White Card Program, the Universal Program for Immigrants, Officially Launches second round WCP-2020/2

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ —  White Card Program, a universal program for immigrants that will cover up to $12,000 for basic immigration expenses, this week announced their software has officially launched second round (WCP-2020/2).

For those selected applications that will receive the opportunity to immigrate under the existing official immigration programs to countries like Canada, <span…

SUNNYVALE, Calif., Dec. 27, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ —  White Card Program, a universal program for immigrants that will cover up to $12,000 for basic immigration expenses, this week announced their software has officially launched second round (WCP-2020/2).

For those selected applications that will receive the opportunity to immigrate under the existing official immigration programs to countries like Canada, Australia, USA, and Europe, the White Card Program will cover: immigration lawyer services, consulting services, proof of education, confirmation of qualifications, translation and certification of documents, and other financial requirements.

«We believe that people around the world deserve the chance to move to safer, more lucrative countries where they can provide the life they deserve for themselves and their families,» said a spokesperson for the White Card Software, LLC. «Therefore, we have developed a software product that makes it easier than ever before to select applicants looking to curate this new life.»

The White Card Program is a new alternative to Green Card Lottery (DV-lottery) available to immigrants today.

For those to be considered, the applicants must: have worked in a job that requires a high school education and/or job-specific training for at least a year, have at least a Canadian/Australian high school diploma, take a language test to show English/French proficiency, present no criminal record, show they can support themselves when they arrive, and be between 18 and 50 years old.
«We want our immigrational assistance to be used to the fullest extent, which is why we have specific application requirements that must be met for selection,» said the spokesperson. «We hope our business model is one that will inspire people everywhere to contribute to the support of immigrants. Spread the word today.»

Applications for business, work, and study immigration will be accepted based on the applicant requirements. The program will hire an immigration consultant to handle each particular immigrant file. In order to apply, members must pay $200 to become a White Card Program member. The program membership is valid for 2-months. After the 2-month mark, members must reapply.

The White Card Program will contact winners via email, phone, and regular mail. The program managers are encouraging all applicants to double-check their contact information.

For more information, visit: https://whitecardprogram.com/

Media Contact

Alex B, hello@whitecardprogram.com, +1 (408) 831-2509, hello@whitecardprogram.com

Alex B, White Card Software, LLC, (408) 831-2509, hello@whitecardprogram.com

 

SOURCE hello@whitecardprogram.com

Nissan of Victoria is offering special holiday deals to drivers in the Victoria, Texas area

VICTORIA, Texas, Dec. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Nissan of Victoria is offering a wide variety of holiday specials that drivers in the Victoria, Texas region can take advantage of to make sure they have peace of mind as they get behind the wheel this holiday season. Nissan of Victoria is offering specials on check engine light issues, brake inspection services and tire rotation services….

VICTORIA, Texas, Dec. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Nissan of Victoria is offering a wide variety of holiday specials that drivers in the Victoria, Texas region can take advantage of to make sure they have peace of mind as they get behind the wheel this holiday season. Nissan of Victoria is offering specials on check engine light issues, brake inspection services and tire rotation services.

Nissan of Victoria is offering check engine light services at a discounted rate through Dec, 31st, 2020. If a driver’s check engine light has been on for a while now or has turned on just recently, the vehicle can be brought into Nissan of Victoria and they will scan for trouble codes that may be present on the vehicle. The mechanics at Nissan of Victoria will also provide a basic diagnosis of what caused the light to turn on and how to go about fixing it moving forward.

Another service Nissan of Victoria is offering is a free brake inspection and service to drivers until Dec, 31st, 2020. The condition of a vehicle’s braking system can be difficult to check, so with this coupon, the Nissan of Victoria staff will take care of it. The mechanics will inspect and measure the brake pads and linings as well as inspect the caliper operations present in the vehicle that is brought in.

Nissan of Victoria is also offering a discounted tire rotation coupon this holiday season. Rotating the tires extends the lifespan of the tires on any vehicle and helps make the vehicle drive and ride better. The mechanics at Nissan of Victoria will rotate all the tires as recommended by the specific vehicle manufacturer and inspect steering, suspension, and brake systems.

If drivers are interested in any of these coupons, they can find them by visiting https://www.nissanofvictoria.com

Media Contact

Mike Macleod, Nissan of Victoria, (361) 221-8219, mmacleod@victoryvehicles.net

 

SOURCE Nissan of Victoria

US DOT Becomes Grinch That Stole Consumer Savings with Christmas Withdrawal of Inquiry Into Displays of Airfares

WASHINGTON, Dec. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — For the second time in as many months, the U.S. Department of Transportation has attempted to avoid news media coverage and the flying public’s outrage by choosing a busy holiday period to reveal another unpopular and anti-consumer decision that will benefit the airline industry at the expense of the very travelers it is charged with serving and protecting.

Late in the afternoon of Dec. 23, 2020, DOT announced it was…

WASHINGTON, Dec. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — For the second time in as many months, the U.S. Department of Transportation has attempted to avoid news media coverage and the flying public’s outrage by choosing a busy holiday period to reveal another unpopular and anti-consumer decision that will benefit the airline industry at the expense of the very travelers it is charged with serving and protecting.

Late in the afternoon of Dec. 23, 2020, DOT announced it was withdrawing a request for information (RFI) on the airline industry’s practices on distribution and display of airline fare, schedule and availability information, many of which are considered by some to be unfair and deceptive practices, initiated in Oct. 2016 and originally scheduled to conclude on Dec. 30, 2016.

At the airline industry’s request, the RFI deadline was extended until March 31, 2017. On March 10, 2017, DOT announced it was suspending the RFI indefinitely to «allow the President’s appointees the opportunity to review and consider this action.»

«DOT has once again put the airlines’ wish list far ahead of what consumers need,» said Kurt Ebenhoch, executive director of consumer advocacy group Travel Fairness Now. «DOT has not engaged with consumer groups on a decision that will have a major impact on what travelers pay to fly and how easy it is for them to find the best flight schedules and fares, despite having nearly four years to do so.»

«In addition, the intentional holiday timing of the DOT’s decision, less than a month before a new administration takes office that will be more likely to consider the interests and rights of American consumers instead of just the airlines’ wish lists, reveals the government’s knowledge of how anti-consumer this decision is,» Ebenhoch added.

«To the detriment of consumers, DOT has adopted the airline industry’s misleading and distracting talking points on how the debate is about where airlines sell their product,» said Ebenhoch. «The facts are that this is about consumer access to publicly available airfare and airline schedules that use public airspace, airports, air traffic control management resources and runways,» Ebenhoch said.

Before the comment period was suspended by DOT almost four years ago, nearly 60,000 individual consumers as well as business, government, travel and consumer organizations filed comments in support of a more transparent shopping experience in which the airlines are required to make complete and accurate airline purchasing information available for convenient access by consumers on the shopping platforms and channels they choose, not only by going directly to each airline’s websites and a few other select airline partners for this vital information.

In the three years since the DOT’s suspension of the RFI, consumer advocates, business groups and members of the U.S. House of Representatives and the U.S. Senate have called for its reinstatement, with each effort effectively blocked by the oligopoly of large airlines and their partners that control more than 80 percent of the U.S. market.

DOT’s late in the day, eve-of-Christmas Eve action follows a similar action on Nov. 27, 2020, the day after the Thanksgiving holiday and «Black Friday» shopping day in the U.S., to reveal a change in its definition of unfair and deceptive practices that drew overwhelming opposition from consumer advocates and two members of the Federal Trade Commission.

This pattern of taking actions immediately around major holidays demonstrates DOT’s own awareness of the anti-consumer impact these decisions would have and hopes to limit negative media coverage and Congressional backlash that would result from these unfortunate decisions.

The airline industry earns higher revenues on tickets sold through its own websites – revenues which increase if the airlines can diminish the effectiveness of shopping for travel using independent, third-party purchase outlets, a key focus of DOT’s now-withdrawn RFI.

«Independent sources of travel information are how most consumers and businesses – especially those that travel less frequently – identify the airlines that serve their destination and where to get the deals that best suit them,» said Ebenhoch. «An individual airline’s website purposely seeks to avoid giving travelers the ability to choose carriers, and DOT’s one-sided, holiday decision has given the airlines the green light to do so while the flying public and news media is distracted celebrating the holidays.»

About Travel Fairness Now

Travel Fairness Now is a non-profit coalition of travelers advocating for greater transparency, competition and fairness in travel. For more information, please visit http://www.travelfairnessnow.org.

Media Contact

Kurt Ebenhoch, Travel Fairness Now, 3129832369, kurtebenhoch@comcast.net

Twitter, Facebook

 

SOURCE Travel Fairness Now

Investopedia Names INFINITI HR Best 2020 PEO for Large Businesses and Franchises

NEW YORK, Dec. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Investopedia, the world’s leading source of financial content on the web, has named INFINITI HR, a rapidly growing and customer-focused PEO, to its list of the best professional employer organization companies of 2020.

Investopedia looked at more than 15 PEO providers and narrowed their field down to companies not only accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but also the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC), and the Internal…

NEW YORK, Dec. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Investopedia, the world’s leading source of financial content on the web, has named INFINITI HR, a rapidly growing and customer-focused PEO, to its list of the best professional employer organization companies of 2020.

Investopedia looked at more than 15 PEO providers and narrowed their field down to companies not only accredited by the Better Business Bureau (BBB), but also the Employer Services Assurance Corporation (ESAC), and the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) to bring you the very best PEO services in the market.

INFINITI HR is Investopedia’s pick for the best PEO for large businesses because it is the first PEO created specifically for franchises and hotel management. INFINITI HR has extensive experience in working with some of the country’s most popular franchises and largest hotel brands, including Choice Hotels International, Best Western, Massage Envy, and Supercuts.
INFINITI HR allows businesses to personalize services with the option to pick and choose services for a custom bundle. It separates out major services like HR support and payroll so businesses can opt for one without being stuck with the other. It’s the kind of flexibility that large enterprises look for when converting to a new provider. A unique feature is its recruitment services, which help to keep companies stacked with the top talent they need to keep growing.

INFINITI HR offers many attractive employee perks, such as the full bouquet of health, dental, vision, and life insurance. Other benefits include unemployment, workers’ compensation, and liability claims support. For business owners, there are support services available, such as state-specific HR systems with on-demand consulting services and compliance and risk management. For those focused on growth, there is even recruitment outsourcing available to scout out talent and advance teams.

To access the complete list of best PEO companies, please click here.

About Investopedia

Investopedia’s mission is to simplify financial information and decisions so that its readers have the confidence to manage every aspect of their financial life. Investopedia was founded in 1999 and has millions of users from all over the world and from all walks of life.

About INFINITI HR

INFINITI HR is a leading Professional Employer Organization (PEO). The INFINITI HR PEO platform provides full regulatory compliance management, on-demand HR guidance, real-time payroll /tax filing, POS integration, and access into industry leading True-Group Master Policies for workers’ compensation, employment practices liability insurance, and other operational business coverages.

Click here for the latest press releases and up-to-date news on human resources outsourcing. To learn more about how your units can save time, money and mitigate employer liability, call INFINITI HR at 866-552-7360 or email info@infinitihr.com.

Media Contact

Sarah Frye, Infiniti HR, +1 5135201958, sarah@infinitihr.com

Twitter

 

SOURCE Infiniti HR

MotorGospel Ministries Presents «Driving Fast, Saving Lives»; A Safer, Legal Alternative to Illegal Street Racing

GRANADA HILLS, Calif., Dec. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — MotorGospel Ministries is pleased to announce the Christmas Day release of «Driving Fast, Saving Lives». The video continues a 15-year legacy of gritty filmmaking from 4-time champion race car driver Aaron Schwartzbart and award-winning cinematographer Neil Newman. In cooperation with the National Auto Sport Association, the LAPD and LA City Councilmember John Lee, the unlikely duo…

GRANADA HILLS, Calif., Dec. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — MotorGospel Ministries is pleased to announce the Christmas Day release of «Driving Fast, Saving Lives». The video continues a 15-year legacy of gritty filmmaking from 4-time champion race car driver Aaron Schwartzbart and award-winning cinematographer Neil Newman. In cooperation with the National Auto Sport Association, the LAPD and LA City Councilmember John Lee, the unlikely duo have produced over 20 video shorts that have reached millions of viewers worldwide with the anti-street-racing message. Ironically, Schwartzbart was a self-confessed homicidal maniac with a steering wheel prior to his conversion to Christianity in the early 90s.

Neil Newman’s cinematographic style has brought MotorGospel Ministries awards and the red carpet on multiple occasions. He intentionally gives more attention to the lives that are impacted by MotorGospel’s anti-street-racing campaign than he does to Schwartzbart himself. In «Driving Fast, Saving Lives», Newman has set the bar higher than ever with an eclectic pairing of students in the spotlight debuting at Buttonwillow Raceway Park under Schwartzbart’s careful instruction.

On community service with MotorGospel Ministries due to a speed-related infraction, 17-year-old Hailey Nobles is featured along with special guest driver, John Lewis, Mayor of La Mirada. Neither Hailey nor the Mayor had any formal racing experience. Both are captured on film experiencing triple-digit speeds in bumper-to-bumper traffic for the first time. Both newcomers had their hands full. Both emerged from their cars and took their helmets off to reveal big smiles.

For Hailey, it was a bit of a coming-of-age experience. She didn’t end up in front of a judge in Georgia for a speed-related infraction due to deliberate malice. In fact, she had always wanted to race legitimately but lacked the specific guidance from motorsports professionals that she has found with MotorGospel Ministries. Her day at the track was affirming. She has expressed an interest in continuing in motorsports and has a promising future.

For the Mayor, his day of controlled automotive mayhem as a student in MotorGospel’s anti-street-racing program carries perhaps much more gravity. He has significant responsibility for the safety of his community. He is demonstrating with both words and actions that there is a time and a place for racing and that is not in the streets of La Mirada. Nobody can tell Mayor John Lewis that there is nowhere to race legally. He has been there.

Media Contact

Tere Schwartzbart, MotorGospel Ministries, +1 818.620.7132, motorgospel@gmail.com

Twitter, Facebook

 

SOURCE MotorGospel Ministries

Commission adopts Recommendation on EU coordinated approach to travel and transport in response to new variant of coronavirus in the UK

Commission adopts Recommendation on EU coordinated approach to travel and transport in response to new variant of coronavirus in the UK

Commission adopts Recommendation on EU coordinated approach to travel and transport in response to new…



Commission adopts Recommendation on EU coordinated approach to travel and transport in response to new variant of coronavirus in the UK

Commission adopts Recommendation on EU coordinated approach to travel and transport in response to new variant of coronavirus in the UK

PR Newswire

BRUSSELS, 24 December 2020 /PRNewswire Policy/ — Following the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in parts of England, of which a large proportion belongs to a new variant of the virus, the Commission today adopted a Recommendation on a coordinated approach to travel and transport measures. The recommendation builds on the Council Recommendation of 13 October on a coordinated approach to free movement in response to the COVID19-pandemic and several other guidance documents adopted by the Commission in the past months, in particular the Green Lanes Communication. While it is important to take swift temporary precautionary action to limit the further spread of the new strain of the virus and all non-essential travel to and from the UK should be discouraged, essential travel and transit of passengers should be facilitated. Flight and train bans should be discontinued given the need to ensure essential travel and avoid supply chain disruptions.

Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “Given the current uncertainties and in light of the precautionary principle, Member States should take coordinated action to discourage non-essential travel between the UK and the EU. At the same time, blanket travel bans should not prevent thousands of EU and UK citizens from returning to their homes. While precautions are needed to contain the spread of the new coronavirus variant, with today’s Recommendation, we therefore ensure that the restrictions are coordinated and provide for the necessary exemptions for citizens and residents returning home and other essential travellers.”

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said: “Since March, the Commission has developed solid recommendations on internal and external border control for Member States to follow. This track record allows us to address the evolving situation and the new challenges that the pandemic poses. To be effective, our actions must be coordinated and today we are facilitating swift action to address the new coronavirus variant while ensuring that essential journeys can still take place.”

Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, said: “With today’s recommendation we offer clarity to the Member States on how to keep the connectivity and ensure transport services following the discovery of the new strain of the COVID virus. Within the EU, it is crucial that transport workers are exempted from any restrictive measures, as quarantine and testing. We have to continue to maintain the supply chains intact, in line with our Green Lanes Communication.”

Until the end of December, free movement rules still apply to the UK. This means that Member States should not in principle refuse the entry of persons travelling from the UK. After the end of the transition period, the UK will be subject to Council Recommendation on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction.

The Commission recommends to Member States that:

They should implement the principles of the October Council Recommendation on coordinating free movement restrictions. In the light of the precautionary principle, all non-essential travel to and from the UK should be discouraged until further notice.

However, Union citizens and UK citizens travelling to their Member State or country of residence as well as third-country nationals that enjoy EU free movement rights should be exempted from further temporary restrictions provided that they undergo a test or quarantine.

Travellers with an essential function, for instance medical staff, should be required to undergo a test (RT-PCR test or a rapid antigen test within 72 hours prior to departure), but should not be required to undergo quarantine while exercising this essential function.

Transport staff, within the EU, should be exempted from any travel ban across any border and from testing and quarantine requirements when they are travelling across a border to and from a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft. Where a Member State, in the specific context of the situation between the EU and the UK and in the coming days, requires rapid antigen tests for transport workers, this should not lead to transport disruptions.

Transit of passengers, especially for essential travel, should be facilitated without quarantine. A test can be required, but authorities need to inform about such requirement in advance or offer testing during the journey.

Given the need to ensure essential travel and transit home as described in the recommendation, any prohibition of transport services, such as flight or train bans, should be discontinued.

Cargo flows need to continue uninterrupted, in accordance with the Green Lanes and the Air Cargo Communication, not least to ensure the timely distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, for example.

The public health authorities of the Member States should increase sequencing efforts and analyse virus isolates in a timely manner to swiftly identify cases of the new variant. They should also immediately identify cases involving persons who travelled to or from the UK in the past 14 days or who are close contacts of confirmed cases in order to ensure the appropriate follow up (eg. RT-PCR testing, isolation, enhanced contact tracing).

Next Steps

In line with Article 126 of the Agreement on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, the transition period agreed by the parties will expire on 31 December 2020.

As of 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom will become a third country and Member States shall start applying the Recommendation on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU to persons travelling from the UK, in view of the end of the transition period. Accordingly, in principle only essential travel may take place from the United Kingdom. In order to benefit from an exemption from this general travel restriction, the Council would need to decide to add the United Kingdom to the list of third countries whose residents should not be affected by temporary external borders restriction on non-essential travel to the EU. The list is reviewed regularly by Member States in the Council.

However, this limitation to essential travel shall not apply to Union citizens resident in the UK and UK nationals who are long-term residents in an EU Member States under the Long-term Residence Directive, independent of the purpose of travel.

Background

This year the Commission has played an important role in ensuring both the free movement of people and the free movement of goods within the European Union.

The Commission adopted a number of guidance documents on Green Lanes, including its Communication in October upgrading the concept of Green Lanes to cover not only road but also rail, waterborne freight and air cargo, to ensure that essential supply chains continue to function and to avoid any disruption of freight and logistics in the EU in the second wave of the pandemic.

On 30 June, the Council adopted a Recommendation on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction. In that Recommendation, the Council adopted a common approach with regard to the temporary restriction of non-essential travel as agreed by the Heads of State or Government of the EU on 17 March 2020 and the gradual lifting of such restriction.

In September, the Commission made a proposal for a Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which was adopted on 13 October.

A well-coordinated, predictable and transparent approach to the adoption of restrictions on the freedom of movement of people and goods is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, safeguard the health of citizens as well as maintain free movement within the Union, under safe conditions. This is important for the millions of citizens who rely on frictionless cross-border travel every day, and crucial for our efforts to start safely re-building the economy.

Copyright European Union, 1995-2020

SOURCE European Commission

BRUSSELS, 24 December 2020 /PRNewswire Policy/ — Following the rapid increase of COVID-19 cases in parts of England, of which a large proportion belongs to a new variant of the virus, the Commission today adopted a Recommendation on a coordinated approach to travel and transport measures. The recommendation builds on the Council Recommendation of 13 October on a coordinated approach to free movement in response to the COVID19-pandemic and several other guidance documents adopted by the Commission in the past months, in particular the Green Lanes Communication. While it is important to take swift temporary precautionary action to limit the further spread of the new strain of the virus and all non-essential travel to and from the UK should be discouraged, essential travel and transit of passengers should be facilitated. Flight and train bans should be discontinued given the need to ensure essential travel and avoid supply chain disruptions.

Commissioner for Justice, Didier Reynders, said: “Given the current uncertainties and in light of the precautionary principle, Member States should take coordinated action to discourage non-essential travel between the UK and the EU. At the same time, blanket travel bans should not prevent thousands of EU and UK citizens from returning to their homes. While precautions are needed to contain the spread of the new coronavirus variant, with today’s Recommendation, we therefore ensure that the restrictions are coordinated and provide for the necessary exemptions for citizens and residents returning home and other essential travellers.”

Commissioner for Home Affairs, Ylva Johansson, said: “Since March, the Commission has developed solid recommendations on internal and external border control for Member States to follow. This track record allows us to address the evolving situation and the new challenges that the pandemic poses. To be effective, our actions must be coordinated and today we are facilitating swift action to address the new coronavirus variant while ensuring that essential journeys can still take place.”

Commissioner for Transport, Adina Vălean, said: “With today’s recommendation we offer clarity to the Member States on how to keep the connectivity and ensure transport services following the discovery of the new strain of the COVID virus. Within the EU, it is crucial that transport workers are exempted from any restrictive measures, as quarantine and testing. We have to continue to maintain the supply chains intact, in line with our Green Lanes Communication.”

Until the end of December, free movement rules still apply to the UK. This means that Member States should not in principle refuse the entry of persons travelling from the UK. After the end of the transition period, the UK will be subject to Council Recommendation on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction.

The Commission recommends to Member States that:

They should implement the principles of the October Council Recommendation on coordinating free movement restrictions. In the light of the precautionary principle, all non-essential travel to and from the UK should be discouraged until further notice.

However, Union citizens and UK citizens travelling to their Member State or country of residence as well as third-country nationals that enjoy EU free movement rights should be exempted from further temporary restrictions provided that they undergo a test or quarantine.

Travellers with an essential function, for instance medical staff, should be required to undergo a test (RT-PCR test or a rapid antigen test within 72 hours prior to departure), but should not be required to undergo quarantine while exercising this essential function.

Transport staff, within the EU, should be exempted from any travel ban across any border and from testing and quarantine requirements when they are travelling across a border to and from a vessel, vehicle, or aircraft. Where a Member State, in the specific context of the situation between the EU and the UK and in the coming days, requires rapid antigen tests for transport workers, this should not lead to transport disruptions.

Transit of passengers, especially for essential travel, should be facilitated without quarantine. A test can be required, but authorities need to inform about such requirement in advance or offer testing during the journey.

Given the need to ensure essential travel and transit home as described in the recommendation, any prohibition of transport services, such as flight or train bans, should be discontinued.

Cargo flows need to continue uninterrupted, in accordance with the Green Lanes and the Air Cargo Communication, not least to ensure the timely distribution of COVID-19 vaccines, for example.

The public health authorities of the Member States should increase sequencing efforts and analyse virus isolates in a timely manner to swiftly identify cases of the new variant. They should also immediately identify cases involving persons who travelled to or from the UK in the past 14 days or who are close contacts of confirmed cases in order to ensure the appropriate follow up (eg. RT-PCR testing, isolation, enhanced contact tracing).

Next Steps

In line with Article 126 of the Agreement on the Withdrawal of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland from the European Union and the European Atomic Energy Community, the transition period agreed by the parties will expire on 31 December 2020.

As of 1 January 2021, the United Kingdom will become a third country and Member States shall start applying the Recommendation on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel to the EU to persons travelling from the UK, in view of the end of the transition period. Accordingly, in principle only essential travel may take place from the United Kingdom. In order to benefit from an exemption from this general travel restriction, the Council would need to decide to add the United Kingdom to the list of third countries whose residents should not be affected by temporary external borders restriction on non-essential travel to the EU. The list is reviewed regularly by Member States in the Council.

However, this limitation to essential travel shall not apply to Union citizens resident in the UK and UK nationals who are long-term residents in an EU Member States under the Long-term Residence Directive, independent of the purpose of travel.

Background

This year the Commission has played an important role in ensuring both the free movement of people and the free movement of goods within the European Union.

The Commission adopted a number of guidance documents on Green Lanes, including its Communication in October upgrading the concept of Green Lanes to cover not only road but also rail, waterborne freight and air cargo, to ensure that essential supply chains continue to function and to avoid any disruption of freight and logistics in the EU in the second wave of the pandemic.

On 30 June, the Council adopted a Recommendation on the temporary restriction on non-essential travel into the EU and the possible lifting of such restriction. In that Recommendation, the Council adopted a common approach with regard to the temporary restriction of non-essential travel as agreed by the Heads of State or Government of the EU on 17 March 2020 and the gradual lifting of such restriction.

In September, the Commission made a proposal for a Council Recommendation on a coordinated approach to the restriction of free movement in response to the coronavirus pandemic, which was adopted on 13 October.

A well-coordinated, predictable and transparent approach to the adoption of restrictions on the freedom of movement of people and goods is necessary to prevent the spread of the virus, safeguard the health of citizens as well as maintain free movement within the Union, under safe conditions. This is important for the millions of citizens who rely on frictionless cross-border travel every day, and crucial for our efforts to start safely re-building the economy.

Copyright European Union, 1995-2020

SOURCE European Commission

Star Air Launches Non-stop Flight Services to Surat from Belagavi and Ajmer (Kishangarh)

BENGALURU, India, Dec. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Star Air, after running successful operations in Ahmedabad, has now expanded its wings further, by launching its services to one more city of Gujarat. This airline vertical of prominent Indian business conglomerate – Sanjay Ghodawat Group recently commenced its operations in the Silk City of India i.e. Surat from 21stDecember 2020. The company launched non-stop flight services to Surat from Belagavi (Karnataka)…

BENGALURU, India, Dec. 25, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Star Air, after running successful operations in Ahmedabad, has now expanded its wings further, by launching its services to one more city of Gujarat. This airline vertical of prominent Indian business conglomerate – Sanjay Ghodawat Group recently commenced its operations in the Silk City of India i.e. Surat from 21stDecember 2020. The company launched non-stop flight services to Surat from Belagavi (Karnataka) and Ajmer (Rajasthan) under the popular RCS-UDAN scheme. This service is one of its kind as it will help thousands to travel, conveniently and affordably between Belagavi-Surat-Ajmer (Kishangarh) region comfortably than ever before and help make their travel easier. 

In privately held launching ceremonies at all three airports i.e. Ajmer (Kishangarh), Surat, and Belagavi; keeping the COVID-19 guidelines in place, Star Air launched its services for the said route. Many prominent dignitaries from various walks of lives graced these launch events and wished good luck to the airline.

It is interesting to note that, Star Air is getting a phenomenal response on this route since it broke the news of launching services in this sector. The company officials revealed that its inaugural flights got an overwhelming response from passengers as it registered a whopping 82% overall load factor.

Flight services on these routes will prove beneficial for millions living in and around Belagavi, Kolhapur, Sindhudurg, Sangli, Bagalkot, Gadag, Dharwad, Bijapur, Uttara Kannada, Nandurbar, Bharuch, Narmada, Navsari, Nagaur, Jaipur, Tonk, Bhilwara, and Pali districts of four Indian states. Furthermore, due to the proximity of Belagavi to Goa, people residing near the border areas of Goa will find it more convenient and affordable to travel to Surat & Ajmer (Kishangarh).

«Belagavi-Surat-Ajmer (Kishangarh) flight services would be a very convenient option for frequent flyers. If you see, to cover a distance of over 1480 km between Belagavi and Ajmer, passengers will just need to spend 3 hours instead of the tedious and tiring 25 hours long commute required from other modes of transportation. Moreover, the travel time between Surat-Belagavi and Surat-Ajmer (Kishangarh) will be reduced to just 1 hour 20 min and thus it will provide great relief to countless people who fly between these cities frequently,» says Mr. Shrenik Ghodawat, Managing Director – Sanjay Ghodawat Group.

Star Air is already running Belagavi to Ajmer (Kishangarh) services via Ahmedabad and Indore locations. Surat is the third city from where Star Air is connecting Belagavi & Ajmer (Kishangarh). 

After commencing operations from Surat, Star Air is now serving passengers in 11 prominent Indian cities that include Ahmedabad, Ajmer (Kishangarh), Belagavi, Bengaluru, Delhi (Hindon), Kalaburagi, Indore, Mumbai, Surat, Tirupati, and Hubballi.

About Star Air

Star Air is a scheduled commercial airline with an aim to connect real India. It is promoted by Ghodawat Enterprises Pvt. Ltd., which is the Aviation arm of strategically diversified Sanjay Ghodawat Group. Over the past five years we have made a best-in-class helicopter operator in India with impeccable dedication to safety. Star Air is the latest offering of the group. An upcoming Airline with a firm proposal to connect the unconnected. The target routes are where passengers are currently suffering a lot of transit layover delays. The airline will provide a very reliable, safe and comfortable travel experience with direct connections. Truly the group’s ‘Star in the Air’.

About Sanjay Ghodawat Group 

Sanjay Ghodawat Group is a prominent Indian business conglomerate that has its presence in various high-value business verticals ranging from salt to software. Agro, Aviation, Consumer Products, Education, Energy, Energy O&M, Mining, Realty, Retail, Software, and Textile some of its key business domains. The group was incepted in 1993 and since then it has witnessed impressive growth under the splendid stewardship of its Founder and Chairman- Mr. Sanjay Ghodawat. With a strong base of millions of customers across India and an employee strength of over 10,000, SGG is moving ahead with great vigor and bringing significant changes in people’s lives with its wide range of high-quality products and services.

Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1391803/Star_Air_Launch.jpg  
Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1391802/Embraer_145.jpg

 

The Islands Of The Bahamas Swept The 2020 Travel Award Circuit

The Bahamas’ Marketing Campaigns, Most Glamour Islands, Resorts and Dive Offerings Named Best in Travel

NASSAU, Bahamas, Dec. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Despite an unprecedented year, The Bahamas continues to position itself as a leading Caribbean travel destination and received top accolades from consumer, trade and niche vertical award shows. With its unique geography of 16 major…

The Bahamas’ Marketing Campaigns, Most Glamour Islands, Resorts and Dive Offerings Named Best in Travel

NASSAU, Bahamas, Dec. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — Despite an unprecedented year, The Bahamas continues to position itself as a leading Caribbean travel destination and received top accolades from consumer, trade and niche vertical award shows. With its unique geography of 16 major islands and hundreds of cays, the islands appeal to travelers eager to get away and indulge in a secluded vacation. As the island nation looks back at 2020, with a number of awards from Travel + Leisure, Condé Nast Traveler and Caribbean Journal under its belt, The Bahamas is determined to have an even brighter 2021. 

These awards certify that The Bahamas remains a favorite among travelers.

«We are thrilled to have The Bahamas recognized in so many awards, despite the difficult year our tourism industry faced,» said Ministry of Tourism Director General Joy Jibrilu. «These awards certify that The Bahamas remains a favorite among travelers, and we are eager to continue to welcome them back in the new year.»

Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards Recognizes The Bahamas’ Still Rockin’ Campaign  The Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation’s Still Rockin’ campaign was awarded the best destination advertising/marketing campaign in Travel Weekly’s Magellan Awards. In the aftermath of Hurricane Dorian, the campaign highlighted The Bahamas’ 14 major islands unimpacted by the storm, which contributed to the country’s record-breaking year of 7.2 million visitors in 2019. Additionally, the Ministry’s From The Bahamas with Love campaign was awarded silver in the Destination Marketing TV Commercial category. The digital campaign was voiced by Lenny Kravitz, with the message that together we can get through difficult times and get back to normalcy. The TV spot brought hope to the homebound with images of The Bahamas’ crystal-clear water.

Travel + Leisure Awards Bahamian Islands in World Best Awards ­– The Abacos, Harbour Island, The Exumas and Eleuthera were recognized in Travel + Leisure’s World Best Awards in the Top 25 Islands in the Caribbean, Bermuda, and The Bahamas category. Andros’ Kamalame Cay Resort was awarded in the Top 100 Hotels in the World and Top 25 Caribbean Resort Hotels categories.

The Bahamas Awarded in Condé Nast Traveler’s 2020 Readers’ Choice Awards – Four Bahamian hotels were recognized by Condé Nast Traveler’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Kamalame Cay, Rosewood Baha Mar, Grand Hyatt Baha Mar and SLS Baha Mar were included in the Top 15 Resorts in the Atlantic Islands category.

Caribbean Journal’s Caribbean Travel Awards Recognizes The Bahamas in Three Categories – In Caribbean Journal’s 7th annual Caribbean Travel Awards, The Bahamas was awarded Innovative Destination of the Year for its continued flexibility throughout the pandemic and setting a standard for destination entry practices. Additionally, Nassau’s Lynden Pindling International Airport was named Caribbean Airport of the Year and Graycliff was recognized as the Caribbean Restaurant of the Year.

The Bahamas Takes Home 13 Awards in Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards – The Islands of The Bahamas was recognized in this year’s Scuba Diving Magazine’s Readers Choice Awards, with placements highlighting the destination’s vast dive offerings across 700 islands and cays. The country was voted number one for Best Big Animals, placed in the top five for Best Overall Destination, Best Cave Diving, Best Snorkeling and Best Value and in the top ten for Best Wreck Diving, Best Wall Diving, Best Advanced Diving, Best Photography, Best Shore Diving, Best Macro Life and Best Health of Marine Life.

ABOUT THE BAHAMAS 
With over 700 islands and cays and 16 unique island destinations, The Bahamas lies just 50 miles off the coast of Florida, offering an easy fly away escape that transports travelers away from their everyday. The Islands of The Bahamas have world-class fishing, diving, boating and thousands of miles of the earth’s most spectacular water and beaches waiting for families, couples and adventurers. Explore all the islands have to offer at www.bahamas.com or on Facebook, YouTube or Instagram to see why It’s Better in The Bahamas. 

PRESS INQUIRIES 
Anita Johnson-Patty 
Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation 
ajohnson@bahamas.com 

Weber Shandwick   
Public Relations  
Bahamas@webershandwick.com  

 

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SOURCE Bahamas Ministry of Tourism & Aviation

Thousands in savings for used cars ordered by local Toyota dealership

ROCK HILL, S.C., Dec. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — While the government is bailing out Wall Street, one local car dealership is bailing out South Carolina car buyers this holiday season. Toyota of Rock Hill has acquired a large influx of used vehicles for disposal but has opted instead to give the general public a huge opportunity.

«This is a special order from our management team,» said Curtis…

ROCK HILL, S.C., Dec. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — While the government is bailing out Wall Street, one local car dealership is bailing out South Carolina car buyers this holiday season. Toyota of Rock Hill has acquired a large influx of used vehicles for disposal but has opted instead to give the general public a huge opportunity.

«This is a special order from our management team,» said Curtis Smith, General Manager at Toyota of Rock Hill. «Rather than let these vehicles sit, we’re giving the public a chance to save thousands!»

$20,000 to $25,000 cars will be sold for as low as $10,000 to $15,000. $15,000 to $18,000 cars will be sold for as low as $5,000 to $8,000. Hundreds of cars, trucks, SUVs and vans will be available to purchase. Some vehicles are going for as low as $129 a month and only $44 down. All are in premium condition and most have the original factory warranties still in effect and every pre-owned purchase comes with a $250 Walmart gift card.

Toyota of Rock Hill’s End Of Year Inventory Reduction Event starts December 26th and will run through December 31st so the opportunity to drive one of these heavily discounted used vehicles is very limited. This is a chance for the general public to take advantage of a tremendous pre-owned vehicle clear-out.

Media Contact

Mark Allison, Caldwell & Kerr, (239) 689-4000, mallison@affinitiv.com

 

SOURCE Toyota of Rock Hill

5 Tips Florida Car Accident Victims Should Know

MIAMI, Dec. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 2 million people are injured in car accidents each year. Having handled more than 1,000 car accident claims on behalf of accident victims, Florida car accident…

MIAMI, Dec. 24, 2020 /PRNewswire/ — According to the Center for Disease Control, approximately 2 million people are injured in car accidents each year. Having handled more than 1,000 car accident claims on behalf of accident victims, Florida car accident lawyer Jason Turchin provides tips for car accident victims if the accident was not their fault.

     1.      Call the police

If you were not at fault, you should call the police. The police may take witness information, insurance information and the name of the vehicle owner and driver.

     2.      Get medical attention if you are hurt

If you have any pain, you should seek medical attention as soon as possible. This can not only help get you better, but can also document your injuries for the insurance company.

     3.      Give the medical providers your health insurance and car insurance information

Florida’s No-Fault law has a structure of who pays for what bills. Your car insurance is generally responsible for the first part of your bills, but only a percentage of them, so your health insurance may pay the balance. The at-fault person’s insurance may also be responsible to pay the portion of the bills your No-Fault insurance did not pay. Be aware that your own health insurance may also be entitled to get paid back from your settlement any amount they paid out.

     4.      Do not sign any release unless you know what you are signing away

Some insurance companies will try to contact the injured person and offer them a small amount of money to settle the claim, often before the injured person knows how much their medical care will cost or what pain and suffering they might have.

     5.      Speak with a personal injury lawyer

A Florida car accident lawyer with significant experience negotiating car accident settlements may be able to get you a lot more money than you can get on your own, and can help negotiate down your medical expenses. Car insurance adjusters generally have years of experience negotiating claims, so be mindful that they may know more about car accident settlement values than you do.

To learn more about Florida car accident claims, check out Florida car accident lawyer Jason Turchin’s article on car accident settlements and car accident lawsuits in Florida (https://www.victimaid.com/car-accident-lawyers.html).       

Contact:
Jason Turchin
(800) 337-7755
jason@victimaid.com

 

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SOURCE Law Offices of Jason Turchin