The UK has temporarily closed its main embassy building in Cairo following the removal of decades-old security barriers by Egyptian authorities, sparking a diplomatic dispute rooted in the arrest of an Egyptian pro-government activist in London. The UK Foreign Office confirmed that the embassy in the Garden City district remains operational but the main building will stay closed "while the impact of these changes is reviewed." Consular services continue remotely, with emergency contact numbers made available for those needing assistance.

The removal of the barriers, which had caused traffic congestion and been criticized within Egypt as a symbol of special treatment for the British mission, came amid mounting local calls for reciprocity in diplomatic security. The move closely follows the arrest and subsequent release of Ahmed Abdel Qader, who confronted protesters outside the Egyptian embassy in London.

The arrest prompted a call from Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty to the UK’s National Security Adviser Jonathan Powell, demanding explanations and emphasizing Egypt’s right to reciprocal measures under the Vienna Convention when embassies are not adequately protected.

Within Egypt, the activist’s detention fueled public debate. Media personalities and political groups urged Egyptian authorities to revoke the security privileges surrounding the British embassy. The National Front Party condemned the arrest as a violation of human rights and demanded Britain issue a formal apology while enhancing protection for Egypt’s diplomatic missions in the UK.

This recent closure marks the latest chapter in a fragile UK-Egypt relationship as both sides negotiate the safety of embassy staff and buildings amid broader regional tensions. Past security concerns have also led to temporary UK embassy closures in Cairo in 2013 and 2014. The current diplomatic strain reflects ongoing challenges in balancing security protocols with local sensitivities, with UK officials maintaining ongoing dialogue with Egyptian counterparts toward a resolution.

Cape Town International Airport (CTIA) continues to show strong growth, with its international terminal experiencing a 9% year-on-year increase in two-way passenger traffic in July 2025, welcoming over 219,500 travelers. The domestic terminal also saw significant activity, processing more than 607,000 passengers, an 8% increase compared to July 2024. Meanwhile, George Airport reported an impressive 20% growth, handling over 74,000 passengers.

This surge in passenger numbers is partly due to added airline capacity and the timing of school holidays, which fell mostly in July this year compared to June last year. Air cargo trade has also jumped substantially, with June 2025 volumes reaching over 6,750 metric tonnes, a 36% increase from the previous year, and year-to-date volumes up 56% to nearly 49,000 metric tonnes. Exports and imports split nearly evenly, with temperature and climate-controlled goods dominating exports, while food, beverages, clothing, and accessories made up significant portions of imports.

Adding to the positive outlook, several airlines are expanding their services: FlySafair will launch a new Hoedspruit-Cape Town route and increase flights from Kruger Mpumalanga to Cape Town; South African Airways introduces a seasonal Mauritius-Cape Town service; Proflight Zambia is boosting Lusaka-Cape Town flights; and Air France is extending its Paris-Cape Town seasonal schedule.

Overall, Cape Town’s airports are steering forward on a growth trajectory, bolstered by increased passenger volumes, expanding flight options, and thriving air cargo trade, securing the Western Cape as a vital hub for both tourism and commerce.

The Lahore High Court (LHC) has dismissed a petition filed by Advocate Sardar Amber Maqsood challenging the Pakistan International Airlines Corporation Limited (PIACL) privatization process. The petitioner alleged that the Privatisation Commission failed to issue proper notices of intent under Section 23 and did not conduct a lawful valuation of PIACL’s assets under Section 24 of the relevant Ordinance.

Justice Jawad Hassan, authoring the detailed judgment, noted that the Privatisation Commission had publicly advertised its intent to privatise PIACL in prominent international and national newspapers, including the Financial Times, China Daily, The Wall Street Journal, Dawn, and Daily Jang. Additionally, Ernst & Young Consulting LLC, Dubai, was appointed as the independent financial advisor to conduct asset valuation in accordance with the law.

The court found no credible evidence substantiating allegations of illegality and held that the privatization process met the statutory requirements. It emphasized that judicial review should not obstruct economic policy decisions absent clear legal violations or fundamental rights infringements. Citing Supreme Court precedents, the court underscored the principle of judicial restraint in matters related to privatisation and foreign investment.

Justice Hassan warned against frivolous petitions that could derail critical economic reforms and undermine investor confidence. The judgement further clarified that the bidding process for PIACL had already been cancelled, rendering the petition moot. Even had the process continued, the court affirmed its legal soundness and transparency.

The court declined the petitioner’s request to summon evaluation records, citing confidentiality provisions under the Privatisation Commission Regulations, 2003. The 37-page judgment reiterated that privatisation falls within the federal government’s constitutional mandate under Article 173, aimed at easing the fiscal burden of loss-making state enterprises.

The court concluded by cautioning litigants against misusing public interest litigation to obstruct economic policymaking, underscoring the importance of facilitating Pakistan’s economic reforms through transparent and lawful processes.

This ruling comes as Pakistan prepares for an anticipated November 2025 privatization of PIA, where four qualified bidders are expected to participate under government oversight to restructure the national carrier and attract investment to stabilize its operations.

New Zealand has introduced a new Business Investor Visa program, opening in November 2025, aimed at attracting experienced foreign investors committed to actively running businesses and contributing to the country’s economic growth. This visa offers two main investment pathways, both leading to eligibility for residency.

The first option requires an investment of NZD 1 million (approximately Rs 5 crore) in an existing business, offering a 3-year work-to-residence pathway. The second option is a NZD 2 million investment (approximately Rs 10 crore) for a 12-month fast-track residency route. Investors may either purchase a business outright or acquire at least 25% ownership provided the minimum investment thresholds are met.

The Business Investor Work Visa will be valid for up to four years and allows inclusion of the applicant’s partner and dependent children. The visa application and immigration levy fee is NZD 12,380 (around Rs 6.4 lakh).

Eligibility criteria include meeting the investment threshold; demonstrating access to at least NZD 500,000 for living expenses for the applicant and accompanying family; being aged 55 or younger; meeting English language requirements (IELTS 5.0 or equivalent); satisfying health and character checks; and having relevant business experience. The investment must be in a business that employs at least five full-time equivalent staff.

Certain business types are excluded from eligibility, including convenience stores, fast food outlets, franchised businesses, home-based businesses operating solely from a residential address, immigration advisory services, and businesses linked to Licensed Immigration Advisers, among others.

This new visa replaces the Entrepreneur Work Visa, which is now closed to new applications, favoring higher-value investment and sustainable economic contribution. The Business Investor Visa complements New Zealand’s recently updated Active Investor Plus Visa, continuing to build a robust immigration framework to attract capital, talent, and innovation.

Overall, New Zealand’s updated Business Investor Visa provides a clear, attractive pathway to residency for foreign investors who actively contribute to the local economy through business ownership and job creation.

Oman has officially rolled out a 10-year Golden Residency scheme aimed at drawing foreign capital and highly skilled professionals as part of its Vision 2040 economic reform agenda. Announced on August 31, 2025, at the Sustainable Business Environment forum in Salalah, the program offers renewable decade-long residency permits with extended benefits for investors and their families.

Under the program, investors committing a minimum of 200,000 Omani rials (approximately $520,000) qualify for residency permits that cover spouses, children, and first-degree relatives, without any restrictions on age or number. Residency holders also gain access to fast-track airport services, the right to employ up to three domestic workers, and permission to own one property outside integrated tourism complexes in designated areas where non-Omani ownership is allowed.

Applicants can obtain eligibility through any of seven investment routes targeting strategic sectors: establishing companies with capital/assets valued at 200,000 OMR or more; purchasing real estate within integrated tourism complexes; holding government development bonds with two or more years to maturity; investing in listed equities meeting the threshold; maintaining fixed bank deposits for five years; owning firms employing 50 or more Omanis; or being nominated under the Foreign Investment Law. The program’s lowered investment threshold from prior levels signals Oman’s intent to remain competitive regionally.

The Golden Residency supports Oman’s goals of accelerating private sector expansion, job creation, and knowledge transfer, while enhancing the country’s reputation as a stable, investor-friendly market. The initiative also includes partnerships for targeted global promotion and digital enhancements such as the Oman Business Platform that facilitates commercial registration transfers.

Officials highlighted that the program embodies Oman’s commitment to balancing opportunity, stability, and quality of life, with Oman ranking fourth globally on the 2024 Quality of Life Index. The launch coincides with additional reforms, including the "Distinguished Companies" initiative that recognises high-performing domestic firms based on governance, export performance, and Omanisation rates.

Overall, the Golden Residency program is a key pillar of Oman’s Vision 2040, designed to stimulate sustainable economic growth by attracting long-term foreign investment and expertise.Oman Launches 10-Year Golden Residency to Attract Investors and Skilled Talent

Oman has officially launched a renewable 10-year Golden Residency program aimed at attracting foreign capital and professionals, supporting its Vision 2040 reform agenda. Announced at a forum in Salalah on August 31, 2025, the program offers long-term residency permits to investors committing a minimum of 200,000 Omani rials (approximately $520,000).

 The residency covers spouses, children, and first-degree relatives without age or number restrictions, and includes benefits such as fast-track airport services, permission to hire up to three domestic workers, and the right to own one property outside integrated tourism complexes where allowed.

Applicants can qualify through seven routes, including establishing companies with capital/assets of at least 200,000 OMR, purchasing property in integrated tourism complexes, holding government bonds, investing in listed equities, fixed bank deposits for five years, owning firms employing at least 50 Omanis, or nominations under the Foreign Investment Law. The scheme aims to deepen private sector growth, accelerate job creation, and enhance knowledge transfer, while promoting Oman as a stable, investor-friendly destination.

The program aligns with Oman’s Vision 2040 goals and complements other initiatives such as the "Distinguished Companies" recognition and digital reforms to facilitate business registration transfers. This move reduces the prior investment threshold, positioning Oman to compete regionally with similar long-term residency schemes. Oman ranked fourth globally in the 2024 Quality of Life Index, highlighting its appeal to investors seeking stability and quality of life.

Overall, Oman’s Golden Residency is a strategic tool to drive economic diversification, attract sustainable investment, and foster technological and human capital development.

Qatar Airways and Xiamen Airlines have broadened their codeshare collaboration to include Qatar Airways’ busy Doha to Sao Paulo Guarulhos route starting September 3, 2025. This expansion allows passengers to book flights seamlessly on either carrier across this important international route.

Based on schedule filings, multiple flights daily between Doha and Sao Paulo will be jointly operated under both Qatar Airways (QR) and Xiamen Airlines (MF) flight codes. This marks a significant boost in connectivity between Qatar and Brazil, leveraging Qatar Airways' global network and Xiamen Airlines' operational capabilities.

Qatar Airways continues to strengthen its position as a global airline by expanding codeshare alliances with multiple carriers worldwide, including this newest agreement with Xiamen Airlines that enhances travel options for passengers traveling between the Middle East and South America.

The routes impacted include early morning, daytime, and late-night departures from Doha, with return flights from Sao Paulo spread throughout the day, providing flexible scheduling and better service to travelers on this long-haul connection. This development complements Qatar Airways' broader strategy of growth and network expansion as outlined in its recent updates on new routes and partnerships.

This announcement follows Qatar Airways’ recent moves to grow its international reach and connectivity, making it easier for passengers to connect through Doha to over 120 worldwide destinations with multiple codeshare partners. With this codeshare expansion, travelers on the Doha-Sao Paulo corridor can enjoy increased flight options and streamlined booking processes.