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New Zealand Announces Major Hike In Student Visa Fees For Nigerians, Others

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The New Zealand Government has revealed a 90 percent increase in student visa fees for applicants from Nigeria and other non-Pacific countries.

Starting October 1, 2024, the cost of a student visa will jump from NZD395 (approximately $238) to NZD750 (around $452).

This fee adjustment is part of a comprehensive overhaul across various visa categories aimed at aligning charges more closely with processing costs.

Read Also: UAE Denies Imposing $10k Bank Balance, N640k Fee On Nigerian Visa Applicants

The visa application process is categorized into three bands: Band A for New Zealand residents renewing visas, Band B for Pacific nation citizens, and Band C for all other countries, including Nigeria.

Under the new fee structure, Band C student visa applicants will face a significant rise.

Previously, fees for Band C were set at NZD395, while Band A and Band B fees were NZD375 and NZD315, respectively.

In addition to student visas, other visa categories will also see increases. Post-study work visas for Band C applicants will rise by 139%, from NZD700 ($422) to NZD1,670 (around $1,006).

The fee for skilled residence visas under Band C will increase by 16%, from NZD2,480 ($1,494) to NZD2,880 ($1,735).

Further adjustments are anticipated for other visa types, including the Entrepreneur Work Visa.

The New Zealand Government has defended the recent visa fee increases as necessary to align with the true costs of processing applications.

To support regional neighbors, the government will continue to offer subsidized visa fees for applicants from Pacific countries.

Immigration Minister Erica Stanford stated, as reported by Indian Travel Times, that despite these fee hikes, New Zealand’s visa costs will remain competitive with those of Australia and the United Kingdom.

Additionally, updates have been made to the Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) scheme.

Although the AEWV application fee will decrease from NZD540 to NZD480, the immigration levy will see a significant rise from NZD210 to NZD1,060.

The Accredited Employer Work Visa (AEWV) is pivotal to New Zealand’s strategy of prioritizing local workers while enabling employers to recruit skilled migrants during genuine labor shortages.

Recent updates to the AEWV scheme include new requirements for migrant workers.

Applicants for low-skilled roles classified under ANZSCO levels 4 and 5 must now meet an English language requirement.

Employers will also be required to consult with Work and Income, New Zealand’s welfare agency, before they can hire migrants for these positions.

Furthermore, the maximum continuous stay for most roles at these levels will be shortened from five years to three years.

 

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TCN Completes Relocation Of 8 Towers, Ends Power Rationing In Abuja

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Breaking: Electricity workers suspend strike for two weeks

The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) has announced the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV transmission towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV transmission line, bringing relief to residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

This development, completed three days past the scheduled deadline, has also restored full bulk power to the 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, enabling the resumption of normal power distribution in the area.

In a statement signed by Ndidi Mbah, TCN’s General Manager of Public Affairs, the company explained that the relocation became necessary due to the Federal Capital Development Authority’s (FCDA) road dualization project along the Southern Expressway.

READ MORE: Ifon-Ilobu-Erin Osun Land Disputes: Osun Constitutes A 100-Member Boundary Resolution Committee

The relocation work began on January 6, 2025, and involved dismantling and reconstructing the affected towers, as well as restringing power cables to ensure uninterrupted power flow.

To facilitate this, a planned power outage was implemented from January 6 to January 20, 2025, between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. daily.

“The Transmission Company of Nigeria is pleased to announce the restoration of full bulk power to its 132/33kV Apo Transmission Substation, effective Thursday, January 23, 2025,” the statement read.

“This restoration follows the successful relocation of eight 132kV and 33kV towers along the Kukwaba/Apo 132kV line (Southern Expressway route), necessitated by the Federal Capital Development Agency’s road dualization project along the Apo axis.”

TCN thanked residents and electricity consumers for their patience during the period of power rationing, noting that Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) can now resume normal electricity supply to customers in the affected areas.

 

 

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Davido Is Richer Than His Billionaire Father – Ibrahim Chatta Claims

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Renowned Nollywood actor, Ibrahim Chatta, has sparked conversation by claiming that award-winning singer Davido is richer and more influential than his billionaire father, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke.

Chatta made this statement while addressing the importance of respecting individuals in positions of authority, regardless of their age. He argued that accomplishments, not age, determine who an elder is. Using historical references, Chatta cited Alexander the Great, who achieved incredible feats before his death at 33, as an example of youthful greatness.

“God purposely placed some certain people in some positions, but you guys are looking at their age. It’s not about the age; any younger person that possesses things that belong to elders, is an elder,” Chatta said.

The actor emphasized that Davido’s wealth and influence surpass those of his father, despite Dr. Adeleke’s established status as a billionaire. Chatta highlighted the global recognition and adoration Davido commands, describing the singer as someone who garners immense loyalty and admiration.

“I was just looking at the numbers of people surrounding Davido the day I sat with him, I was just seeing how people were ready to be killed just to get to him. He is an elder. Davido’s father is a billionaire that has been doing big things before the singer’s arrival. His father is rich but not as Davido. If his dad is passing by, you might not recognise him, but if Davido passes here, a stampede will happen.”

Chatta’s remarks have stirred reactions across social media, with many debating whether fame and influence should outweigh wealth in defining success.

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Rita Edochie Praises Donald Trump, Calls Him ‘Angel’

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Breaking News: FBI raids Donald Trump's home in Florida

Veteran Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie, has expressed her admiration for Donald Trump, claiming that the entire world wishes for a leader like him.

The actress made this statement while celebrating Trump’s inauguration as the 47th President of the United States on January 20, 2025.

In a lengthy Instagram post, Edochie shared her unwavering support for Trump, despite facing criticism for her stance. She revealed that she is often referred to as “Mama Trump” by detractors but remains unfazed by their remarks.

READ MORE: Trump Dismisses Four Biden-Appointed Officials, Signals More Shake-ups

“January 20, 2025, marks a historic milestone as Trump takes oath of office as the 47th President of the United States. As you begin your new term, I wish you immense wisdom to tackle the challenges facing our nation,” Edochie wrote.

Describing Trump as an angel, she added, “After all, the entire universe wishes they had an Angel like Donald Trump to be their president.”

The actress also expressed her desire to see a leader in Nigeria who embodies Trump’s qualities, stating, “I do wish a man in the likeness of Trump be sworn into the Nigerian Executive Offices one day.”

Edochie’s comments have sparked discussions online, with many applauding her loyalty while others remain critical of her views.

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