INTERNATIONAL ROUNDUP

Jamaica Refuses Asylum to Haitians 

Jamaica has refused to approve asylum appeals for six Haitians who arrived in Jamaica by boat after a failed attempt to reach Florida. The Jamaican government says that the Haitians do not meet required criteria for approval of an asylum application and  they will be returned to Haiti shortly.

 ************

 Thailand Tightens Visa Policy 

In response to concerns about a rise in the number of crimes committed by foreigners, Thailand has taken away automatic visa privileges for 81 countries. Visitors to Thailand previously received a 15 or 30 day tourist visa upon arrival in Thailand. But after the change in policy, nationals of the 81 countries, mostly African, Caribbean and south-Asian countries, will be required to get a Thai visa at a Thai embassy before arriving in Thailand. Citizens from Canada, the US and most European countries will be unaffected by the new policy.

 **************

 Tuberculosis Outbreak Suspected on Christmas Island

 In the wake of fears about a typhoid outbreak on Christmas island, a new problem has sprung up. In the past week, four cases of tuberculosis have been diagnosed on Christmas island just after authorities had cleared two young children of typhoid. Currently, testing for both typhoid and tuberculosis is ongoing.

 **************

 Germany Passes Law to Increase Penalties For Employing Illegal Workers

 Germany has passed new legislation aimed at stopping the use of illegal workers in the construction industry. The German construction industry employs about 200, 000 illegal workers. The new bill mandates that all workers pay social security and holds employers accountable if they do not. The bill also imposes harsh penalties for hiring illegal workers ranging from fines to exclusion from public construction contracts.