Denmark is considering abolishing a rule that allows rejected asylum seekers to stay in the country for 18 months and potentially obtain residence permits. According to the Ministry of Immigration and Integration, the rule is rarely applied and costly to manage.

Immigration Minister Kaare Dybvad Bek supports the change, stating it reduces unnecessary bureaucracy and addresses foreigners who do not require protection.

The proposal will undergo a hearing phase before a parliamentary vote. Only 18 residence permits were issued under this rule between 2016 and 2024. Denmark has received 900 asylum applications so far in 2024.

The Cook Islands are set to introduce an online visa and permit application system by mid-September to simplify travel. The system aims to reduce office appointments and streamline the visa process.

It offers a user-friendly dashboard where applicants can track progress, download approvals, and manage receipts. Currently under trial, the system is expected to improve based on user feedback before its full launch.

In July 2024, the Cook Islands welcomed over 17,000 visitors, most of whom came from New Zealand and Australia. Nepalese citizens, however, still require a visa to enter the country for tourism.

A U.S. Court of Appeals ruling has dashed the hopes of 20,000 diversity visa lottery winners. The decision follows a legal battle stemming from former President Trump's Proclamation 10014, which paused immigrant entries during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Although President Biden revoked the order, visa processing remained halted, leaving many winners unable to meet the September 30 deadline.

Despite a lower court ruling to process visas, the appeals court reversed the decision, citing the fiscal year deadline. This ruling effectively disqualifies thousands who had hoped to immigrate to the U.S. under the diversity visa program.