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Greece’s Asylum Freeze Sparks Global Outcry Amid Crete Migrant Surge

In a move that has ignited fierce backlash from human rights organizations and the United Nations, Greece has passed legislation temporarily halting asylum applications from migrants arriving by sea from North Africa. The three-month suspension, approved by parliament with 177 votes in favor and 74 against, allows for expedited repatriation without prior identification. Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis defended the measure as a “difficult but necessary decision” in response to a sharp rise in irregular arrivals, particularly from Libya to the island of Crete. Over 7,000 migrants have reached Crete and nearby Gavdos this year, straining local resources and prompting concerns from the tourism industry. Rights groups, including the International Rescue Committee, have condemned the ban as illegal and inhumane, warning it violates international and European law. The UNHCR echoed these concerns, emphasizing that the right to seek asylum is a fundamental human right regardless of how or wh...

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Reform UK’s ‘Britannia Card’ Sparks Debate Over Wealth, Tax, and Fairness

In a bold move ahead of the next general election, Britain’s Reform UK party has introduced the “Britannia Card,” a policy aimed at attracting wealthy individuals—particularly foreign investors and returning British expats—by offering significant tax exemptions in exchange for a one-time payment of £250,000.

The card would grant holders a 10-year exemption from UK taxes on offshore income, capital gains, and inheritance, while still requiring them to pay domestic taxes. Reform UK leader Nigel Farage framed the initiative as a way to reverse the exodus of high-net-worth individuals and stimulate economic growth. “We want as many entrepreneurs, risk takers, and job creators as possible in our country,” Farage said during the announcement.

The party claims the funds raised—potentially billions—would be redistributed directly to the lowest-paid 10% of full-time workers, offering them annual tax-free bonuses of up to £1,000. Reform UK argues this would help close the gap between welfare and work, incentivizing employment.

However, critics, including Labour’s finance spokesperson Rachel Reeves, have slammed the proposal as a “tax cut for foreign billionaires,” warning it could lead to higher taxes for ordinary citizens or cuts to public services.

While the Britannia Card is not a path to citizenship or a “golden visa,” its introduction has reignited debate over fairness in the tax system and the role of wealth in shaping national policy. Whether it will win over voters or deepen political divides remains to be seen.

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