In a change of policy that affects all Cuban-born people living abroad, the Cuban government confirmed that most Cuban-born people living outside the island can visit without a visa beginning on June 1, 2004 if they have a valid Cuban passport.  Cubans will be excluded from the new measures if it is damaging to the country’s interests.

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On February 19, 2004, the Taiwanese Ministry of Foreign Affairs formally launched a scholarship aimed at encouraging foreign students to study in Taiwan.  The island hopes to project its culture overseas, improve its ties with foreign governments, schools and cultural and educational institutions by attracting more foreign students to study in the country.

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Canadians and Americans traveling to Barbados will now need a passport to get into the country.  Until now, photo identification and proof of citizenship have been the only requirements. Cruise ship passengers with trips beginning and ending in Barbados are also required to have a passport.

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In May 2003, Israel launched a new program called “At Home-Together,” to help new immigrants adapt to the country.  The program matches participants from around the country according to language, educational background and profession to help new immigrants integrate smoothly into Israeli society.  The program is sponsored by the Jewish Agency, the Ministry of Absorption and the Union of Local Authorities.