of this year, 2,300 more children were born in the Czech Republic than in the first half of 2004.
Oxford and Cambridge lack money for students
Oxford and Cambridge universities have announced their plans to combat financial problems. According to representatives, only urgent action in this direction will allow the legendary British universities to retain their place among the world's best higher education institutions.
Cambridge announced its intention to raise one billion pounds sterling through a fundraising campaign similar to those used by some US universities. The Cambridge campaign was launched by the university's vice-chancellor, Professor Alison Richard. She stated that the university needs additional sources of funding that would allow it not to depend on, for example, government grants.
According to representatives of Cambridge University, the funds raised will be used to support students, attract the best academic staff, and preserve the university's museums and buildings. The fundraising will continue until 2012.
Oxford, in turn, said that its annual losses amount to £200 million, which calls into question the university's ability to continue increasing the number of students. The university has published its “corporate plan,” in which it proposed a number of measures to combat the lack of funding. According to the plan, which is currently at the coordination stage, the number of postgraduates will be increased, and possibly the number of undergraduate students will be reduced. Oxford professors intend to minimize financial problems by 2009, when the university will celebrate its 800th anniversary, reports the BBC.
Dutch people prefer Singapore Airlines and Hungarian Malev
According to a study conducted by a Dutch Internet portal for travel, comfort, in-flight meals, and service, Dutch people prefer Eastern European and Asian airlines.
Citing the results of this study, the Dutch newspaper Algemeen Dagblad published an article headlined “Eastern European airlines offer better service.” According to the publication, the survey was conducted in two categories: “Short-haul flights” (up to 3,000 km) and “Long-haul flights.” In the “Long-haul flights” category, Singapore Airlines received the highest number of points (8.2). In the “Short-haul flights” category, the Hungarian airline Malev took first place (7.5 points).
The rating shows that Dutch travelers highly appreciated Malev for courtesy, impeccable service, and flight safety. The recognition of the airline outside its home country testifies to the quality of its work. Last year, Malev already received an award - the title of “Airline of the Year” from Hungarian travel agencies and tourism experts.
Bulgaria has introduced amendments to the tourism law
Bulgarian authorities have adopted a draft amendment to the tourism law, which is intended to put an end to "price discrimination" against foreigners. Until now, holders of foreign passports paid twice or even three times more for hotel rooms, museum tickets and various services.
The government adopted the draft under the influence of the European Commission in the area of service provision. It is not yet known whether the changes will affect payments for the use of Bulgarian roads - foreigners pay twice as much for this as Bulgarians.
Another innovation will be the classification of hotels. Now, instead of the usual stars, the image of an edelweiss will be used, reports Travel.ru.