South Africa has issued new visa regulations for skilled foreign remote workers, Business Live reports. The new remote work visas are applicable to foreigners earning more than R1m a year (about $53,665) who want to relocate to South Africa. Although there has been no official statement from the country’s department of home affairs, the digital nomad visa reportedly replaces the critical skills visa. The draft regulations signed by Aaron Motsoaled, minister of home affairs, had been published in February for the public to share feedback and comments that would shape the eventual outcome of the visa. The deadline for submissions was set as March 29. But some parts of the regulations required other laws to be amended before taking effect. For instance, the digital nomad bill had proposed an income tax exemption for foreign employees working in South Africa for less than six months, and the income tax act would have to be amended to provide for the exemption to be legal. Some South Africans said the digital nomad visa would make the country’s tech ecosystem attractive to foreign talent, while others believed an influx would lead to a rise in the cost of living, an increase in inequality, and tax leakage concerns. Other African countries that offer remote work visas include Cape Verde, Mauritius, the Seychelles, and Namibia.

  Rail services were hit to large parts of the UK, including key tourist routes, as train drivers launched a new strike amid cost-of-living pressures and decades-high inflation. Members of the Aslef union representing train drivers are taking part in a three-day rolling strike which will also affect express services to London’s Gatwick, Stansted and Heathrow airports. Union chief Mick Whelan blamed the industrial action on the “cost of living crisis created by the economic ineptitude of the Tories (Conservatives) that have been in power for 14 years”. Prime Minister Rishi Sunak is expected to call a general election later this year with current opinion polls putting his government on course for a drubbing at the hands of Keir Starmer’s main opposition Labour party. Workers across the economy from doctors and nurses to lawyers, teachers and dock workers have taken strike action for pay hikes. Five main train operating companies were due to be hit by the first day of the latest Aslef strike. More train drivers at different companies would walk out on Saturday and again on Monday with overtime bans also being implemented. Last November members of the RMT rail union, which represents various types of rail workers, voted in favour of a pay deal that ended more than a year of walkouts. “Aslef is the only rail union continuing to strike, targeting passengers and preventing their own members from voting on the pay offer that remains on the table,” a Department for Transport spokesperson said. “Having resolved disputes with all other rail unions, the Transport Secretary and rail minister have ensured that a pay offer is on the table –- taking train drivers’ average salaries from £60,000 up to £65,000 ($75,800-$82,100),” the spokesperson said. Aslef chief Whelan, speaking in front of striking drivers at London’s Euston station, said that offer from last April would never be accepted by members, describing it as “ridiculous” and a “land grab for all the terms and conditions we have negotiated over the years”. Aslef members had not had a pay rise since 2019, he added.

  Controversial celebrity crossdresser, Idris Okuneye, popularly known as Bobrisky, has arrived a Federal High Court in Lagos where he is to be arraigned on a six-count charge bordering on money laundering and naira mutilation. Bobrisky was arrested on Thursday and failed to meet his bail demands, spending the night in custody. Dinosaurs Spine at Hang Dong, Ta Xua, Son La seen from above EFCC spokesperson, Dele Oyewale, confirmed that the celebrity will appear before Justice Abimbola Awogboro of the Federal High Court in Lagos. EFCC prosecutor, Rotimi Oyedepo, alongside seven other lawyers, filed the charges against Bobrisky, stating that the initial four counts relate to Naira abuse, while the remaining two counts involved alleged money laundering. Before now, Bobrisky has been discussed as a subject of controversy in the Nollywood industry following the award given to her as the “Best Dressed Female.” Nollywood actors were divided when Bobrisky was presented the “Best Dressed Female” at the premiere of the movie ‘Ajakaju: Beast of Two Worlds) by the filmmaker and actress, Eniola Ajao. Femi Adebayo announced the award that took center stage at Film House Cinemas, Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos, on Sunday 24th March, 2024, but Dayo Amusa faulted the development. The premiere which was graced by stakeholders in the film industry like Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, and Sola Sobowale, Regina Chukwu, Denrele Edun, Wumi Toriola, Jumoke Odetola, and Adekola Tijani, and others later became a controversy questioning the personality of Bobrisky as a fellow The charges against the crossdresser are: “Tampering with the sum of N400,000 by spraying the same while dancing at a social event at the IMAX Circle Mall, Lekki, Lagos. The offence was committed on 24 March 2024 and is contrary to and punishable under Section 21(1) of the Central Bank Act 2007. “In count two, Bobrisky, between July and August 2023 at Aja Junction, Ikorodu, also tampered with another sum of N50,000 by spraying the same at a social event while dancing. “In count three, Bobrisky, in December 2023 at White Steve Event Hall, Ikeja also sprayed and tampered with another sum of N20,000 while dancing. Count four also accused Bobrisky of spraying and tampering with another sum of N20,000 while dancing at another event in Oniru, Victoria Island. “In count five, Bobrisky, while trading under the name and style of Bob Express between 1 September 2021 and 4 April 2024 in Lagos, failed to submit to the Special Control Unit Against Money Laundering a declaration of the activities of the said company, (Bob Express), within which period the total sum of N127. 7m was paid into the company account domiciled with Ecobank. “In count six, Bobrisky is also accused of failing to submit a declaration of the activities of the company within the same period when another N53 million was paid into the company’s account, thereby committing an offence contrary to Section 6(1)(a), and Section 19(1) (f) of the Money Laundering (Prevention And Prohibition) Act and punishable under Section 19 (2) (b) of the same Act.” If convicted for money laundering, Bobrisky might be imprisoned for a term of not less than four years but not more than fourteen years or a fine not less than five times the value of the proceeds of the crime or both. For naira abuse, this is technically an offence as the notes then fall to the ground where they can be trodden on. The maximum punishment is six months in jail however prosecutions are rare.

  Plateau Speaker Gabriel Dewan has sworn-in nine out of the 16 All Progressives Congress (APC) lawmakers. The Nation gathered the swearing in took place in the early hours of Friday in Jos. It was gathered the member from Jos East was appointed Deputy Speaker of the Assembly. Dewan was said to have justified the swearing in based on a letter he received mentioning where it emanated from . More to follow…

  Abba Yusuf, governor of Kano, has set up two judicial panels to probe cases of political violence and misappropriation of public assets during the previous administration. Yusuf, in a statement on Thursday by Sanusi Bature, his media aide, said the panels will also look into cases of missing persons in the state, from 2015 to 2023, when Abdullahi Ganduje was the governor. Ganduje is the current national chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC). The governor said the action was not politically motivated or directed at any individual. He said the move is to fulfil the pledge made during his inauguration to prosecute persons involved in misappropriation of public funds. “Political violence is a major setback to democracy worldwide. It leads to loss of lives and property as well as mistrust on the part of the people and those in power,” the statement reads. “The disturbing cases of Political killings especially in 2023 must not be swept under the carpet, this is to ensure we prevent future occurrences. “We expect them to unravel the criminal network involved and unmask the sponsors to face justice. Find its root causes and find out where violence is associated with 2015, 2019 and 2013.” He said the first judicial commission will be headed by Zuwaira Yusuf, judge of Kano high court, who will probe cases of political violence and missing persons since 2015. He said Faruk Lawan, a judge in the state, would head the second panel to investigate cases of misappropriation of public properties and assets. The governor asked the commissions to adhere and remain committed to their oath, adding that members of the panel were thoroughly selected. “We went through your records and we couldn’t find any of you wanting. We believe in you and we expect your full reports in 3 months time,” he added.

  The number of new prostate cancer cases around the world will more than double over the next two decades as poorer countries catch up with the ageing of richer nations, according to a Lancet report published Friday. “Our findings suggest that the number of new cases annually will rise from 1.4 million in 2020 to 2.9 million by 2040,” said the medical journal, based on a study of demographic changes. Researchers behind the study said the rise in cases is linked to the increased life expectancy and changes in the age pyramid around the world. Prostate cancer is the most widespread cancer amongst men, accounting for about 15 percent of cases. It mostly emerges after the age of 50 and becomes more frequent as men age. As life expectancy improves in developing countries, the number of prostate cancer cases also increases, the researchers said. They stressed that public health policies could not affect the change as they could with lung cancer or heart diseases. Hereditary factors are much less manageable than, for example, smoking is in the cause of lung cancer. A link with weight has been established but it is not yet known if this a direct cause of prostate cancer. Researchers also said that health authorities had to encourage earlier screening in developing countries as the disease is often diagnosed too late to give an effective treatment.

  The head of Niger’s military government on Thursday ordered the dissolution of all local councils and put an army officer in charge of the capital, state media announced. General Abdourahamane Tiani, who ousted the African nation’s elected president in a coup last July, signed an order for the dismantling of municipal and regional councils that were last elected in 2020, Tele Sahel reported. “Municipal councils, town councils and regional councils are dissolved,” the report said without giving any explanation. A second decree reported by state radio named military, police and public officials who will be put in charge of local authorities. Oumarou Dogari, the mayor of the capital, Niamey, has been replaced by an army colonel. The military took over the country last year as it confronted a mounting jihadist threat.

  The United Kingdom government has increased the general salary threshold for those arriving in the UK on a Skilled Worker visa from £26,200 to £38,700. According to the Home Secretary, James Cleverly, the minimum wage increased by 48 per cent to cut migration and put British workers first in force. Changes that are now in force will slash migration and prevent the undercutting of British workers by employers looking to recruit cheap labour from overseas.   In the statement issued on its website on Thursday, the UK businesses are now required to pay overseas workers coming to the UK on a Skilled Worker visa significantly more,. It said the government is to clamp down on the price of foreign labour and continues to deliver on its commitment to drive down net migration. The UK government said this increase will help ensure the UK’s immigration system focuses on recruiting high-skilled workers, helping to grow the UK economy while bringing overall numbers down. The government is clear that no sector should be permanently reliant on immigration, so today, the shortage occupation list has also been abolished, with employers no longer able to pay migrants less than UK workers in shortage occupations. A new immigration salary list (ISL) has been created, following advice from the expert and independent Migration Advisory Committee (MAC). Roles on the list will only be included where they are skilled and in shortage, and if it is sensible to include them considering the efforts being made by sectors to invest in the resident workforce. Inclusion on the list must not serve to reduce pay and undermine the recruitment of British workers. Employers are encouraged to invest in training, upskilling, and hiring domestic workers first. It comes as the government takes decisive action to support British people into work, in one of the biggest employment interventions in a generation, through its £2.5 billion Back to Work plan.   This will help break down barriers to work for over a million people who are long-term unemployed, long-term sick, or disabled. Home Secretary James Cleverly said: “It’s time to turn off the taps and end the flow of cheap workers from abroad. “Mass migration is unsustainable and it’s simply not fair. It undercuts the wages of hard-working people who are just trying to make ends meet. “We are refocusing our immigration system to prioritise the brightest and best who have the skills our economy needs, while reducing overall numbers. “I promised the British people an immigration system that serves their interests, and to bring numbers down – these tough measures deliver on that commitment. Employers must also play their part and put British workers first.” While recounting the previous reforms to reduce migration, the UK said, “In January, the government ended the ability of nearly all postgraduate students to bring dependants to the UK. “A drastic fall in student dependant applications is expected this year, with early indications already of this downward trend.”

  A yet-to-be-identified female died and two other persons were injured as an articulated vehicle rammed into pedestrians along the Onitsha-Asaba bridgehead. It was gathered that the accident happened on Thursday and the cause of the crash was attributed to brake failure. An eyewitness said the vehicle had a brake failure as the driver was descending the River Niger bridge en route to Asaba, adding that he lost control of the vehicle and rammed into pedestrians on the roadside. The Staff Officer, Public Education of the Federal Road Safety Corps in Anambra, C. A Iyiegbuniwe, confirmed the crash in a statement. Iyiegbuniwe said, “The crash occurred today, April 4. 2024 at about 3:20hrs of the day along Onitsha-Asaba Bridgehead.   “It involved an articulated white and green Mercedes Benz vehicle with registration number NKE25LG. “The vehicle had a brake failure and rammed into people. Two persons were injured and one female was killed. “On arrival at the scene, FRSC men took the two injured persons to Toronto Hospital, Onitsha, while the dead were taken to Toronto Mortuary.” Iyiegbuniwe quoted the Sector Commander RS5.3 Awka, Corps Commander Adeoye Irelewuyi, as sympathising with the families of the victims. He was also quoted as advising motorists to ensure regular maintenance of their vehicles and adhere to traffic rules.

  Friday 05 April 2024 N400m charges: Bobrisky detained in lone cell, faces arraignment today EFCC stopped service of charges on Binance chief, FIRS alleges Military releases names of killed B’Haram commanders FULL LIST: Ogun, Osun, Oyo, Kwara areas enjoying 20-24 hours power supply One dead, two injured as truck crashes pedestrians in Anambra Electricity Tariff Hike Coming At The Wrong Time – Ex-Lawmakers Troops Killed 2,351 Terrorists In Q1 2024 – DHQ Tinubu To ECOWAS Parliament: We Must Stand United Against Forces Of Division Court Awards ₦5m Damages Against EFCC For Wrongly Parading Photographer As Fraudster Kano Anti-Corruption Commission Chair Suspended Alleged Tax Evasion: Arraignment of Binance Chiefs Stalled Alleged Misconduct: Panel Investigating Shaibu Adjourns To Today Amended Rivers PDP Caretaker Committee List Unacceptable — Fubara Ward Attendants At Federal Teaching Hospital Lokoja Protest Over Colleague’s Death Sanwo-Olu Thanks Tinubu, Umahi After Full Reopening Of Third Mainland Bridge LG Polls: Bayelsa Govt Declares Friday Work-Free Day Tariff Hike: DisCos returning consumers to Band A following discrepancy Okuama Killings: Army recovers stolen weapons Insecurity: 537 murder cases in 8 weeks worrisome — IGP Egbetokun NANS should defend students, not govts —Falana Tinubu to Nigerians: We’ll bring inflation down UK increases minimum wage of immigrants by 48 per cent Kano Gov Inaugurates Panels To Probe Ganduje, Doguwa, Others Barau emerges acting Speaker of ECOWAS Parliament Northern Elders Chide Tinubu Over Electricity Tariff Hike Kano Files Eight-Count Charge Against Ganduje, Wife, Others Bandits Kill 7, Abduct 13 Family Members In Kaduna, FCT Navy Nabs 14 Suspects, Uncovers Illegal Refinery In Rivers US Muslim Leaders Reject Iftar Dinner With Biden As Anger Over Gaza Festers Lagos MOT men brutalise TheNation drivers, impound vans Aiyedatiwa, Jimoh, Akinterinwa, Kekemeke, others submit forms Hoodlums attack federal lawmaker in Benue community Telecom union orders engineers to embark on strike over anti-labour practice DSS interfering in my defence preparation, Kanu tells court Uproar as miners invade OAU land Visit a newspaper stand this morning, buy and read a copy for yourself…